Under the patronage of H.E Mohammad Bin Abdullah Al-Rumaihi, Minister of Municipality and Environment, Sasol, the international integrated chemicals and energy company, together with the Parks Department of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, opened the first Inclusive Playground in the region today at Al Legtaifiya Park. Featuring modified playground equipment including a slide and a swing for wheelchair users. The Inclusive Playground opens a new frontier for accessibility in Qatar and invites children of all ages and abilities to play together.
The launch was attended by Sasol joint CEOs Stephen Cornell and Bongani Nqwababa, a representative of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Accessible Qatar Ambassadors, members of the media, children from Al Shafallah Center, and adults and children with mobility impairment. All attendees had the opportunity to experience the park first hand, and were treated to a special demonstration of wheelchair fencing, one of the inclusive sports that is being supported by Accessible Qatar initiative.
The inspiration behind developing an inclusive playground for all the community came after reading an article in the local newspapers ‘Where Should I Play?’ Cry of a Disabled Child. The article mentions how a child was unhappy as he could not play with his friends. Sasol wanted to find a solution for children with disabilities who are currently unable to play on playgrounds with their friends. Sasol addressed this issue by providing inclusive playground equipment and thus supporting the community and providing the fundamental right for all children to be able to play with their friends.
The Inclusive Playground is the latest breakthrough for Accessible Qatar, a Sasol initiative designed to support inclusion and accessibility in the local community. Since the launch of Definitely Able in 2012, Sasol has made continuous achievements in raising awareness and addressing issues of inclusion and empowerment for Qatar’s disabled community. Information about accessibility of venues in Qatar are now available through the Accessible Qatar App, available in the Apple Store, Google Play store and Microsoft Store
Speaking at the event, Sasol President and CEO Bongani Nqwababa said: “Sasol believes that to build a strong society, we must include everyone, and exclude no one. Strategic investments such as this playground, will lead the conversation and build awareness about the important role that People with Disabilities can have in our communities. We are proud to work together with the Ministry of Municipality and the Environment to make this Inclusive Playground a reality.”
Parks Department Director Mohammad Al Khoori said: “With partners like Sasol, we are able to break new ground and bring the best global resources to bear in achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030, ensuring a society that welcomes, includes, and promotes people of all abilities. I am certain that this park will be loved by all children, even adults with mobility impairment, and today’s event showed how fun that can be.”