Lebanon’s Olympic star Benjamin Hassan inspires 90 students at Dubai inclusive tennis clinic
Young players train with Tour professional on Courts 5 and 6
DUBAI – Dedication, determination and powerful serves set the tone on Wednesday morning as more than 90 students and teachers gathered for a special inclusive tennis clinic in Dubai.
The session formed part of ATP 500 Week at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and brought together children of determination for a day centred on sport, skill-building and shared experiences.
The highlight was the presence of Lebanese Olympic tennis player Benjamin Hassan, who joined the youngsters on court for rallies, encouragement and moments that drew loud cheers from around the grounds.
On court
Excitement began well before Hassan stepped onto the court. Students eagerly changed into their exclusive championship kit before being escorted to Courts 5 and 6, where 12 volunteers from JP Morgan and professional coaches were waiting.
The morning opened with tailored warm-ups designed to improve motor skills, coordination and movement. Friendly rallies soon followed, with coaches guiding participants through exercises aimed at building racquet control and confidence. Observers noted the agility and focus displayed by the students as they settled into rhythm.
The annual clinic is structured to spark interest in sport while strengthening interpersonal and physical skills in a supportive setting. Activities are adapted to ensure accessibility, allowing every participant to engage at their own pace while developing technique.
Olympic inspiration
The atmosphere lifted further when Hassan arrived to sustained applause. The 2024 Olympian rallied with the students, exchanging shots and offering words of encouragement between points.
Hassan made history as the first tennis player to represent Lebanon at an Olympic Games. Since 2018, he has represented his country in Davis Cup competition and became the first Lebanese player to break into the top 200 of the ATP rankings.
Reflecting on the morning, Hassan described the experience as emotional. “This is my first time at this event with Children of Determination and I must say it has been an emotional experience,” he said. “When you see how determined and full of joy these kids are on court, it really moves you. It’s very important to offer such inclusive opportunities for the students and provide the right resources to hone talent. There’s nothing better than giving kids a reason to smile and I’m happy I was able to be there to witness it and be a part of their joy.”
Community effort
Each year, Dubai-based organisations that support children with special needs come together during ATP week to mark Children of Determination Day. The initiative focuses on promoting physical wellbeing, supporting developmental needs and reinforcing inclusivity within sport.
Among the participating organisations was Heroes of Hope, a UAE sports academy dedicated to children and young adults with special needs. Volunteers worked alongside coaches and ball kids throughout the session, helping to ensure smooth transitions between drills and matches.
Cassy Gardiner, a volunteer with Heroes of Hope, said the clinic is one of the most anticipated dates in the students’ calendar. “The chance to play on the court with a Tour professional is amazing,” she said. “What truly stands out is the spirit of inclusivity. This opportunity is special because it’s a two-way learning experience and gives coaches, volunteers and ball kids the chance to see the value people of determination bring to sport.”
With high-fives exchanged across the net and smiles shared between rallies, the session once again underscored the role of sport as a platform for opportunity, engagement and shared achievement during one of Dubai’s premier tennis weeks.