Dhiraagu has partnered with NGO Maldives Association of Persons with Disabilities (MAPD) to host a series of special events in Kulhudhuffushi City to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The events were held in collaboration with Kulhudhuffushi City Council and consisted of a Health and Wellness camp and an inclusive sports festival to mark the first National Paralympic Day.
The Health and Wellness camp was held in collaboration with the Kulhudhuffushi City Council and Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital and consisted of medical screening, therapy, and awareness sessions. The consultations were provided by a team of international and local specialists, including speech and hearing therapists, occupational and behaviour therapists, dentists, paediatric orthopaedic therapists, and physiotherapists. Over 200 children and persons with disabilities (PWDs) from the region took part in the camp.
The inclusive sports evening was held to mark the first National Paralympic Day, which the Kulhudhuffushi City Mayor, Mohamed Athif, commemorated. Over 90 children from Kulhudhuffushi City took part in this sports festival.
At the ceremony, MAPD’s Chairperson, Ahmed Mohamed thanked Dhiraagu, and noted how Dhiraagu Special Sports Festivals since 2011 had played an integral role in providing a platform for the PWD community. He highlighted how some of the children who had regularly participated in the Dhiraagu Special Sports Festival over the years had gained the confidence to push further and participate in international paralympic sports with the formation of the Maldives Paralympic Committee.
At the opening ceremony, Dhiraagu’s Manager Corporate Social Responsibility, Bishaara Hameed stated that Dhiraagu is delighted to have supported the International Day of Persons with Disabilities activities in Kulhudhuffushi City and highlighted that empowering vulnerable communities is a key focus area of the company’s CSR programme. Supporting children and young people is a key focus area under Dhiraagu’s CSR programme. The company also provides programme-based support and works closely with NGOs working to empower young people and vulnerable communities.
