Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — More than five hundred persons with various disabilities from Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah and Dammam showcased their talents during the second initiative called the “Ammar Initiative to Support the Creators of Those with Special Abilities”.

The initiative which aims to help disabled people with special talents launch their innovative projects was inspired by Dr. Ammar Bogis, a 26-year-old Saudi, who is paralyzed and can only use his eyes and mouth.

In its second season, the initiative presents a series of valuable prizes to be announced at a grand ceremony on July 25 in Jeddah, where the winner of the first place will receive SR50,000 and a one-year contract with the "SABIC" Academy, including training and support. While the winners of the second and third positions will be presented a one-year contract with the academy to provide all the services that qualify them to achieve their dreams.

Speaking about his initiative, Dr. Bogis said: “Ultimately everyone has abilities and powers to achieve their dreams, but we need support to do so. Through this contest, I hope that I can give those disabled people hope and positive encouragement to achieve their goals.”

The jury committee includes Saudi actor Fayez Al-Maliki, Saudi rapper Qusai Kheder, Ahmad Alshugairi, composer and artist Bandar Saad, Saudi Arabian activist and media figure and the moderator of the initiative, Dr. Bogis.

Bogis’ philosophy is based on the idea of never giving up. He said: “A person must keep trying and trying until he or she succeeds. Whatever a person’s physical ability or state of mind, he should make use of every minute in his life.”

One of the most prominent talents at the initiative is a disabled young man who plays on organ player and composes music. Another person with autism stunned the jury with his abilities to remember the biggest news stories of the past 20 years by date and time. Meanwhile, a young woman also held an impressive show as she created drawings, paintings and other works of art by maneuvering brushes and other tools with her foot.

Actor Al-Malki expressed his surprise at the huge talents of the disabled people.

Rapper Kheder said that he was very impressed with the talents that he met during his tour, explaining that he listened to dozens of talented people in the field of singing and found they have great and distinctive voices but they only need someone to put them on the right path.

One hundred talented persons with various disabilities have been selected for the final round.