HOPE Qatar Centre for Persons with Disabilities has launched the Sadeeqi Inclusion Championship 2026, a nationwide competition aimed at promoting awareness and fostering an inclusive society among school and college students across Qatar. The initiative is expected to engage over 200,000 students, with approximately 5,000 selected participants advancing to the championship stage.
The championship encourages young people to explore disability-related themes through a variety of creative and communicative formats, including performing arts, visual arts, debating, creative writing, and multimedia production. By focusing on topics such as disability, accessibility, empathy, and inclusion, the program seeks to challenge prevailing misconceptions and highlight the abilities and contributions of persons with disabilities.
Dr. Rajeev Thomas, founder and chief mentor of HOPE Qatar, emphasized the strategic role of educational institutions in shaping attitudes, stating that lasting inclusion begins with a change in mindset, which can be nurtured early in schools and colleges. He noted that the championship aims to go beyond mere awareness, fostering acceptance, understanding, and meaningful inclusion among students.
The Sadeeqi Inclusion Championship also commemorates HOPE Qatar’s 20 years of advocacy and programming to empower persons with disabilities. It aligns with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly the goal of building a cohesive and inclusive society that recognizes human potential and ensures equal opportunities for all.
Officials involved in the project highlighted the broader impact of the competition, which seeks to extend its influence beyond participants to families, educators, and the wider community. The championship is designed not as a one-time event but as a movement contributing to a cultural shift toward inclusivity.
Dr. Rizwanul Adeebh, Partnership Officer at HOPE Qatar, expressed the hope that the initiative would cultivate a generation of students who naturally accept differences and a society where persons with disabilities are valued for their abilities and aspirations rather than limitations. She described the championship as "Friends Beyond Differences," emphasizing friendship, understanding, and belonging among people of diverse backgrounds.
Scheduled nationwide contests for college students will take place on October 23 and 24, followed by school competitions on October 30 and 31. Participants will compete in various events such as painting, poster making, debates, elocution, creative writing, video and reel making, singing, and miming, all centered around themes related to disability and fostering friendships with persons with disabilities.
As Qatar prepares to host the Global Disability Summit in 2028, the Sadeeqi Inclusion Championship represents part of the country’s ongoing efforts to establish itself as a regional and global leader in disability inclusion, ensuring that the conversation continues with future generations.