People with disabilities who are highly creative are to be rewarded for their work through a new award, said a senior official of Bahrain's Human Rights and Social Development Ministry.

"This award is a great support for the disabled and gives them the opportunity to offer their artistic, literary and sporting skills," said Khalid Al Markhi, president of the Disabled Services Centre. "It is a boost to highlight their competencies and hobbies."

Categories in the Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Disabled Peoples Creativity  include literary arts such as story and poetry writing, music, performing arts, sport (referee, player or coach), and visual arts such as painting, pottery, sculpture and photography.

The nomination deadline has been extended to enable more people with disabilities to take part.

Talented people with disabilities are being urged to collect participation forms from the Disabled Services Centre in Tubli before October 15 and all files and work should be submitted before October 30.

Entrants must be Bahraini and above 12 years. Winners in each category will receive up to BD1,000 ($2,650), with BD12,000 to be distributed between the categories.

"The aim of this award is to break down any barriers faced by those with disabilities, give them a chance to develop their skills and recognise their valuable contributions to society," said a ministry spokeswoman.

"People with special needs have determination and willpower and this award gives them the right to engage with the community and develop their roles in society."

The award is open to people with physical, mental disabilities, hearing or sight problems, cerebral palsy and autism.

Bahrain Society for the Deaf president Mahdi Al Nuaimi said the award recognises the skills of people who often outperform their able-bodied counterparts.

"This idea stimulates people with disabilities and those interested in creative activities and self-development," Al Nuaimi added. "Within society there is a talented group of people who have disabilities. With disabled people, God compensates one of the senses and gives them the ability to use it better than a non-disabled person.”

"With people who are deaf, their power lies in their vision and they hold high creative skills in design, painting, ceramics and drama.” – TradeArabia News Service