Latest news with #SpecialOlympicsWorldWinterGames
Belfast Telegraph
a day ago
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Craigavon ski club volunteers help Special Olympians strike gold in Turin
Athletes Lucy Best and Caolan McConville recently returned from the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin with two gold medals each for Team Ireland. Their journey to the podium began on Monday nights at Craigavon's Ski Ability club, where they trained alongside long-standing volunteers Jill Coulter-Sloan and Jane McDowell. The club, which caters for people with intellectual disabilities, has been running for nearly 30 years and was originally founded for Lucy, who as a child dreamed of skiing but had no suitable local facilities. Since then, Ski Ability has grown to include members aged between 8 and 53, opening the door to winter sports for dozens of athletes. Head Coach Jill Coulter-Sloan has been involved since day one said: 'To stand at the bottom of the slope in Turin and watch them win gold – I don't think I've ever been prouder,' she said. 'It's a privilege to be part of their journey.' Jane McDowell, another long-time volunteer, first came to the club with her children more than 15 years ago. 'Now, even though the kids are grown, we're all still here,' she said. 'It's not just a ski club, it's a family. You see the difference it makes in people's lives – the confidence, the friendships – it's incredible.' The club's past highlights include a silver medal win for 45-year-old skier Cyril Walker at the 2017 World Winter Games in Austria, where he was presented with his medal by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The success in Turin comes during Volunteers' Week, as Special Olympics Ulster encourages more people to get involved with their local clubs. Volunteers play a key role in helping children and adults with intellectual disabilities train, compete, and thrive.
Mid East Info
08-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
OAB Celebrates Omani Achievements at Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 - Middle East Business News and Information
Muscat, Oman – 8 May 2025: Oman Arab Bank (OAB) is pleased to be part of the Special Olympics World Winter Games – Turin 2025, supporting the participation of Special Olympics Oman in this global event that celebrates strength, determination, and excellence. This cooperation comes within the bank's steadfast commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and supporting members of the community. It aims to empower the Omani champions as they represent the Sultanate and achieve accomplishments on the international stage. This stems from the bank's belief that sports have the potential to enable individuals to overcome challenges, and it is proud to have been part of their inspiring journey. This year's Games saw six determined champions from Oman representing the Sultanate in snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and short track speed skating. Together, they brought home an impressive total of seven medals, including gold, silver, and bronze — a proud moment for the Sultanate of Oman and a testament to the spirit of perseverance. Commenting on OAB's support for the Special Olympics, Mr. Sulaiman Al Harthi, CEO of Oman Arab Bank, said: 'At Oman Arab Bank, we believe in the power of inclusion and the importance of creating spaces where every individual can thrive. Supporting the Special Olympics is not just about sport — it's about values. It's about determination, equality, and celebrating the human spirit. We are incredibly proud of our Omani athletes and honored to play a role in their journey.' Oman Arab Bank's support contributed to enabling the Omani team's participation in the Special Olympics World Winter Games by providing the necessary resources, reflecting the bank's ongoing commitment to supporting Special Olympics programs in the Sultanate of Oman. The Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 brought together thousands of athletes from across the globe in a shared vision of unity and possibility. Oman Arab Bank is proud to have stood behind Oman's champions, reinforcing its promise to support initiatives that make a lasting impact.
Observer
18-04-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Snow Oman honours Omani Special Olympics champions
Muscat: Majid Al Futtaim, represented by Snow Oman, organised a special ceremony to honour the Omani Special Olympics champions in celebration of their return from the Special Olympics World Winter Games 'Turin 2025'. The event was held at Snow Oman in Oman Mall under the auspices of Olivier Saez, Vice-President of Global Snow and in the presence of Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth and Mohammed al Rashdi, Chairman of Special Olympics Oman. This tribute was in recognition of the outstanding achievement by the Omani delegation, which included six athletes with intellectual disabilities who competed in three winter sports during the Games held in Turin, Italy, from March 8 to 15. The team earned a total of seven medals: one gold, two silvers and four bronzes. The collaboration with Snow Oman played a crucial role in the success of the team's preparation. Athlete Husam al Amri won the gold medal in the 300-metre speed skating race and a silver medal in the 200-metre event of the same sport. Meanwhile, Al Bara al Battashi secured a silver in the 100-metre Cross Country Skiing race. The bronze medals were earned by Ritaj al Salmi in the 200-metre and 100-metre speed skating events, Al Batashi added another bronze in snowshoeing and Amira al Raisi won bronze in the 200-metre Snowshoeing event. Olivier Saez, during the ceremony said: 'We're thrilled to welcome you back to Snow Oman, your training home and now the place celebrating your incredible achievements. Your determination, heart and resilience have been truly inspiring. You didn't just win medals —you brought back powerful stories of courage and growth that moved us all. To the coaches, thank you for your dedication. You've shaped confident individuals ready to take on life beyond the Games. This milestone reflects hard work, commitment and belief. Snow Oman is proud to have supported your journey. Together, we continue building