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Ailyn Agonia
Doha
NEW England Patriots quarterback and five-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, in the presence and patronage of HE Sheikha al Mayassa bint Hamad al Thani, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Qatar Museums (QM), spent time with Best Buddies participants in Qatar during an exclusive event held at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on Sunday.
Brady, a Global Ambassador for Best Buddies since 2003, played football with the children and had a chance to provide words of encouragement to some of them during the activity which was also witnessed by several of his fans in the country.
The fun event was part of the programme to launch the new partnership of Best Buddies between the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and Qatar Museums (QM) to incorporate individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the organisation of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. This will be done through the SC's Tamkeen inclusivity initiative. Similarly, the partnership with QM included the commitment of integrating 20 individuals into QM's operations and programmes.
Nasser al Khater, SC Assistant Secretary General for Tournament Affairs, said in a statement,"We are delighted to welcome Tom Brady to Qatar and Khalifa International Stadium for the signing of this important partnership agreement between the SC and Best Buddies. We have always said we would use the FIFA 2022 World Cup to promote diversity and inclusion in society, a vision similar to that of Best Buddies, and this agreement further demonstrates that vision. Our commitment with Best Buddies to integrate individuals with intellectual and development disabilities into the hosting of the 2022 World Cup will help the programme participants further integrate with Qatar's diverse communities and make new friends, meet the travelling fans we expect in 2022, helping build their confidence and most importantly give them a sense of independence."
Mansoor bin Ebrahim al Mahmoud, Chief Executive Officer of QM, also hailed the new partnership. He said,"We're delighted that we can take part in such an important initiative, and thank Tom and Best Buddies for their work in Qatar. QM is proud to promote and sustain Qatar's cultural sector and we believe everyone, no matter their background, should be able to take part in and enjoy Qatar's art, creativity and heritage. By pledging to support people with disabilities, we hope that QM, alongside the SC, can set the right example when it comes to inclusivity and opportunity in Qatar."
In his remarks on the occasion, Brady greeted the participants and spectators at the event and expressed appreciation in being part of the programme.
While spending time with the children on the football grounds, his fans cheered on from their seats. Many of them were wearing Patriots jerseys, shirts and caps in a show of support for their American football idol.
"We are excited to see Tom Brady in Qatar. There are only two official fan clubs of New England Patriots in the Middle East and we are one of them. As fans, imagine how we wake up at 3am just to catch his games especially when there is Super Bowl. So, this is really a special occasion for us," said Hady Sam Peter Aouad, Head of the Patriots Fan Club in Qatar.
Another Patriots fan Rovic Cruz said,"This is a once in a lifetime experience for me. I am delighted to see Brady in the flesh. I just wish there were more opportunities for fans like me to really meet him up close."
