Burgan Bank hosts 7th Annual Al Mass Awards for people with special needs

Organized in association with Mishari Al-Khair, the charitable wing of the KIPCO group, the Al-Mass Awards reaffirmed Burgan Bank's support and commitment to the community where it awarded 12 outstanding individuals for their success and achievements.

These Awards were presented in three categories - the Blue diamond award for those with a cognitive or mental disability; the Yellow diamond award for those with physical disabilities; and the White diamond award, for those with a sensory disability.

Attending the celebratory function, which was held on the 1st of December 2008 at the Sheikha Salwa Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah Hall, was Sheikha Al-Abdullah Al-Khalifa Al-Sabah - Honorary Chairperson of The Kuwait Handicapped Sporting Club. Also graced the occasion was Mr Ahmad Al Mershed, on behalf of Sheikha Amthal Al Ahmed Al Sabah, Vice President of Kuwait's Voluntary Work Center.

The winners were announced through a special documentary feature, where the achievement of each winner was detailed with short interviews with their friends and family. Each of the winners received a beneficiary fund from Burgan Bank, deposited in their own special account at the Bank.

"The Al Mass Awards, now in their 7th year, are reflective of our long-standing commitment to making a positive difference in our community", noted Mr. Tariq Abdul Salam, Chairman of Burgan Bank. "The endeavours of these special individuals to transcend challenging circumstances and strive towards their goals are an inspiration to us all. Burgan Bank is honoured to be associated with such amazing people; they exemplify the virtues of dedication, commitment, and rising to the challenges that they face in their everyday lives. We at Burgan Bank are today driven by you - members of our community."

The success of the event - which ended with a closing song by the students of the Dasman School and the cutting of a special cake - echoed Burgan Bank's commitment to integrate those with special needs into the mainstream community and restore their sense of belonging by recognizing their fortitude to surmount obstacles, the purity of their determination, and the brilliance of their endeavours.

The support of all those who have been working behind the scenes - from parents to teachers, social organizations to ministries - and have helped those with special needs achieve their goals, were also acknowledged.