DUBAI // More than 200 orphans were treated to an afternoon of games, toys and entertainment on a day out at Zabeel Park yesterday.
The not-for-profit Dar Al Ber Society took youngsters from orphanages across the country on the trip, which featured self-defence classes, police-dog shows, competitions and games.
The event - supported by Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum, wife of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai - was held to recognise the work of foster parents.
The day started with lunch, after which the children watched a demonstration featuring police dogs.
Fahad Fateh, 15, could not stop talking about it. "They showed us how they catch criminals," said the Grade 9 pupil from the Grammar School Dubai. "And we saw some karate tricks."
Sultan Khamis, 12, was more interested in the bouncy castle.
"We were jumping and jumping. That was so much fun," said Sultan, who was holding on tightly to a little bag containing a toy car.
"I got this yellow Ferrari," he said, grinning. "But I like Lamborghinis better. I saw it on TV. That is what I am going to buy."
Mariam Abdul Rahman, 16, started volunteering with the society just to see the smiles on the orphans' faces.
"This is organised every year so that the children do not feel they are not special," said the student, who attends the Secondary Technical School in Dubai. "I can relate to the feeling, my father is dead."
Eman Omar, 16, from Sharjah, said it was easy for such children to feel ignored.
"These events are a good way to show them that there are people to look after them and provide for them."
