ABU DHABI: The Paralympic movement in the UAE is experiencing commendable growth, especially in the sports of shooting and athletics, according to Susannah Rodgers, a British paralympic champion who currently works as Technical Adviser on Disability Inclusion with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Rodgers is visiting the UAE to attend the World Congress on Rehabilitation (WCR) 2024, which will be held for the first time in the Middle East from 23rd to 25th September at ADNEC Abu Dhabi.
In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) at the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, Rodgers hoped to see further development of the UAE’s Paralympic team and encouraged continued collaboration between the UAE and UK to enhance competitiveness in sports.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the World Congress on Rehabilitation in Abu Dhabi, Rodgers recognised its importance as a platform for stakeholders to discuss rehabilitation and the rights of people of determination. She expressed particular in
terest in assistive technology, access to jobs, and education.
She visited the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO) in Abu Dhabi and the Al Noor Training Centre in Dubai, where she engaged in valuable knowledge exchange. ‘I enjoyed meeting people of determination and seeing the work they are doing on disability inclusion.’
Born missing the lower part of her left leg and forearm, 41-year-old Rodgers competed in two Paralympic Games (London 2012 and Rio 2016), winning 30 international medals, and setting numerous British and European records in Freestyle and Butterfly events.
Narrating her personal journey of connecting with the community of people of determination and finding her voice through sports, she stressed the Paralympic movement’s power to showcase sports excellence, demonstrate their capabilities, and raise awareness.
She described herself as an ‘accidental athlete’ for her late entry into professional swimming and reflected on how sport became her passion and purpose. Afte
r 15 years of competing and achieving her goal of winning gold, Rodgers retired, but expressed her continued love for open water swimming.
Rodgers recounted her childhood experiences in Cairo, crediting it with sparking her passion for international work and exposing her to different cultures. She fondly remembered learning to swim in Egypt, marking the beginning of her swimming career.
Reflecting on her transition from sports to disability inclusion work with the UK Foreign Office, Rodgers acknowledged that her new role offers its own fulfilment, even though it can’t replace her love for swimming. ‘Nothing can ever be the same as swimming, but this is nearly there.’
Source: Emirates News Agency