Special needs children took over the co-driver’s seat for a ride with UAE rally legend Mohammed Ben Sulayem during a fun-filled activity day at the Dubai Autodrome.
More than 200 special needs children from across the UAE were brought together by the event, and Sulayem joined car club members from around the Emirates who turned up in force to lend their support.
Volunteer drivers gave the children a day to remember by taking them through a series of circuit laps, sprints and auto tests in an impressive collection of around 150 cars.
Sulayem, the 14-times Middle East rally champion, brought his Ford Escort World Rally Car out of retirement for the day, and gave several of the children a spin on part of the Autodrome circuit.
He also gave other children rides in two F1 specification models contributed by Renault – a Renault Clio and a Renault Megane Sport - during the event, which was organised by
the Special Needs Awareness Programme (SNAP).
UAE racing driver Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum also joined the procession of volunteer drivers taking part.
“This is a very worthy cause and it’s good to see so many car enthusiasts coming together to support it,” said Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club for the UAE.
SNAP was founded by Theresa Gobbara, whose daughter, Randa happens to have Down Syndrome. The “Lap with Snap” event on Friday is just one of a series of year-round activities she organises for persons with special needs.
Dubai Autodrome Chairman Saeed Khalfan said: “It was heart warming to see so many happy children and so many gallant volunteers making this event the success that it was.
“There are times when you cannot measure the value of bringing joy into the lives of those less fortunate than us. It was an honour to be asked to host this event and we will make sure that we are involved for many years to come.”
