Burgan Bank hosts 5th Annual Al-Mass Awards for Special Needs

23 December, 2006: Under the auspices of the Minister of Labor and Social Welfare Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Burgan Bank, the nation’s youngest commercial bank, reiterated its commitment towards social responsibilities by hosting the 5th Annual Al Mass Awards which acknowledges outstanding achievements by individuals with special needs.

Organized in association with Mishari Al-Khair, the charitable wing of the KIPCO group, the Al-Mass Awards reaffirmed Burgan Bank’s support and commitment to the community were it awarded 12 outstanding individuals for their success and achievements. These awards were presented in three categories - the Blue diamond award for those with a cognitive or mental disability; the Yellow diamond award for those with physical disabilities; and the White diamond award, for those with a sensory disability.

At the memorable awards evening which took place at the Sheikha Salwa Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah Hall, each of the winners were awarded a sum of KD 1000 from Burgan Bank, deposited in their own special account at the Bank. The awards were presented by the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Welfare, the honorable Mr. Mohammed Jassem Ashkanani. Also gracing the occasion were Sheikha Amthal Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, President of the Voluntary Work Center and Sheikha Sheikha Al-Abdullah Al-Khalifa Al-Sabah, Honorary Chairperson of The Kuwait Handicapped Sporting Club.

"The Al Mass Awards, now in their 5th year, are reflective of Burgan Bank’s long-standing commitment to making a positive difference in our community", noted Sheikh Mohammad Abdul Aziz Al Jarrah Al Sabah, Chairman of Burgan Bank. "The endeavors of these special individuals to transcend challenging circumstances and strive towards their goals are an inspiration to us all. Burgan Bank is honored to be associated with such amazing people; they exemplify the virtues of dedication, commitment, and rising to the challenges that they face in their everyday lives".

This year's nominees were indeed inspiring in their achievements and in their determination to overcome any obstacles in their path. They are international standard athletes who competed in the Olympic Games; award-winning musicians who have mastered instruments; and positive role models, who, despite all odds, completed university education with flying colors.

In addition to lauding the achievements of the awardees, a skit titled ‘Community’ presented by the Kuwait English School Green Unit, a rendition of the national anthem on the keyboard by Al-Sayed Ali Ibrahim who is combating deafness, and recitation of verses from the holy Qur’an by Nawaf Khalid despite his blindness, were some of many truly special moments of the evening.

 The success of the event, which ended with the cutting of a special cake shaped as a diamond, echoed Burgan Bank’s commitment to integrate those with special needs into the mainstream community and restore their sense of belonging by recognizing their fortitude to surmount obstacles, the purity of their determination, and the brilliance of their endeavors.

The support of all those who have been working behind the scenes – from parents to teachers, social organizations to ministries and have helped those with special needs achieve their goals, were also acknowledged.