People of determination wow crowd at Dubai talent show

The event also saw the participation of six special needs centres.

Over 650 people attended Fame 2018 (Fashion, Art, Music and Entertainment) - a non-profit event that offers an inclusive platform for the differently-abled community - held at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Friday.
The event also saw the participation of six special needs centres - StepUp Academy, Tender Hearts Arena, Rashid Centre, Dubai EnSENble, Sedra Foundation and Mawaheb - along with a number of individuals from different schools and activity groups.
The event founder and organiser Rosy Ahmed, CEO of Purple Venture Events, who is also a mother of a child with Down syndrome, said it was her child that inspired her to organise the large-scale event which is now in its third year, to serve and help the community. The participants put up theatrical acts, fashion shows, musical performances and also pop up markets - exhibiting and selling goods that they have personally prepared.
Rosy said she aims to build awareness about disability and inclusion by showcasing a variety of talents from differently-abled children and young adults. "While giving a platform to the determined ones, Fame also seeks to educate the society we live in; for the need of inclusion and breaking the barriers of perception and stigma attached to the differently-abled. We want to raise as much awareness as possible in the community to support this cause. We are encouraging diversity and inclusion in all aspects, which is being achieved as the awareness is growing. Fame is my small contribution to the community," Rosy added.
This year Fame saw some new additions to its timeline including a contemporary theatre sketch, presented by a small group of talented youngsters. The event also featured the UAE's first choir group of determined ones - Dubai EnSENble; a fashion show where determined ones walked the ramp as models wearing their self-styled garments. In addition, talented hearing-impaired makeup artist Sofia Molla, from Mawaheb, was present to assist hair and make-up artist Zahabia from Zahabia's Makeover Lounge.
Among the independent talents, the show also included unique acts from Rashid Stars Dancers, Step Up Academy and Tender Hearts. UK based British Asian celebrity singer/songwriter, Navin Kundra, also entertained the audience for the finale.
Karen McGinley, whose 31-year-old son James Casaki sang a solo called " Proud of your Boy", said: "This was a fantastic opportunity for our children to prove to the world that they are no different to anyone else. And that they have amazing talent. The show is a great platform to bring awareness for the determined ones."
saman@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai