Kuwait's "Journey of Hope" boat arrived on Saturday at The Pearl-Qatar Marina at Porto Arabia, making its second stop in a 22-stop overseas tour designed to show the world Kuwait’s special programmes for the mentally challenged children.

Large crowds of Qataris, Kuwaitis and expatriate residents from The Pearl-Qatar, as well as senior official from the United Development Company (UDC), the master developer of The Pearl-Qatar, joined more than 35 Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special Needs members to welcome the boat at the Porto Arabia Marina.

"The Journey of Hope” is an expedition with a heartfelt message dedicated to bringing awareness about a special segment in society and to attract the word’s attention to their needs and potential. The boat, which sailed off from the Marina at Salmiya, Kuwait, will head to Washington DC on a 210 day-long expedition that will include stops at 19 countries and 22 ports of call.

“This is a humanitarian journey that will highlight the skills of a group of intellectually challenged swimming champions from Special Olympics Kuwait,” said Jassim Al-Bader, member of the Board of Trustees of ‘Journey of Hope’.

“Our initial starting point of sailing started from Kuwait, cutting the Arabian Gulf before passing by both the Red and Mediterranean Seas and down to the Atlantic Ocean to reach the American capital of Washington D.C., where the headquarters for Special Olympics are.”

The journey will hold several events at intervals in all ports en route, with a view to unifying people of all cultures and religions towards a collective effort to care for and benefit those with mental disability everywhere.

Saeed Al-Sulaiti, director of operations at The Pearl-Qatar, said: "UDC is keen to support community initiatives in various fields, especially those relating to kids with special needs.”  - TradeArabia News Service