Determined ones conquer a walkathon

Several 'people with determination' from Cambridge Medical and Rehabilitation Centre (CMRC) - along with their parents and community members - took off for a walkathon at Al Muwaiji Palace in Al Ain City on Tuesday morning.

The 400m walk aimed to show the determination of the centre's patients to lead normal lives. The initiative was in line with a directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to refer to people with special needs as 'people with determination'. The walkathon highlighted the importance of acceptance and communication in changing the lives of people with determination.

The walkathon saw about 300 people walk alongside 30 patients from the CMRC in a show of solidarity.

"The walkathon was meant to demonstrate what the determined ones can accomplish. We wanted to show people how determined our patients are. It's now up to the wider community to reciprocate this can-do attitude by including people with special needs into society by engaging with them and communicating with them," said Dr Howard Podolsky, CEO, CMRC.

A determined one, Haifa Al Amry, told Khaleej Times: "The walkathon was a heartwarming initiative that touched me to the core because it was all about me and my fellow determined ones. The love and care the community people showed towards us by participating in the walk was so reassuring. It ... comforted us that we are not alone in our fight.

"I remember that halfway through the walkathon I was too tired to continue but one of Al Ain police officers started pushing my wheelchair and I felt like he was pushing my soul forward and my spirits higher. It was great to feel all this love. I really hope that more such initiatives will be organised in the future and I will definitely participate in all of these," Al Amry added.

Another CMRC patient at the race, Ahmad Al Shamsi, said: "It's great to feel that for one day, I was just like everyone else, participating in a sports activity. Although the distance was not that long, finishing the walkathon was one of my greatest achievements. And this is exactly what CMRC is helping us realise: Our disability is not a liability; on the contrary it means more ability and more determination for us to be productive members of our society.

"Before I came to the centre, I could never dream that one day I would be able to actively reintegrate in society. Here I am today participating in a walkathon! I am not only stronger physically but in my heart I feel like I can conquer the world."

Source: Khaleej Times