Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) and Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) students from the Department of Physiotherapy, College of Health Sciences (CoHS), Gulf Medical University (GMU), proudly served as volunteer healthcare professionals at the Special Olympics UAE Games 2026. They contributed to the Healthy Athletes® Fit Feet programme held alongside the Games at ADNEC Abu Dhabi from 6–8 June 2026.
Hands-on Experience and Skill Development
The event brought together more than 1,000 athletes of determination from across the UAE and international delegations, making it one of the region’s largest and most impactful inclusive sporting events.
Under the guidance of Dr. Meruna Bose and the Clinical Directors of the Healthy Athletes® programme, physiotherapy students played a key role in delivering foot health screenings for participating athletes. They conducted comprehensive foot assessments, identified biomechanical concerns, and provided education on footwear selection and foot care to athletes, coaches and caregivers. Through gait observation, musculoskeletal screening, and patient-centred communication, students gained valuable hands-on experience, applying classroom knowledge in a real-world setting while upholding the principles of dignity, equality, empathy, and patient-centred care.
This engagement further strengthens GMU’s longstanding partnership with Special Olympics UAE, built through previous collaborations including inclusive care training sessions and community outreach initiatives. It reflects the University’s commitment to community service, interprofessional learning, and inclusive healthcare education.
Fit Feet Camp – Impact at a Glance
The UAE Games 2026 recorded a total of 1,309 screening interactions across four disciplines over three days. The Fit Feet camp, staffed by CoHS physiotherapy students and faculty, contributed 320 screenings, representing approximately 24.4% of all health screenings conducted during the event.
Faculty Spotlight
A driving force behind CoHS GMU’s engagement with Special Olympics UAE, Dr. Meruna Bose has consistently championed inclusive healthcare through meaningful community outreach initiatives. Her dedication to promoting empathy, dignity, and equality reflects CoHS GMU’s mission of social accountability in health education. Through her leadership, students are inspired to engage with purpose and compassion while developing meaningful connections with diverse communities.
BPT student 2022PT21 Zia Sameer Nanji stated:
“Being part of the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes Program was an incredibly meaningful and rewarding experience. As a Discipline and Volunteer Supervisor of the Fit Feet Discipline, I had the opportunity to support athletes, guide volunteers, and help create a positive and inclusive environment. Working closely with People of Determination was truly inspiring, as their spirit, enthusiasm, and dedication left a lasting impact on me. This experience strengthened my leadership and teamwork skills while reinforcing the importance of inclusion, empathy, and accessible healthcare for all.”
Leadership skills are often enhanced through participation in such events. The College was proud of Ms. Zia Sameer Nanji (2022PT21 ) for serving as the Discipline Supervisor for the Fit Feet Discipline, where she demonstrated commendable leadership, commitment, and professionalism while supporting both athletes and volunteers.
Dr. Praveen Kumar, Dean of the College of Health Sciences (CoHS), proudly said, “I congratulate the faculty and physiotherapy student volunteers who provided essential support services to the athletes. Community-based learning experiences provide students with valuable opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings while developing empathy, social responsibility, and a commitment to inclusive, patient-centred care. It is rewarding to see students learn through such experiences, which will undoubtedly enrich their professional growth.”
The students expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to volunteer at the Special Olympics UAE Games.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 3: Good Health and Well Being; SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities; SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
UN Sustainable Development Goals supported by this initiative
The sustained institutional collaboration between GMU and Special Olympics UAE exemplifies the power of multi-stakeholder partnerships in advancing inclusive, sustainable development.
