JEDDAH — The marathon “Let's Walk the Walk Together”, held at Corniche here, kicked off the one-week-long Fire Bolt Friendly Games, being organized by Help Center for boys and girls with special needs. Competitions were held in three categories. The 1-km run for the first category for boys over 16 years of age with a specific athletic ability for running was won by Ali Asiri of Al-Tarbiyah Al-Fekreeya Institute. Mohammad Qwaiqbi of Dirat Ajdadi and Abdullah Al-Ghamdi of Jeddah Autism Center finished second and third, respectively. The 1-km walk for the second category was clinched by Abdul Aziz Mohammad of Al-Tarbiyah Al-Fekreeya Institute. Saeed Al-Zahrani of Dirat Ajdadi claimed the second position and Sultan Al-Sayadi of Al-Tarbiyah Al-Fekreeya Institute, third. In the third category, 1-km walk for girls, Wafaa Mohammad of Eithar Center emerged the winner. The second position went to Azza Fakeek. Layan Halawani took the third position. Children under 8 years of age, with physical disabilities, medical problems, and early intervention babies with their care-takers, also participated in 500m walk. Maha Juffali, Director and Supervising Trustee of Help Center, said: “Witnessing the great turn out of different members of our community, makes me believe that this marathon will hopefully get the ball rolling in our quest for a healthier and more sport-oriented Jeddah.” The Help Center has been promoting the athletic talents of children and adults with special needs, in a festive and action-packed week of friendly sporting competitions. The Help Center's Fire Bolt Games aim to foster greater awareness and appreciation within the community, in the direction of the talents of people who need care. This sports week is also a platform to rally and call for action for all those concerned to promote and encourage sports among those with special needs. It also aims to give the young athletes a chance to shine, and show the community their capabilities and talents. About 400 participants with different intellectual disabilities from 9 specialized centers are joining the games. The athletes will participate in different sport competitions such as athletics, basketball, football, swimming, bocce and badminton at the Help Center's sports track in the presence of international arbitrators. The competition will culminate with a celebration and closing ceremony on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This event is sponsored and supported by Al-Marai Co., Hada and Hijaz Water, Grand Kai Fitness Center, BWell Gym, Change Your Life volunteering group, Jeddah International School, Al-Afaq International School, Jeddah United Sports Co. and many others. — SG
