Latest news with #MeenaAlMazrouei
Khaleej Times
12-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
UAE: From sand dunes to snow slopes; how these determined athletes won hearts across the world
'What do you know about the Winter Games?', they were once asked. But after a year of intensive training, including sessions in Dubai at Ski Dubai, Uzbekistan, and Italy, these Emirati athletes brought home a total of 16 medals — four of which were gold – making the UAE one of the standout delegations in the region. The athletes of determination and their families spoke to Khaleej Times about their joy and ability to face challenges, especially as participants from the desert who played and won in snow-based games for the first time. The UAE sent 11 determined athletes. The team competed in six sports: Alpine Skiing, Snowshoeing, Figure Skating, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowboarding, and Short-Track Speed Skating. Training paid off Among the medalists was Meena Al Mazrouei, 23, who competed in snowboarding. She shared: 'Maintaining balance and posture for inclines and turns takes intense training and mental focus. It was snowing, freezing, and at times I felt exhausted and overwhelmed — but our coaches were there, constantly encouraging us.' She recalled one particularly emotional moment: 'I began crying—I felt like I couldn't breathe. Coach Lina told me to take 10 deep breaths in a row. I did, and I felt better. That moment taught me the power of staying calm under pressure.' Pushing through the pain Twenty-year-old Salma AlSlami, who secured a silver and a bronze in snowshoeing, shared how she battled an unexpected injury. 'I hurt my toe badly before the competition — it got slammed into a door. The nail was bruised, and the pain was intense. But I told myself: either the injury wins, or I do.' Thick fog also posed a challenge during the competition. 'Visibility was low—I needed glasses to see better,' she explained. 'Still, I pushed through and never stopped.' Golden answer As the snow settled over Turin, it was clear that the determined athletes from the UAE had left their mark — not only on the ice but also in hearts across the world. At 33, Zalikha AlMansoori made her first appearance at the Special Olympics World Winter Games — and walked away with a gold medal in Cross Country Skiing. She was selected by the committee after showing promise during training. Her family played a significant role in her journey, driving her twice a week from Ras Al Khaimah to Dubai for training. 'They believed in me. They were always by my side,' she said. The family recalled the scepticism AlMansoori and other athletes faced. 'Competitors said, do you really think you'll win medals coming from the desert?' But the victory proved otherwise. 'They showed they have the will and strength. This gave them the push to keep going,' AlMansoori's family said. A father's motivation, a son's victory Abdullah AlNuaimi, 23, was among the top performers in snowboarding. His father, Walid Al-Nuaimi, explained how he first enrolled his son—who has a communication disorder — at the People of Determination Club in Ras Al Khaimah. 'He was hesitant to travel,' Walid said, 'but I told him this is not just a trip—it's an opportunity to represent the UAE.' Abdullah competed in three competitions over three days, winning gold and bronze medals. 'He overcame his fear and proved to himself—and to us—that he could do it,' his father said. Mothers behind the champions Many athletes' families have been part of their journey for years. Hamda Al Hosani's mother, whose daughter has been competing in the Special Olympics since 2008, said, 'We've been part of Zayed Higher Organisation since 2002. I couldn't travel with her because the competition happened during Ramadan, but I prayed for her every day. She trained in freezing temperatures and came back stronger.' Another proud parent, Um Salma from Abu Dhabi, began her journey as a volunteer. 'When my daughter was in school, we volunteered at the Olympics. She loved the atmosphere of the competitions, so we signed her up. Within a month, she competed in Egypt — and won gold.'
