Latest news with #12thSpecialOlympicsWorldWinterGames
Express Tribune
13-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Afaq, Tabassum, Shah in snowshoeing finals
Pakistan's Muneeb-ur-Rehman in action during the 50 metres Cross Country Skiing event at the 12th Special Olympics Winter Games being held in Turin, Italy. PHOTO: SOP In the 12th Special Olympics World Winter Games, Pakistan's snowshoeing athletes Muhammad Afaq, Tabassum Nasir, and Shah Galoon have qualified for the finals in the 100-meter race and the 4x100-meter relay divisioning race. On Thursday, March 13, all 10 Pakistani athletes will be in action in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing events. In the final round of the 50-meter cross-country skiing race, Pakistan's two skiers, Rovina Qurban and Muneeb Ur Rehman, will compete for medals. Both athletes will also participate in the 100-meter final race on March 15. In the 200-meter snowshoeing final races on Thursday, four Pakistani female athletes and three male athletes will compete, while Moazzam Iqbal will be in action in the 800-meter race. The 100-meter and relay snowshoeing races will be held on March 14, while the 400-meter race is scheduled for March 15. Special Olympics Pakistan Chairperson Ronak Lakhani met with the Pakistani athletes and congratulated them on reaching the finals. She said that this achievement is the result of five years of hard work, and now the athletes have made it to the finals of the World Winter Games. She urged the people of Pakistan to pray for the success of these special athletes. Meanwhile, Gonzalo Escobar from Special Olympics Chile earned the first medal of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025! Gonzolo, who traveled to Turin from Santiago, Chile, competed in the Advanced Giant Slalom Snowboarding Final where he finished in first place with a time of 1:40.370, almost 4 seconds faster than his closest competitor. The snowboarding competition began at Melezet in Bardonecchia early Tuesday, 11 March, morning with athletes taking to the slopes for warmups and quickly getting into action. Escobar competed in Divisioning earlier in the day, finishing the heat with a time of 49.160 putting him in the D01 groupthe top level of the snowboarding competition for both men and women at the Turin Games. After exiting the starting shoot, Gonzolo took off down the mountain with record speeds, making swift cuts as he maneuvered himself through the gates. As he neared the finish, Gonzolo stayed in a tucked position gaining him as much pace as he could before crossing the finish line to clinch the gold. He was honored with his medal at an award ceremony later in the day along with the medalist from the Intermediate and Novice Giant Slalom Finals. This is Gonzolo's first World Games experience, but not his first international competition. In 2020, he competed in the Unified X Games in Aspen, Colorado with Special Olympics and got a taste of what it feels like to compete on a world stage.
Arab Times
12-03-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Maryam's determination and confidence shine through Italy's Pragelato snow
TURIN, ITALY, March 12, (KUNA): Amidst the excitement at Pragelato Stadium in Turin, Italy, Maryam's radiant smile and unwavering self-confidence immediately stand out. With a determination that defies the region's heavy snow and challenging terrain, she embarks on her first competitive experience in cross-country skiing, following intensive training in Dubai and Cairo. Now, she proudly represents Kuwait at the 12th Special Olympics World Winter Games (Turin 2025). Maryam is no stranger to sporting achievements. She previously participated in the 2023 Berlin Summer Games, serving as the official spokesperson for the Middle East and North Africa for Special Olympics International. Currently, she holds the title of Health Ambassador for the Middle East and North Africa and is an active member of the Ambition Club for Intellectual Disabilities. Speaking to KUNA, Maryam Theyab reflected on her journey, recalling how she started her athletic career in schools affiliated with the Public Authority for the Disabled before joining the Ambition Club in Kuwait in 2018. This marked the beginning of her long and successful path in sports. Her first major international competition came in 2018 at the Jeddah Marathon, where she competed against 700 participants and secured second place. She then showcased her talents at the World Down Syndrome Championship in the Czech Republic, competing in the 100-meter run, shot put, and 100-meter walk. Maryam credits her success to the unwavering support of her family, as well as officials from the Kuwait Special Olympics, the Ambition Club, and various Kuwaiti sports bodies. With this encouragement, she continues to achieve remarkable milestones in both local and international sporting events. Beyond her accomplishments, Maryam is deeply committed to raising awareness about the importance of integrating people with intellectual disabilities into society and empowering them to reach their full potential. Looking ahead, she and her fellow athletes Hajar Al-Rashidi and Abdullah Al-Ali, who are also competing at Turin 2025, are determined to add another proud chapter to Kuwait's legacy in Special Olympics sports. Maryam concluded with a heartfelt message to parents: 'Support your children, believe in their dreams, and encourage them to strive for greatness.'
