Her Excellency Shakhnoza Shavkatovna Mirziyoyeva – First Deputy Director of the National Agency for Social Protection, First Deputy Chairperson of the National Paralympic Committee of Uzbekistan, and Member of the World Aquatics Bureau – affirmed that the UAE stands as an inspiring global model for empowering People of Determination.
She praised the continuous support of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, whose vision has enabled People of Determination to achieve their aspirations across all fields.
Shavkatovna Mirziyoyeva was recognised with a special award by His Highness at the opening ceremony for the pivotal role in creating a unified national platform to support the development of adaptive sports and expand opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
Mirziyoyeva highlighted that the focus placed on youth by Majid Al-Usaimi, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee, through cultivating a new generation of athletes in Asia and building the right environment for their success – supported by clear strategies and major sports and humanitarian initiatives – will have a lasting positive impact on athletes for years to come.
Her remarks came during her attendance at part of the powerlifting competitions and community and heritage activities of the Dubai 2025 Asian Youth Para Games at the Dubai Club for People of Determination, where she also took part in awarding the powerlifting champions.
A long-standing advocate for equality, inclusion, and the rights of children and persons with disabilities, Her Excellency has dedicated her career to strengthening access, protection, and opportunity. She was one of the key initiators behind the establishment of the Association of Adaptive Sports in Uzbekistan, a transformative national platform that has unified and accelerated the development of adaptive sports and expanded opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
Within the Paralympic Movement, she also champions the participation and leadership of women and girls with disabilities, ensuring their voices and talents shape the future of para-sport.
Majid Rashid praised Uzbekistan’s efforts and initiatives to develop the Paralympic movement and support people with disabilities in achieving their goals, aligned with the approach outlined by the Uzbek Paralympic Committee. He emphasized the powerful role that sport plays in integrating people with disabilities into society and enhancing their participation at every level.
For his part, Thani Juma Berregad, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the 2025 Asian Youth Para Games, affirmed that the UAE’s wise leadership and its commitment to empowering People of Determination – ensuring dignity, opportunity, and equality –standbehind every success achieved. He expressed his delight at the visit of ShakhnozaMirziyoyeva and her participation in the medal ceremonies, noting that the younger generation is progressing confidently, guided by the vision of continental committees.
On another note, excitement and passion defined the opening of the Asian Youth Para Games, supported by Chery International, as athletes and delegations rallied behind the slogan Born to Rise.
