International health insurance providers, Royal & SunAlliance, together with their administrators - Goodhealth Worldwide (Middle East) LLC are sponsoring a children’s production of “The King and I” this Thursday, June 9, and Friday, June 10, at the Madinat Theatre. Proceeds of the production by the Performing Arts Centre will go to Riding for the Disabled, an organization that provides therapeutic horse riding lessons for children.
“We are keen to support community initiatives that serve to enhance the dignity and well-being of children of all backgrounds,” said David T. Youssef, Managing Director - Goodhealth Worldwide (ME) LLC. He added: “Riding for the Disabled is an initiative that provides more than charity donations for those in need; the organization provides free lessons to children with special needs from experienced staff, which in the long run can improve a their health, learning capacity and ultimately their confidence level. The rights of the disabled to enjoy a full and active life are often overlooked today, and this is an organisation that works to empower such children and youths.”
Riding for the Disabled Dubai works in conjunction with local schools for special needs, and is part of an international network of charities. The organisation operates locally under the patronage of Sheika Hassa Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and is an Associate member of the Federation of Riding for the Disabled International. Currently forty-five children and young adults from eleven different countries are enrolled in the RDAD riding program, where they are assisted by a team of thirty-five skilled volunteers from eight different countries.
The King & I musical production promises to be an entertaining event and will be performed by a cast of talented children between the ages of 7-14 years. The children have been selected through a series of open auditions held across the whole of the UAE, and will be professionally directed by Vanessa Chapman BA (Hons), who hails from London, where she is experienced both in performing and directing ballet, jazz and tap.
