Looking back on the 2nd Henkel Special Olympics
On November 25th, Tuesday, Henkel colleagues joined the court with the UAE Special Olympics team athletes to prove that the most powerful way to lead is to connect.
The 25th of November, Tuesday wasn’t a typical workday at Henkel in Dubai. Swapping meeting rooms for the courts at Danube Sports World, Henkel colleagues gathered with a clear focus: to connect with our community through the universal language of sport.
Danube Sports World became the ideal backdrop for the second edition of the Henkel Special Olympics. Building on last year’s success, this wasn't just a tournament; it was a collective commitment to give our time, our presence, and our hearts to a cause that unites us all.
The Power of Us
Giving back isn't always about financial contribution; often, the most valuable contribution we can make is investing our time, energy and passion for a cause bigger than just us ourselves. As we stepped onto the courts alongside the athletes from the UAE Special Olympics team, the focus wasn't just on winning, it was on sharing.
From intense padel rallies to collaborative basketball games, the day was a vibrant exchange of encouragement and skill. By being present for these shared moments, we helped create an environment where every athlete could shine, proving that sports are a universal language of respect and solidarity.
Inclusion as a Responsibility
Events like this remind us that our values extend beyond the office walls. This day was a living manifestation of Henkel’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), not just as a corporate policy, but as a social responsibility.
True inclusion requires action. It requires us to actively create spaces where barriers are broken, and perceptions are challenged. By sharing the field, we are giving back to the society we operate in, encouraging and fostering a culture where everyone belongs.
Enablers of Impact
We would also like to extend a special thank you to our Henkel sponsors, Simon Michael Ulmann, Henkel VP of Operations & Supply Chain for Henkel Adhesive Technologies IMEA and Ferry Bakker, Henkel VP Reg SC Ops for Henkel Consumer Brands HG. Their commitment to our values allowed us to turn our desire to make this event happen into a tangible reality.
A Shared Commitment
We also give our thanks and appreciation to Amr Badawi, Head of Sports and Training at Special Olympics UAE. His partnership is the bridge that allows Henkel to serve this inspiring community.
To every volunteer, athlete, and Henkel colleague, Thank You. Your passion and your willingness to give your time made this event unforgettable. The scoreboards have been reset, but the impact of our shared connection remains. Let’s carry this spirit of giving forward into the next year.
Ready to make an impact? Explore opportunities to join Henkel through our careers page and become a pioneer for the good of generations.
