Inside Heroes of Hope’s work with young people in Dubai
In Dubai, a grassroots initiative is helping young people with physical and/or cognitive disabilities to build connection, confidence and independence through sports and community.
At the heart of this effort is Heroes of Hope, a sports academy supported by Laureus Sport for Good through grants and capacity-building, including safeguarding and child protection support. This partnership helps align practices with international standards and strengthen the programme’s delivery of activities ranging from athletics and indoor cycling to Bollywood dance and adaptive CrossFit.
Founded by Hollie, a former school teacher from Ireland, Heroes of Hope has grown into a thriving community offering more than 25 different activities.
"There are so many underlying layers to what we do, it’s not just sport. It’s building relationships, confidence and life skills," she said.
Building Structure, Confidence and Community
Heroes of Hope runs with the help of over 100 volunteers. While resources are limited, the impact is significant.
"Some families underestimated their child’s abilities," Hollie explained. "But, when they started coming here, they saw what their children were capable of. For many, it’s emotional, they gain a sense of hope."
For children with cerebral palsy, for instance, boxes for step-ups are lowered in fitness sessions. In basketball, wheelchairs are provided if needed. It’s a fully inclusive approach shaped by experience.
Founded by Hollie, a former school teacher from Ireland, Heroes of Hope has grown into a thriving community offering more than 25 different activities.
"There are so many underlying layers to what we do, it’s not just sport. It’s building relationships, confidence and life skills," she said.
Building Structure, Confidence and Community
Heroes of Hope runs with the help of over 100 volunteers. While resources are limited, the impact is significant.
"Some families underestimated their child’s abilities," Hollie explained. "But, when they started coming here, they saw what their children were capable of. For many, it’s emotional, they gain a sense of hope."
For children with cerebral palsy, for instance, boxes for step-ups are lowered in fitness sessions. In basketball, wheelchairs are provided if needed. It’s a fully inclusive approach shaped by experience.
For families like Mai’s, the programme has been life changing. Her 17-year-old son Saif, who has autism and has ADHD, joined Heroes of Hope after a chance encounter at an inclusive event. What began with a trial athletics session, has become a core part of Saif’s life. He now trains five times a week across several sports.
"He’s made friends. He’s more confident. He’s part of a community," added Mai.
For Mai, the programme has been a turning point for emotional growth, social connection and learning independence for Saif.
"When we started out, he was only attending a couple of sessions a week," Mai recalled. "Now, he does running, fitness, and athletics, five sessions a week."
Sport quickly became a structure for self-regulation and a motivator in Saif’s daily life. He learned how to become calm and keep focus through consistent movement.
"Movement makes him feel better," said Mai. "He enjoys it. It helps him sleep. It gives him confidence."
"He’s made friends. He’s more confident. He’s part of a community," added Mai.
For Mai, the programme has been a turning point for emotional growth, social connection and learning independence for Saif.
"When we started out, he was only attending a couple of sessions a week," Mai recalled. "Now, he does running, fitness, and athletics, five sessions a week."
Sport quickly became a structure for self-regulation and a motivator in Saif’s daily life. He learned how to become calm and keep focus through consistent movement.
"Movement makes him feel better," said Mai. "He enjoys it. It helps him sleep. It gives him confidence."
"Sports changed his life, and ours, completely. I can’t imagine him not doing it."
Saif has had the chance to participate in competitions, such as weightlifting and fitness.
Some of the most profound changes have come in less visible ways though such as when Saif won silver in a fitness competition. In the past, this would have been difficult for him to accept.
"Saif had a difficult time accepting failure," Mai explained. "But we had prepared him. We watched videos of athletes like (Novak) Djokovic and (Carlos) Alcaraz and talked about sportsmanship. I told him, ‘Look at what they do when one of them lost, they shake hands, they say congratulations to the winner.’"
When the moment came for him to accept his silver medal, Saif stood on the podium and congratulated his competitor.
For Mai, the benefits of the programme extend to her own life as well. "As a parent, I have made friends who are going through the same things. We support each other. The older moms give advice to the younger moms. It’s a community."
Sustaining a Life-changing Impact
As Saif approaches the end of school, sport remains central to his life.
Whether he pursues higher education or a future career in sport, his family knows one thing: movement keeps him grounded.
"Sports changed his life, and ours, completely. I can’t imagine him not doing it," said Mai.
Some of the most profound changes have come in less visible ways though such as when Saif won silver in a fitness competition. In the past, this would have been difficult for him to accept.
"Saif had a difficult time accepting failure," Mai explained. "But we had prepared him. We watched videos of athletes like (Novak) Djokovic and (Carlos) Alcaraz and talked about sportsmanship. I told him, ‘Look at what they do when one of them lost, they shake hands, they say congratulations to the winner.’"
When the moment came for him to accept his silver medal, Saif stood on the podium and congratulated his competitor.
For Mai, the benefits of the programme extend to her own life as well. "As a parent, I have made friends who are going through the same things. We support each other. The older moms give advice to the younger moms. It’s a community."
Sustaining a Life-changing Impact
As Saif approaches the end of school, sport remains central to his life.
Whether he pursues higher education or a future career in sport, his family knows one thing: movement keeps him grounded.
"Sports changed his life, and ours, completely. I can’t imagine him not doing it," said Mai.
