The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has announced its participation in the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, a global sporting and community event, to raise awareness about Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and highlight the positive role of physical activity in building inclusive, informed and supportive communities.
Hosted in the region for the first time, the Games provide a global platform to spotlight people living with MS alongside the wider community, reinforcing movement as flexible and empowering.
NMSS’s participation in the Games serves as the flagship activation of its Move for MS initiative for 2026. Now in its third year, the initiative encourages the wider community to take part in any form of movement to raise awareness and funds to advance MS programs and care. To date, Move for MS has engaged over 4,000 participants and raised more than AED 800,000 in support of people living with MS.
At the Games, NMSS will be represented by Masters of Strength, a team that brings together people living with MS and advocates who will compete across cycling, swimming, and running disciplines. The team includes Ameera Al Jaberi, Deborah Dunne, Mohammed Al Harbi, Marie Meillaud, Sirik Deurloo, Leen Almasood, and Mohamed Selim. While the participants will compete individually, they come together as a collective expression of the resilience, diversity, and strength of the MS community.
Maral Alexandrian, Acting Executive Director of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, said:
“Improving the lives of people living with MS requires more than awareness. It requires visibility, participation, and representation in everyday life. NMSS is committed to ensuring people living with MS are seen, included and represented across community through connection, sport and wellness.”
“The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi offers a global platform to advance that commitment. Through sport, we can open dialogue, challenge perceptions, and represent the resilience and diversity of the MS community. We are proud of the Masters of Strength team whose discipline, consistency, and continued commitment embody the spirit of this shared mission.”
Throughout the Games, NMSS will be present at Hudayriyat Island with an interactive booth offering visitors the opportunity to connect with NMSS representatives, meet members of the Masters of Strength team, and learn more about the Society’s programs and support services.
Taking place from 6 to 15 February, the event also presents an exciting opportunity for friends, families, and supporters to attend and show their support for the Masters of Strength team. Free public access will be available at most venues, with competition schedules and locations for each participant shared via the Society’s social media channels.
