In the presence and patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Qatar Museums, Best Buddies Global Ambassador and five-time American Football Super Bowl champion Tom Brady joined the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), Qatar Museums (QM) and Best Buddies Qatar participants at an event in Doha's Khalifa International Stadiumtoday to officially launch partnerships between Best Buddies Qatar and the two organisations.

The partnerships aim to incorporate individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the organisation of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ and the development of Qatar's museums and cultural heritage sector.

The event, which included sports-based activities for members from Best Buddies Qatar and the local community, celebrated diversity and inclusion.

As part of the new partnership, the SC has committed to integrating 20 Best Buddies Qatar members with IDD in Qatar into the organisation and hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™, to encourage their leadership and professional skills. This will be done through the SC's Tamkeen inclusivity initiative. Similarly, the partnership with QM included the commitment of integrating 20 individuals into QM's operations and programs.

"Tom Brady has served as an exemplary Global Ambassador for Best Buddies since 2003, and has helped bring an even greater awareness to the infinite abilities people with intellectual and developmental disabilities possess," said Anthony K. Shriver, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Best Buddies International. "Tom has proven himself to be a committed advocate for individuals with disabilities, always going above and beyond the call of duty to help promote a world of inclusion and opportunity for this population. Tom's work in Qatar on behalf of Best Buddies will change lives for the better."

Nasser Al Khater, SC Assistant Secretary General for Tournament Affairs, said: "We are delighted to welcome Tom Brady to Qatar and Khalifa International Stadium for the signing of this important partnership agreement between the SC and Best Buddies.

"We have always said we would use the 2022 FIFA World Cup to promote diversity and inclusion in society, a vision similar to that of Best Buddies, and this agreement further demonstrates that vision. Our commitment with Best Buddies to integrate individuals with intellectual and development disabilities into the hosting of the 2022 World Cup will help the program participants further integrate with Qatar's diverse communities and make new friends, meet the travelling fans we expect in 2022, helping build their confidence, and most importantly give them a sense of independence."

Al Khater added: "This initiative is just one of a number of programs we have launched that we're using to ensure the World Cup in Qatar is the most inclusive edition of the tournament, and that it leaves a social legacy and impact in Qatar and the region long after the last ball has been kicked in 2022."

HE Amal Bint Abdullatif Al-Mannai, CEO of Qatar Foundation for Social Work, expressed her gratitude and appreciation to Best Buddies Global Ambassador and American football player, Tom Brady, for his visit to Qatar and participation in this important event in the domain of intellectual and developmental disabilities.

HE Amal Bint Abdullatif Al-Mannai added: "We are glad to launch this partnerships of Best Buddies Qatar with Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy; and Best Buddies Qatar with Qatar Museums which will involve 20 persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in preparation and hosting 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar."

Mrs. Laalei Abu Alfain, Executive Director of Best Buddies Qatar, said: "Today's event was a great opportunity to increase awareness of the capacities of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the necessity for them to be essential members of any community.

"I would like to express my highest gratitude to Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums Board of Trustees, to the officials at the SC, to Mr. Anthony Kennedy Shriver, the Founder and the CEO of Best Buddies International, and to Mr. Tom Brady, Best Buddies Global Ambassador, for their invaluable support in making this event happen and initiating essential positive influence on people with disabilities in Qatar. And we are proud to be a part of 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™."

Best Buddies International is the world's largest organisation dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with IDD. The organization's programs help people with disabilities form meaningful friendships, secure successful jobs, and develop indispensable leadership skills to advocate for themselves and their peers.

Best Buddies International currently operates in 50 countries and impacts the lives of more than 1.2 million individuals globally.