Organized by the Emirates Autism Center (EAC), the 14th Emirates Physical Fitness Championship for People of Determination – Virtual Edition kicked off Tuesday morning within the frame of activities of the 14th Annual Autism Awareness Week organized under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

For the first time since its launch, five countries are taking part in the tournament including the UAE, Egypt, Lebanon, Oman and Syria. More than 500 people of determination players from 60 schools and centers that have people of determination integrated into their classes are joining the championship, 42 of which are located in the UAE, eight centers are from the Lebanese Physical Culture Federation, eight from Egypt, Salalah Club from Oman and Asafeer Al Janna Autism Center from Syria.

The physical fitness competitions included:

First Game: Sit-ups Competition (the competition spans over a period of 30 seconds, during which the players must perform the highest number of sit-ups)
Second Game: Jumping Jacks Competition (players must perform the highest number of jumps within 45 seconds)
Third Game: Moving Plates Competition – 3 meters (Players must move five plates in the shortest period of time).

Age groups and the number of participants for each group:

From 5 – 8 year-olds: 107 male and female players
From 8 – 12 year-olds: 179 male and female players
From 12 – 16 year-olds: 138 male and female players
From 16 – 20 year-olds: 111 male and female players
Over 20 year-olds: 72 male and female players

Championship Inauguration

The championship kicked off with the National Anthem followed by one of the EAC students reciting verses from the Holy Quran. Dr. Amal Jalal Sabri, Managing Director of the EAC, delivered the opening remarks, whereas H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, delivered a virtual welcoming speech for the people of determination.
The Championship also witnessed a spectacular show of ballet brought by Fantasia Ballet Center. The names of schools and centers inside the UAE and abroad were shown, which is followed by playing each game separately. The winning centers of the championship are as follows:

Winning Centers of the 5 – 8 Age Group:

1st Place: Emirates Autism Center 
2nd Place: Eman PVT School 
3rd Place: Al Noor Rehabilitation Association for People of Determination – Abu Dhabi 

Winning Centers of the 8 – 12 Age Group:

1st Place: Emirates Autism Center
2nd Place: Sharjah Autism Center 
3rd Place: Bani Yas City School

Winning Centers of the 12 – 16 Age Group:

1st Place: The Egyptian Team
2nd Place: Asafeer Al Janna Autism Center – Syria 
3rd Place: Abu Dhabi Rehabilitation Centre

Winning Centers of the 16 – 20 Age Group:

1st Place: Dubai Center for People of Determination
2nd Place: Jussor Center for People of Determination
3rd Place: Ghayathi Rehabilitation and Care Centre

Winning Centers of 20+ Age Group:

1st Place: Al Noor Rehabilitation Association for People of Determination – Dubai 
2nd Place: Sharjah City for Humanitarian Service – Khorfakkan
3rd Place: Al Sila Rehabilitation and Care Centre

Championship Cup for all Age Groups:

1st Place: Emirates Autism Center
2nd Place: Lebanese Physical Culture Federation
3rd Place: Al Ain Autism Center