Latest news with #OlympicsUAE
Al Etihad
02-04-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Special Olympics UAE team secures 16 medals at Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025
2 Apr 2025 14:41 ABU DHABI (ABU DHABI)The Special Olympics UAE team delegation has secured 16 medals – 4 gold, 5 silver, and 7 bronze – at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, which took place in historic victory presents the best results for a delegation from the MENA region at the games and reinforces the UAE's commitment to inclusion, building on the legacy of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi in the largest number of sports among delegations from across the MENA Region, the 11-member UAE team showcased their talents across six disciplines: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, alpine skiing, speed skatingو and Director, Special Olympics UAE and Head of Delegation to Turin 2025, His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, said, "I have witnessed firsthand the resilience and determination of our athletes as they competed on the snow-covered slopes of Turin. Their success is the result of months of rigorous training and preparation. Today, they return home with remarkable achievements, a testament to their diligent training and preparation."'We proudly dedicate this success to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, a steadfast supporter of People of Determination and a champion of inclusion. This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of our partners, coaches, and the families who supported our athletes every step of the way.'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 programmes in the lead-up to the games, including two training camps—one in Uzbekistan in January 2025 and another in Dubai in March 2025, before their departure to the official team sponsor, Mubadala played a pivotal role in supporting the delegation, alongside supporting partner the UAE Winter Sports Federation, and Majid Al Futtaim through Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi, the delegation's official a specialised coaching programme was conducted in November 2024 to ensure the team was fully prepared for Group CEO and Chief Corporate & Human Capital Officer at Mubadala, Homaid Al Shimmari, said, 'Mubadala is proud to stand behind our athletes as they compete on the world stage. Sports are a powerful tool for inclusion, fostering unity and opportunity for all. Special Olympics UAE team's participation reflects both our and the nation's dedication to ensuring empowerment and excellence in sports. Their journey to Turin and the great wins that they have secured are truly inspiring, and we are all delighted to have wholeheartedly supported them every step of the way.'Vice President, UAE Winter Sports Federation, Hamel Al Qubaisi, said, 'Seeing our athletes excel at the Winter Games fills us with pride. Their hard work inspires us immensely and reflects the UAE's commitment to inclusive sports. We hope that these incredible results will encourage greater participation in winter sports across the UAE.'Managing Director, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, Mohammad El Etri, said, "The incredible athletes' achievement at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 fills us with immense pride. This success is not only a testament to their talent, but also to their perseverance and the unwavering support of their coach, Leena Reda. Despite the challenges posed by the absence of natural snow in the UAE, Ski Dubai provided them with the chance to train relentlessly, fostering their growth and passion for winter sports. Leena's guidance and inspiration were truly transformative, and this victory is a culmination of hard work, dedication, and belief in their potential."The Special Olympics UAE team's achievements comprise: Mina Al Mazrouei, who won Gold in Novice Super-G Snowboarding, Silver in Slalom Snowboarding, and Bronze in Giant Slalom Snowboarding; Zulekha Al Mansoori, who won Gold in 100m Cross-Country Skiing; Yousef Al Mulla, who won Gold in Novice-G Alpine Skiing, and Bronze in Slalom Alpine Skiing and Novice Super-G Alpine Skiing respectively; Kholoud Al Khoori, who won Silver in the 500m Speed Skating event, and a bronze medal respectively for the 333m Speed Skating and 777m Speed Skating events; Abdullah Al Nuaimi won a Gold and Bronze medal for Giant Slalom Snowboarding and Novice Super-G Snowboarding respectively; Salma Al Salami won respective Silver and Bronze medals in the 200m Snowshoeing and 100m Snowshoeing events; Hazza Al Mehairbi won Silver in the Figure Skating – Singles competition; Ahmed Al Jilani, who won Silver in the 100m Snowshoeing event, and Hamda Al Hosani who secured fourth place in the Figure Skating – Singles event; and Khalifa Al Ameri, who secured fourth place in the 100m Cross-Country Skiing athletes underwent comprehensive health screenings as part of the Healthy Athletes Programme, 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.
