Tennis opens new doors for People of Determination through Special Olympics and Ons Jabeur Academy partnership

A landmark collaboration between Special Olympics UAE and the Ons Jabeur Tennis Academy will create inclusive pathways for athletes of all abilities, supported by global tennis champion Ons Jabeur herself.

The Ons Jabeur Tennis Academy and Special Olympics UAE have forged a partnership designed to transform access to tennis for People of Determination, combining the expertise of a world-renowned sports institution with the inclusive philosophy that lies at the heart of Special Olympics.

Signed at the academy’s campus within the Higher Colleges of Technology’s Dubai Academic City, the Memorandum of Understanding brings together Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, and tennis champion Ons Jabeur to advance participation, develop coaching excellence and nurture athletic talent. The partnership encompasses four core pillars: promoting inclusion in tennis; training coaches and staff in understanding intellectual and developmental disabilities; introducing Unified Sports, which brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same teams; and identifying and expanding access to ongoing training opportunities.

Al Hashemi observed that the collaboration strengthens Special Olympics UAE’s work by drawing on specialist expertise from within the emirate’s sporting community. “We believe in the importance of building partnerships with specialized sports academies and institutions and drawing on their expertise to create inclusive sporting environments where People of Determination can develop their skills and pursue their aspirations,” he said, noting that Ons Jabeur’s involvement as a global sports figure amplifies awareness of the abilities and achievements of People of Determination.

Karim Kammoun, representing the Ons Jabeur Tennis Academy, emphasised that the partnership reflects a core belief: tennis should be accessible to everyone. The academy has committed to strengthening its coaches’ knowledge through collaboration with Special Olympics UAE, ensuring training experiences that respond to the needs of athletes and support sustained participation. “Sport is a powerful means of bringing communities together and building self-confidence,” he noted.

The partnership builds upon established success. Special Olympics UAE athletes have secured significant medals at major international competitions, including three medals at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023. Among those present was Clari Lehmkuhl, a Special Olympics UAE tennis athlete who won silver and bronze at Berlin 2023 and recently claimed the women’s singles title at the BAUHAUS Down Syndrome World Championships 2026 in Sofia, Bulgaria. Lehmkuhl expressed optimism that the expanded opportunities would enable athletes to develop skills and achieve competitive goals whilst building self-confidence through sport.

The partnership launched with a specialised training workshop for the academy’s coaches and staff, delivered by Special Olympics UAE. The session covered the mission and objectives of Special Olympics, provided education on intellectual and developmental disabilities, and explored effective communication and coaching adaptation. Practical exercises and case studies focused on developing coaches’ ability to create safe, supportive environments that encourage participation and personal development across varying abilities.

The initiative reflects Special Olympics UAE’s broader commitment to expanding sporting opportunities for People of Determination, helping athletes discover their abilities and integrating them fully within the wider community.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

This partnership strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a centre for inclusive sports and community empowerment. By combining the resources and expertise of a leading tennis academy with Special Olympics UAE’s proven track record in athlete development, the collaboration creates sustainable pathways for People of Determination to participate in structured, professional coaching environments. The focus on coach training and the introduction of Unified Sports models ensures that inclusion becomes embedded in the fabric of tennis delivery across the emirate.

For the wider community, the partnership demonstrates a commitment to accessibility and belonging. Through Ons Jabeur’s involvement and the visibility of athletes like Clari Lehmkuhl, who has achieved world championship status, the collaboration challenges perceptions and showcases the potential of People of Determination in sport. This cultural shift, supported by awareness raising and joint community initiatives, contributes to a more inclusive Abu Dhabi where sporting opportunity is not defined by ability but by aspiration and determination.

Source: WAM