CairoScene
18-03-2025
- Sport
- CairoScene
UAE Team Wins 16 Medals at Turin's Special Olympics World Winter Games
Four UAE athletes, Meena Al Mazrouei, Yousif Al Mulla, Zulekha Al Mansoori and Abdullah Al Nuaimi, took home a gold medal. Mar 18, 2025 Representing their country for the first time at the Special Olympics World Winter Games, the UAE team secured 16 medals—four gold, five silver, and seven bronze—in Turin, Italy. The UAE delegation featured 11 athletes competing in disciplines such as snow-running, cross-country skiing, figure skating, alpine skiing, short-track speed skating, and skateboarding. Among the gold medalists were Meena Al Mazrouei in Novice Super-G Snowboarding, Yousif Al Mulla in Novice-G Alpine Skiing, Abdullah Al Nuaimi in Giant Slalom Snowboarding, and Zulekha Al Mansoori in the 100m Cross-Country Skiing event. To prepare for the competition, the UAE team underwent rigorous training, including a specialised camp in Uzbekistan in January 2025, followed by a final training programme in Dubai in March. The event, which concluded this week, brought together 1,500 athletes from 102 countries, showcasing talent across various winter sports. Founded in 1968, the Special Olympics movement advocates global acceptance by spotlighting world-class athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Dubai Eye
18-03-2025
- Sport
- Dubai Eye
UAE athletes win 16 Special Olympic medals in Turin
The Special Olympics UAE delegation won 16 medals, four gold, five silver and seven bronze at the Special Olympics World Winter in Turin. The medal tally is the best ever for a delegation from the MENA region at the Games. The 11-member UAE team competed across six disciplines: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, alpine skiing, speed skating and snowboarding - the largest number of sports among delegations from across MENA, The UAE's participation in the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, which hosted 1,500 athletes from 102 countries, highlights the nation's commitment to advancing inclusion in sports. The Special Olympics UAE athletes underwent extensive training programs in the lead-up to the Games, including two training camps, one in Uzbekistan in January 2025 and another in Dubai in March 2025. UAE athletes underwent comprehensive health screenings as part of the Healthy Athletes Program, ensuring their well-being throughout the competition. This initiative is a core component of Special Olympics International's ongoing commitment to athlete health and development. With their performance at Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, the UAE team has reinforced the UAE's position as a global leader in promoting sports for People of Determination. Meena Al Mazrouei won gold in the Novice Super-G Snowboarding, silver in the Slalom Snowboarding and bronze in the Giant Slalom Snowboarding. Zulekha Al Mansoori secured gold in the 100m Cross-Country Skiing. Yousif Al Mulla won gold in the Novice-G Alpine Skiing and bronze in both the Slalom Alpine Skiing and Novice Super-G Alpine Skiing. Kholoud Al Khoori won silver in the 500m Speed Skating and bronze in the 333m Speed Skating and 777m Speed Skating. Abdullah Al Nuaimi won gold in the Giant Slalom Snowboarding and bronze in the Novice Super-G Snowboarding. Salma Al Salami secured silver in the 200m Snowshoeing and bronze in the 100m Snowshoeing. Hazza Al Mehairbi won silver in the Figure Skating – Singles, while Ahmed Al Jilani won silver in the 100m Snowshoeing. Hamda Al Hosani came fourth place in the Figure Skating – Singles and Khalifa Al Amiri can fourth in the Cross-Country Skiing.
ARN News Center
17-03-2025
- Sport
- ARN News Center
UAE athletes win 16 Special Olympic medals in Turin
The Special Olympics UAE delegation won 16 medals, four gold, five silver and seven bronze at the Special Olympics World Winter in Turin. The medal tally is the best ever for a delegation from the MENA region at the Games. The 11-member UAE team competed across six disciplines: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, alpine skiing, speed skating and snowboarding - the largest number of sports among delegations from across MENA, The UAE's participation in the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, which hosted 1,500 athletes from 102 countries, highlights the nation's commitment to advancing inclusion in sports. The Special Olympics UAE athletes underwent extensive training programs in the lead-up to the Games, including two training camps, one in Uzbekistan in January 2025 and another in Dubai in March 2025. UAE athletes underwent comprehensive health screenings as part of the Healthy Athletes Program, ensuring their well-being throughout the competition. This initiative is a core component of Special Olympics International's ongoing commitment to athlete health and development. With their performance at Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, the UAE team has reinforced the UAE's position as a global leader in promoting sports for People of Determination. Meena Al Mazrouei won gold in the Novice Super-G Snowboarding, silver in the Slalom Snowboarding and bronze in the Giant Slalom Snowboarding. Zulekha Al Mansoori secured gold in the 100m Cross-Country Skiing. Yousif Al Mulla won gold in the Novice-G Alpine Skiing and bronze in both the Slalom Alpine Skiing and Novice Super-G Alpine Skiing. Kholoud Al Khoori won silver in the 500m Speed Skating and bronze in the 333m Speed Skating and 777m Speed Skating. Abdullah Al Nuaimi won gold in the Giant Slalom Snowboarding and bronze in the Novice Super-G Snowboarding. Salma Al Salami secured silver in the 200m Snowshoeing and bronze in the 100m Snowshoeing. Hazza Al Mehairbi won silver in the Figure Skating – Singles, while Ahmed Al Jilani won silver in the 100m Snowshoeing. Hamda Al Hosani came fourth place in the Figure Skating – Singles and Khalifa Al Amiri can fourth in the Cross-Country Skiing.
