KUWAIT: Children of all abilities raced toward the finish line at the AAW Run 2025 on Saturday at the Kuwait Athletics Association. Tiny racers clutched medals almost as heavy as they were, while older kids lined up for theirs with determined grins. Wheelchairs rolled alongside running feet, and parents held their little ones’ hands, guiding them to race ahead of their peers.

“There’s no winner. We’re all in this together,” says organizer and founder of AAW, Jude Hayat. Inspired by the memory of her late son, Abdulrahman Al-Wazzan, who passed away at age six after living with spina bifida, she shares, “We wanted to create a space where every child could come and enjoy, no matter what obstacles they face.”

Spina bifida, a birth defect where the spine and spinal cord don’t develop properly, left her son relying on a wheelchair, which kept him from joining sports events like this one. His experience sparked Hayat’s mission to create an inclusive environment where all kids, regardless of their abilities, could participate and feel empowered.

Jude Hayat, AAW Run's organizer and founder

Medals are on display, ready for the winners.

Two boys proudly raise their hands while clinching their medals after finishing the AAW Run race.

Young boys gear up for the race at the start line.

Young kids compete in the boys and girls races.

Holding the event on her son’s birthday, Hayat reflects, “We wanted to celebrate his life, and this felt like the best way to do it.” She adds, “My son’s life was all about love—love for his friends and for everyone around him,” Hayat shares, highlighting the deep connection that inspired the event’s inclusive message. The air was filled with the sounds of carnival games, cookie decorating, and joyful laughter, creating a lively backdrop for the day’s festivities.

The event drew nearly 2,000 people, including parents and children, creating a heartwarming sense of community. “This is almost more than double last year’s event, which was held around the same time,” Hayat noted, emphasizing the growing support. “The community in Kuwait is something else. I am so grateful and blessed.”

The heartfelt messages the mother hoped to share throughout the event were ones of deep significance: “raising awareness of all types of disabilities,” “spreading kindness,” “embracing love,” and “offering help to those in need.”

Hayat explained that all the funds raised from this event will be donated to support children with disabilities in need across the region through “Give,” a nonprofit charity platform. Held from 10 am to 2 pm, the event welcomed kids of all ages. While waiting for their turn in the race, they enjoyed a variety of fun activities, including goal shooting, a human claw machine, teddy hospital imaginary play, tote bag making and face painting.