The National
12-03-2025
- Sport
- The National
Snowboarder wins UAE's first ever gold medal at Special Olympics World Winter Games
Two Emirati athletes entered the record books on Wednesday by winning the UAE's first medals at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. Abdullah Al Nuaimi won a gold medal for snowboarding and Mina Al Mazrouei secured bronze, also for snowboarding. The UAE has sent 11 athletes with intellectual disabilities to the week-long inclusive international event that uses sport as a platform to break barriers and shatter preconceived notions about people with special needs. Posting celebratory video footage and photos on social media, the UAE team congratulated the medallists and described the moment as one that encapsulated 'unity and sportsmanship'. The team also expressed pride in the hard work, consistency and effort it took to qualify for the Games. 'We are incredibly proud of Abdulla Al Nuaimi and Meena Al Mazrouei's outstanding performances at this year's Special Olympics World Winter Games,' Talal Al Hashemi, national director of Special Olympics UAE, said. 'These medals are a testament to their perseverance and the consistent support of our wise leadership for people of determination. Their success represents the spirit and values of the UAE, and we are confident they will continue to achieve great things as the Games progress.' The two medals are the first won by any team from the Middle East and North Africa region in the Games, which end on March 15, the Special Olympics UAE team said. Mr Al Nuaimi, 23, represents the Ras Al Khaimah Club for People of Determination and Ms Al Mazrouei, 23, is from the Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination. The UAE team is competing in six disciplines: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, Alpine skiing, snowboarding, figure skating and short-track speedskating. This is the first time the UAE has sent a team to compete in the Games. In total, 1,500 athletes competing represent 102 delegations. Local clubs for people with special help support families with children who have intellectual disabilities by providing consistent support, access to training and equipment. The UAE athletes, many of whom are competing in a major sporting event for the first time, have been training for more than a year on ski slopes, snow parks and skating rinks in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. They were selected from more than 70 athletes from across the country who took part in trials over six months between 2023 and 2024. Their participation is part of the UAE's aim to develop a winter sport culture for families with children with disabilities with the best training facilities available for athletes. The country's Special Olympics sports federation has said will continue to work with athletes with disabilities so they can access opportunities in all sports and are able to obtain technical expertise from world-class coaches.
The National
09-03-2025
- Sport
- The National
UAE athlete holds aloft Special Olympics flag in ‘proud moment for all Emiratis'
Emirati athlete Mina Al Mazrouei holding the Special Olympics flag in the opening ceremony of the World Winter Games is international recognition of the UAE's empowerment of the disabled, said a senior official. Ms Al Mazroui was chosen along with a select number of athletes from 1,500 competitors from around the world at the opening of the games in Turin, Italy, on Saturday evening. The moment was described as a proud occasion for the Emirates by Talal Al Hashemi, national director of Special Olympics UAE and head of the UAE Delegation to Turin 2025. "Mina Al Mazrouei's participation in the opening ceremony represents a moment of pride and honour for all Emiratis," he said. "It reflects the global recognition of the UAE's deep commitment to supporting and empowering people of determination. I wish Team UAE the best of luck and success in all competitions. We are confident that they will continue to inspire the world, as they always have." The participation of the UAE in the Games builds on Abu Dhabi's hosting of the Special Olympics in 2019, he added. "Since the Abu Dhabi 2019 Games, we have witnessed a new era of empowerment and excellence for people of determination in the field of sports," said Mr Al Hashemi. "We have focused on investing in the strategy of supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental challenges, as adopted by our leadership. Today, we are all proud as we see our athlete Mina Al Mazrouei representing her country in the best possible way. This achievement reflects the hard work and specialist training programmes that the athletes have benefited from." The UAE team is competing in six disciplines: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, Alpine skiing, snowboarding, figure skating and short-track speedskating. The Special Olympics takes place from March 8 to 15. This is the first time the UAE has sent a team to compete in the Special Olympics World Winter Games. The 1,500 athletes competing represent 102 delegations. The Games aims to use the power of sport to foster inclusive communities and transform attitudes towards people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Sharjah 24
25-02-2025
- Health
- Sharjah 24
Khorfakkan for the Disabled hosts the Active Clubs Forum
Purpose of the Forum Surur Saeed Mohammed, Director of National Teams at the UAE Special Olympics, highlighted that the forum aimed to integrate people with disabilities into sports and encourage their participation. Bocce competitions and health services Around 50 athletes from various clubs and centres across the UAE participated in the forum, which featured competitive bocce matches. Alongside the competitions, the event also included general health and dental examinations for the participants. This initiative is part of the Special Olympics UAE's ongoing efforts to support people with disabilities and promote their well-being through sports and health services.
