Ajman University in the United Arab Emirates has introduced a project to develop wheelchair basketball ©IWBF

Ajman University in the United Arab Emirates has introduced a project to develop wheelchair basketball across the country.

The initiative is aimed at promoting inclusion and encouraging more people with disabilities to take up sport.

It comes with the UAE preparing to host the 2022 Wheelchair Basketball World Championships in Dubai.

Norbert Kucera, secretary general of the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF), visited the university alongside IWBF Competition Commission chairman Charlie Bethel.

They watched a short two period match between able-bodied and disabled players which was held to demonstrate inclusion.

University chancellor Dr Karim Seghir presented a token of appreciation to the IWBF party ©IWBF
University chancellor Dr Karim Seghir presented a token of appreciation to the IWBF party ©IWBF

Mohamed Alhameli, the President of the UAE National Paralympic Committee, said that wheelchair basketball could be used as a "driver" to promote all Paralympic sports in the country.

Dr Karim Seghir, the university chancellor, presented Kucera and Bethel with a plaque to mark the occasion. 

Dubai saw off a bid from Canadian capital Ottawa to win the rights for the 2022 World Championships last month.

The IWBF said a "very strong and emotional bid" had been presented.