APC head Majid Rashed thanks UAE leadership for Korean honour

In a proud moment for the Asian Paralympic Committee, President Majid Rashed has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Korea National University of Education in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the advancement of Para sport in the region and beyond.

A pioneer of the Paralympic Movement in Asia and beyond, Rashed has dedicated his career to creating opportunities and driving inclusion for Para athletes. Under his leadership, the APC has continued to strengthen its role in developing Para sport across the region, while promoting greater collaboration with international partners.

Rashed’s remarkable achievement stands as a powerful example of how the United Arab Emirates government, and its visionary leadership, have consistently championed the empowerment of People of Determination across all sectors. And Rashed expressed his sincere gratitude to the UAE’s leadership for their unflinching support, noting that their commitment has paved the way for many to achieve excellence and play an active and impactful role in society.

"I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the Korea National University of Education. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the University for this distinction and to NPC Korea for their continued support of the Paralympic Movement. I am also thankful to BDH Paras Foundation Chairman Bae Dong Hyun for his commitment to advancing Para sport and for the strong collaboration we share," said APC President Rashed on receiving the honour in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

"This recognition is not mine alone; it reflects the vision and unwavering support of the leadership of the United Arab Emirates. The UAE has always believed in empowering People of Determination, giving us the platform, confidence, and opportunities to lead and succeed. Their belief in inclusion has transformed lives and continues to inspire us to aim higher."

Rashed, who has served as APC Vice President for four years from 2010 before being elected President in 2014, continues to play a key role in shaping the global Paralympic agenda. In the UAE, he also serves as a Board Member of the Dubai Sports Council, a Board member of the Higher Committee for Protection of the Rights of People of Determination, UAE National Paralympic Committee Vice President, CEO of Dubai Club for People of Determination and Director of Fazza Championships.

Additionally, he is also a Board Member of Football Is More Foundation and has also served as a National Ambassador for UNICEF, where he has actively advocated for the rights and inclusion of children and youth with disabilities.

Inclusive education for all

Korea National University of Education President Cha Woo-kyu congratulated the APC President on the distinction and said: “The conferral of an Honorary Doctorate in Education upon President Rashed reflects our university’s commitment to practising together the value of inclusive education for all, beyond the boundaries between persons with and without disabilities. The dedication and leadership President Rashid has demonstrated will serve as a profound source of inspiration for our students and educators.

“It’s my sincere hope that the conferral of this honorary doctorate will further strengthen the partnership between KNUE and the APC, allowing us to cooperate even more closely in the fields of Para sport education and inclusive future education.”

He also added that Korea National University of Education, one of the most reputed universities in South Korea and world, is planning to launch a Master’s programme in Para Sport Education next year to develop professionals specialised in sport for persons with disabilities.

Majid Rashed: Leader with a heart

Jin-owan Jung, President of the Korea Paralympic Committee, said on the occasion: “The Majid Rashed I have known for many years is a leader with a heart more passionate than anyone else. Having spent countless hours together on the frontlines of Para sport, I have witnessed firsthand his fierce, unwavering resolve.

“As many of you know, Majid always guides us with a simple yet profound truth: ‘Together We are Stronger.’ This philosophy has inspired young people with disabilities across Asia to pursue their dreams.

“Today’s honorary degree is the beautiful harvest of the seeds of devotion you have sown globally for over 20 years. Majid, my dear friend and my brother, congratulations!”

The APC has built a strong partnership with Korea in recent years, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Korea Institute of Sport Science, focusing on specialised training programmes and research initiatives for Para athletes.

Additionally, the designation of the Korea Paralympic Committee’s Icheon Training Centre as an APC Centre of Excellence has further strengthened collaboration in athlete development and high-performance sport.

This recognition reflects not only Rashed’s personal achievements but also the continued growth and impact of the Paralympic Movement across Asia and globally.