Express Tribune
12-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pak athletes shine in Turin Games
Pakistan's contingent for 16th World Winter Special Games 2025 is seen with SOP Chairperson Ronak Lakhani and Head of Delegation Farukhanda Jabeen after landing in Turin, Italy. PHOTO: SOP Pakistan's snowshoeing athletes have moved one step closer to the glory, blazing their way into the 200m & 800m finals with stellar performances in the divisioning rounds at the 12th Special Olympics World Winter Games, being hled in Turin, Italy. With four females namely Iqra Akram, Minahil, Shah Galoon & Tabsassum Nasir, three male athletes, Ali Raza, Saboor, Muhammad Afaq reaching the 200m finals and one male, Moazzam Iqbal making 800m finals, Pakistani athletes displayed unmatched speed, endurance, and determination, securing their well-earned spots in the highly anticipated finals set for March 13 at the Palazzetto dello Sports Center, Italy. Meanwhile, Pakistan contigent's head of delegation Farkhanda Jabeen said that in Special Olympics competitions, divisioning round ensures fair competition by grouping athletes with similar speed and ability levels so everyone has a meaningful and competitive experience. "Till now our Pakistani athletes have displayed great performances and we are hopeful that they'll make the nation proud," she said. "With their sights set on glory, these incredible athletes are ready to bring their A-game and make Pakistan proud on the world stage." It may be mentioned here that on the second day of the 12th Special Olympics World Winter Games, Pakistan's Ruvina Qurban and Muneeb ur Rehman participated in the divisional round of the cross-country 100-meter race and qualified for the final round, which will be held on March 15. Tomorrow, they will compete in the 50-meter divisional race. Meanwhile, Pakistan's snowshoeing athlete Ali Raza participated in the Unified Sports Experience Relay Race, where he was paired with other unified and special athletes and secured second place.
Express Tribune
10-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Ruvina, Muneeb in final round of cross-country 100m
Pakistan's snowshoeing athlete Ali Raza (R) participates in the Unified Sports Experience Relay Race at the 12th Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin on Monday. PHOTO: SOP On the second day of the 12th Special Olympics World Winter Games, being held in Turin, Itay, Pakistan's Ruvina Qurban and Muneeb ur Rehman participated in the divisional round of the cross-country 100-meter race and qualified for the final round, which will be held on March 15. Tomorrow, they will compete in the 50-meter divisional race. Meanwhile, Pakistan's snowshoeing athlete Ali Raza participated in the Unified Sports Experience Relay Race, where he was paired with other unified and special athletes and secured second place. Pakistan's snowshoeing team will compete in the 200-meter and 800-meter divisional rounds tomorrow. Additionally, athletes from Chinese Taipei sang Pakistan's national song Dil Dil Pakistan while heading to the venue with the Pakistani athletes. Pakistani special athletes participated in intensive training sessions on Sunday in preparation for the 12th Special Olympics World Winter Games. Earlier on Monday, national athletes Afaaq Khan, Moazzam Iqbal, Shah Guloon, Iqra, Tabassum, Ali Raza, and Manahil, who are participating in the Snowshoeing competitions, had their training session scheduled for BBC correspondent Joe Wilson, who is present at the Pregelato venue, met with the Pakistani athletes. He extended his best wishes for the event and said, "I welcome the Pakistan team to the 2025 World Winter Games. I have traveled to Pakistan several times for cricket coverage, but I am delighted to see the Green Shirts competing in the World Winter Games." Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 is hosting 1,500 athletes from 100 countries, along with 1,000 coaches, 2,000 volunteers, around 100 youth leaders, 500 representatives from media organizations, and over 1,300 guests. At the Opening Ceremony the 2025 Special Olympics World Games President Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo said, "Organizing this event presents an extraordinary opportunity for Turin, and indeed for all of Italy, to respect diversity, overcome challenges, and foster a positive social attitude. It highlights the determination, hard work, and talent of intellectually diverse athletes and promotes a culture of sharing and living together. The Special Olympics greatly contribute to building an inclusive society, recognizing and supporting intellectually diverse youth and citizens through sports, thereby creating a brighter future." Held under the Special Olympics athlete oath, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt," the Games are attended by officials including Minister of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth of Mongolia Nomin Chinbat and Director of Foreign Relations, Information, and Technology Department at the Physical Culture and Sports Authority of Mongolia Oyunbat Nasanbat.
Express Tribune
10-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
SOP athletes make Pakistan proud
Special Olympics Pakistan youth leaders and the Global Youth Leadership council members Syeda Humaira Kazim and Yumna Masoid on the stage leading the first session of the 25th Global Youth Leadership Summit on the sidelines of the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin. PHOTO COURTESY: SOP The 12th Special Olympics World Winter Games commenced with a spectacular opening ceremony at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy. Athletes from all participating nations took part in the grand athlete parade. When the Pakistani delegation entered the arena, thousands of spectators in the stadium gave them a rousing welcome, applauding enthusiastically to show their support. The arena echoed with chants of "Pakistan Zindabad" as the national squad made its way inside. The Pakistani male athletes wore traditional shalwar kameez with waistcoats, while the female athletes donned traditional shalwar kameez, drawing special attention during the ceremony. The special athletes from all countries were visibly excited, capturing the moment with photos and selfies. The ceremony officially began with the lighting of the Olympic torch and the hoisting of the Special Olympics flag. The event was graced by notable dignitaries, including Tim Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics International; Angelo Moratti, President of Special Olympics Italy; Mary Davis, CEO of the International Board of Directors; Ronak Lakhani, Chairperson of Special Olympics Pakistan; and Farkhanda Jabeen, Head of the Pakistani delegation. Live performances by artists and an impressive laser light show created a magical atmosphere in the stadium, filling the special athletes with joy. Cartoon characters also welcomed and entertained the children, making the event even more memorable.
