Tuesday 14 / January / 2025
MUSCAT: Tariq Al Khabori, a distinguished advocate for the service of individuals with special needs in the Sultanate of Oman, continues to be a beacon of dedication at the age of 75.
His unwavering commitment to supporting the physically challenged has earned commendations from both government and private organisations over several decades.
The most recent accolade comes from the Erasmus+ programme, a European Union-backed initiative, shining a spotlight on Al Khabori’s transformative project - Oman Disabled Divers (ODD).
In the intricate landscape of the Erasmus+ INSPIRE project, which delves into diverse case studies from Europe and beyond, Oman Disabled Divers (ODD) stands out prominently.
Founded by Al Khabori and Stephanie Trier in 2009, ODD is recognised as a social entity enjoying support from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, as well as the Ministry of Social Development.
The core mission of ODD revolves around enhancing the physical and social well-being of people with disabilities through the exhilarating sport of scuba diving.
The report underlines that scuba diving, facilitated by ODD’s trained professionals and state-of-the-art facilities, not only instills confidence in individuals with disabilities but also brings immeasurable joy to their families.
Al Khabori’s visionary goal, as echoed in the report, is to foster a society where individuals with physical and mental challenges are esteemed as effective contributors in their own unique capacities.
Erasmus+, the EU Programme encompassing education, training, youth, and sport for the 2021-2027 period, acknowledges the myriad forms of social entrepreneurship.
Al Khabori’s experiences and practices, as a representative of social entrepreneurship, are highlighted in the report as a valuable learning resource.
ODD’s impactful initiatives, including the ‘Dive Challenge,’ have successfully integrated individuals with physical challenges, low vision, blindness, and Down’s Syndrome into the ODD family.
Al Khabori’s persistent efforts have played a pivotal role in expanding ODD’s reach and impact, bringing forth positive transformations in the lives of those with special needs.
Expressing gratitude for this recognition, Al Khabori remarked, “I have always supported disabled individuals in society. In 2009, Stephanie Trier and I founded ODD with the vision of enabling such individuals to experience the joy of swimming. This acknowledgment underscores our efforts, and we are thankful to the INSPIRE and Erasmus+ team. Such recognition boosts our morale, and we remain dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by disabled individuals.”
Another notable Omani project acknowledged under the Innovation for Social Entrepreneurship (INSPIRE) project, co-founded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union (EU), is Ard Alloban.
Founded by Mundhar Nasir Al Zaheen, Ard Alloban aims to cultivate a soul-soothing culture of free hiking and walking, promoting healthy and socialised lives within local communities.
