KUWAIT CITY, Oct 16: Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah reiterated the ministry’s firm commitment to supporting and empowering persons with disabilities, emphasizing that creativity transcends disabilities, insight is deeper than sight, and determination overcomes circumstances.

Dr. Al-Huwailah made the remarks during her patronage and attendance at the closing ceremony of the first edition of the Ibrahim Taher Al-Baghli Competition for Distinguished Blind People 2025, held on the occasion of International White Cane Day. The competition was organized by the Sayyida Nafisa Charitable Foundation in cooperation with the Kuwait Blind Association, alongside several official and civil bodies supporting the visually impaired.

The minister described the event as a celebration of determination, willpower, and excellence, honoring individuals with insight who embody challenge and achievement. She praised the foundation and association for creating a stimulating and safe platform that showcases the talents of persons with disabilities. Dr. Al-Huwaila also highlighted that the competition fosters solidarity, cooperation, and community partnership between government and civil society to serve the nation.

Expressing gratitude to organizers, committees, administrators, and volunteers, she stressed that empowering persons with disabilities aligns with the national and humanitarian vision of Kuwait’s wise leadership. The minister praised the country’s legislation and services that facilitate integration and empowerment across education, employment, and social sectors, following directives from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, emphasizing that human development centers on people.

Chairman of the Sayyida Nafisa Charitable Foundation, Ibrahim Al-Baghli, told KUNA that supporting the visually impaired is vital, noting that children with insight possess light of heart, intelligence, willpower, and pure conscience, forming an essential part of Kuwait’s societal wealth. “A person’s strength lies in his insight, not in his sight,” he said, adding that those deprived of sight excel and adapt across various fields.

Al-Baghli called the competition a key step in empowering blind individuals and encouraging creativity and contribution. He thanked Minister Al-Huwailah for her patronage, the Kuwait Blind Association, led by President Fayez Lafi Al-Azmi, and all board members for their humanitarian and national efforts to support the visually impaired.

Al-Baghli affirmed the foundation’s ongoing commitment to providing resources and opportunities to develop the capacities of distinguished visually impaired individuals, enabling their success and societal excellence.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Kuwait Blind Association Fayez Al-Azmi highlighted the ministry’s support as a reflection of the state’s dedication to integrating people with disabilities, especially the blind, and empowering them to display their talents. He praised the effective partnership with the Sayyida Nafisa Charitable Foundation, which contributed to the competition’s success as a model for supporting the visually impaired.

Al-Azmi emphasized that the closing ceremony reflected the spirit of generosity and societal dedication to people of determination and challenge. He thanked Minister Al-Huwaila and the foundation’s chairman for their sponsorship and initiatives, lauding the sustained interest in enhancing the participation of visually impaired individuals in society.

The competition honored 15 outstanding blind individuals across technology, creativity, sports, media, and literature. Among the sports honorees were Abdullah Al-Harz, Shamail Al-Mulla, and Jassim Al-Kandari; literary figures included Dr. Muhammad Kamal, Munira Al-Abdul-Jader, and Awad Al-Azmi. Technological awardees were Abdullah Al-Adhina, Badr Al-Adwani, and Ahmed Al-Azmi; media recognitions went to Fatima Al-Salman, Ahmed Al-Bahr, and Fawzia Al-Hamli; while the creative arts category honored Abdulrahman Al-Hamoud, Awatif Al-Enezi, and Hamoud Al-Hamli.

President of the Kuwait Blind Association, Fayez Al-Azmi

Group photo of the honorees