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DUBAI: Heroes of Hope, in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, has launched an initiative to host wheelchair sports events in the UAE.

The initiative, announced at a press conference at JA Lake View Hotel in Jebel Ali, aims to expand access to adaptive sports for People of Determination and foster discussions around disability.

The event featured speakers Hollie Murphy, founder and CEO of Heroes of Hope, and Abdulla Alblooshi, the organization’s co-founder.

Murphy said: “Our activities, ranging from rugby to swimming, empower athletes of determination to feel included and thrive physically and socially.

“The addition of wheelchairs will allow more PODs to access sports, while also giving able-bodied individuals a better understanding of the resilience and skill required by wheelchair users, both in and outside of sports.

“It’s a powerful step toward a more inclusive community.”

Sara Houston, an Australian national wheelchair basketball athlete, member of the International Wheelchair Basketball Association, and former Idol contestant, shared her remarkable journey of resilience and empowerment through sports.

Houston, diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer, emphasized the importance of open conversations about disabilities to encourage innovation, acceptance, and inclusivity in sports.

“Sport gave me a purpose when I thought all was lost,” said Houston. “Wheelchair basketball introduced me to a community where I felt empowered, valued, and inspired.

“My mission now is to encourage everyone, athletes, coaches, and spectators, to embrace inclusivity and create a world where sports truly belong to everyone.”

Rodney Holt, founder and CEO of BSF Asia, played a key role in securing the wheelchairs and bringing Houston to the UAE for the event. Holt has been promoting adaptive sports across Southeast Asia for years.

He has had leadership roles in the Special Olympics Indonesia and the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation.

Through a partnership with PepsiCo, Heroes of Hope received 12 wheelchairs for training at the only academy in the UAE offering over 30 adaptive sports weekly for its POD athletes.

The academy has been recognized for hosting groundbreaking events such as Hyrox for PODs, Games of Hope by Aldar, and professional training programs for coaches.

Additionally, Heroes of Hope was the only organization to provide activities for PODs at the Dubai Rugby 7s in both 2023 and 2024.

Wael Ismail, PepsiCo vice president for corporate affairs for Africa, Middle East, South Asia, said: “We are proud to support the Heroes of Hope team as they break new ground with wheelchair sports in the UAE.

“Their determination and passion are truly inspiring, and it’s nothing short of amazing to witness how they face each challenge with such heart and courage, setting an example for the entire community.

“We’re honored to be part of their journey and to help them continue making a meaningful impact.”

ABU DHABI: Tom Banton etched his name in DP World ILT20 history by becoming the first batter to score two centuries in the competition as MI Emirates cruised to a commanding 154-run victory over table-toppers Desert Vipers at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

The triumph also marked the second-highest victory margin in the DP World ILT20. Banton combined with Andre Fletcher to construct the highest stand for any wicket in T20s on UAE soil at 198 runs.

Fletcher remained unbeaten on 96 runs and Banton scored 105 runs to steer the MI Emirates to 228/2  — the second-highest total in DP World ILT20 history. 

In response, the Vipers only managed 74 runs, matching the record for the lowest score across three seasons of the DP World ILT20.

Muhammad Rohid made early inroads as he sent back Fakhar Zaman for only seven runs in the second over. Rohid went on to claim Sam Curran and Azam Khan later in the innings to finish with figures of 3/24. 

Meanwhile, Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed the wicket of the dangerous Alex Hales, while Alzarri Joseph bagged Dan Lawrence and Adam Hose to leave the Vipers reeling at 32/5 by the end of the powerplay.

With only two batters crossing double figures the Vipers were eventually bowled out for 74 runs in 12.3 overs. Dan Mousley picked up two wickets, while Farooqi and Alzarri picked up a wicket each to sweep up the tail.

Invited to bat first, the MI Emirates lost Muhammad Waseem, after he struck two consecutive sixes off Dhruv Parashar, to Mohammad Amir in the third over. Amir was economical in the powerplay only conceding 13 runs as the MI Emirates finished the first six overs at 40/1.

What followed was destruction from Banton and Fletcher. They initially played with restraint, taking 37 balls for their first 41 runs. But the tide turned in the 10th over when Banton took on Nathan Sowter, smashing him for a six and a four in a 16-run over.

Fletcher brought up his half-century off 32 balls, with Banton following suit in 38 deliveries. From there, it was pure carnage. The pair plundered 92 runs in the final five overs of the MI Emirates’ innings. 

Banton was the star of the show, reaching his second century of the season in just 52 balls. His knock, laced with nine fours and seven sixes, included three consecutive sixes off Lawrence. He was run out for 105 in the final over.

Fletcher was not far behind as he remained unbeaten on 96 runs in 50 balls, studded with 10 fours and three sixes as the MI Emirates were catapulted to 228/2 in 20 overs.

Player of the match Banton said: “I didn’t get off to a flier; I just knew the longer I stayed, the better chance I had. Sometimes you don’t time it as well as you’d like, and sometimes you do.

“As a top-order batter, you come up against very good bowlers, so having a good technique is important. It’s about looking at the match situation and scenario, not just teeing off.

“We came into this game on the back of two losses and were a bit under pressure. It’s a special night for MI Emirates, but we don’t want to take it for granted.”

Captaining the Desert Vipers in place of Lockie Ferguson, who was rested for the encounter, Curran said: “We just get the game out of the way and move on. That can happen in cricket.

“We were a little off with our fielding and energy. It’s such a quick tournament, and we play again the day after tomorrow, so we’ll have another chance.

“We can bounce back, and there’s no need to panic. It’s about learning and reflecting. Both of them played well, and I’m glad to see my fellow Englishman, and Fletcher, playing so well.”

Brief Scores

• MI Emirates beat Desert Vipers by 154 runs
• MI Emirates 228/2 in 20 overs (Tom Banton 105, Andre Fletcher 96 not out, Muhammad Waseem 19, Mohammad Amir 1 for 36)
• Desert Vipers 74/10 in 12.3 overs (Azam Khan 12, Sam Curran 11, Muhammad Rohid 3 for 24, Alzarri Joseph 3 for 17, Dan Mousley 2 for 8, Fazalhaq Farooqi 2 for 10)