Dhiraagu, Special Olympics Maldives Launch Inclusive Sports Programme in Thinadhoo

Dhiraagu has partnered with Special Olympics Maldives to launch a regional sports development programme in GDh Thinadhoo aimed at empowering children and young people with intellectual disabilities through inclusive sport, structured training, and community engagement.

The six-month programme is expected to benefit up to 60 athletes and their families. Weekly training sessions will be delivered using the Special Olympics Fit5 curriculum, which focuses on physical fitness, nutrition, hydration, adaptive sports training, and active family wellness engagement. The initiative will also support the development of local coaches and volunteers to ensure long-term sustainability.

Special Olympics Maldives, the national affiliate of the global Special Olympics movement, said the programme builds on years of efforts to promote inclusion in sports. Chairperson Ibrahim Rameez said initiatives such as the Dhiraagu Special Sports Festival had expanded inclusive sporting opportunities and enabled Maldivian athletes with disabilities to represent the country on international platforms. He said the partnership in Thinadhoo would further strengthen these efforts nationwide.

Dhiraagu said the programme reflects its long-standing commitment to inclusive sport and community empowerment. Director of Brand and Marketing Communications Mirshan Hassan said the company aimed to support sustainable initiatives that provide equal opportunities for children and strengthen advocacy for inclusion at the community level.

Dhiraagu has supported inclusive sports in the Maldives for more than eight years through the Dhiraagu Special Sports Festival in Malé and said it remains committed to initiatives that create meaningful social impact and empower individuals across the country.