a future where inclusion in sport is the norm, not the exception. At Majid Al Futtaim, we believe in sport's power to break barriers and create opportunities for all.' Husam al Amri won the gold medal in the 300-metre speed skating race and a silver in the 200-metre event of the same race. Khamis al Muqbali, Sports Director at Special Olympics Oman, emphasised that the participation was filled with challenges and achievements, noting that the Omani delegation consisted of 21 members including athletes, coaches and team leaders, with six athletes competing in three winter sports. He said, 'The competitions saw a world-class level of participation, but our athletes managed to prove their capabilities and achieve honourable results.' He pointed out that the collaboration with Snow Oman played a crucial role in the success of the team's preparation, stating, 'They provided us with the right facilities and equipment and were true partners in the training process. This greatly helped us adapt to the winter sports environment, which is vastly different from our usual Gulf climate.' The team included six athletes with intellectual disabilities who competed in three winter sports. Al Muqbali also praised the significant role of parents in supporting their children, through their dedication to attending training sessions and constantly motivating the athletes, affirming that this support was a key factor in the team's success. He extended his gratitude to the Board of Directors of Special Olympics Oman, National Director Nabeel al Harthi and the coaches for their efforts in supporting the athletes. He concluded by highlighting the Special Olympics' plans to expand the base of sports practitioners across the Sultanate of Oman, with initiatives including local championships in sports such as table tennis, equestrian and swimming; and organising regular competitions at designated training centres. He also noted the programme's regional accomplishments, such as hosting the Gulf Athletics Championship at Ibri Sports Complex in 2023 and expressed aspirations for more tournaments in the future to develop skills and enhance the level of Omani athletes.
Gulf Today
15-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE athletes from Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin get heroes' welcome
Majid Al Futtaim's Ski Dubai, in partnership with the UAE Winter Sports Federation, welcomed the UAE delegation of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 at a homecoming celebration in their honour. The ceremony was held at the Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, reinforcing the nation's commitment to championing and advancing inclusion in sports. The UAE delegation, composed of 11 athletes of determination, proudly represented the nation as their largest team to date at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. Held from March 8-15, the delegation achieved outstanding success, securing an impressive tally of 16 medals, including four gold, five silver, and seven bronze medals. During their homecoming celebration, the athletes showcased their world-class talent by performing a synchronised skiing and snowboarding run and carrying the UAE Flag and Special Olympics Flag on the snow-covered slopes of Ski Dubai, in front of their families, coaches, senior officials from the UAE Government and Special Olympics UAE, Majid Al Futtaim. The event was graced by Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of the Special Olympics UAE, Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, Ignace Lahoud, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, Mohammad El Etri, Managing Director of Operations of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, and representatives of Special Olympics UAE. Hashemi said 'We are incredibly proud of our athletes who represented the UAE with passion, perseverance, and pride at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. Their remarkable achievement of 16 medals is not just a testament to their talent, but also to the power of inclusion and what can be accomplished when individuals of determination are given the opportunity to thrive. 'Our heartfelt thanks go to Majid Al Futtaim and the UAE Winter Sports Federation for their unwavering support in preparing our delegation. This homecoming celebration is a reminder of the progress we are making as a nation towards building a more inclusive sporting community.' Lahoud said: 'We are extremely proud to see our homegrown athletes achieve the historic victory they deserve. For over a year, our world-class facilities at Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi have been a training ground for their incredible talent, determination, and resilience, and now the rest of the world has witnessed it too.' 'Majid Al Futtaim is committed to making winter sports accessible for all, right in the heart of the desert. Through the transformative power of sports, we aim to foster inclusivity and celebrate diversity among people of determination. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Special Olympics and UAE Winter Sports Federation to continue achieving the extraordinary.' Since 2024, the ongoing partnership between Majid Al Futtaim and Special Olympics UAE have made winter sports even more accessible to athletes with intellectual disabilities by focusing on talent identification, team building, skill development, performance monitoring, and overall readiness, empowering them to reach new heights and represent their country on the global stage.
Mid East Info
14-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
UAE Athletes from Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 Celebrate Homecoming at Ski Dubai - Middle East Business News and Information
11 UAE athletes of determination return home with 16 medals after competing in six winter sports from 08-15 March in Turin, Italy Homecoming celebration was hosted by Majid Al Futtaim's Ski Dubai, in partnership with Special Olympics UAE and UAE Winter Sports Federation Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Majid Al Futtaim's Ski Dubai, in partnership with the UAE Winter Sports Federation, proudly welcomed the UAE delegation of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 at a homecoming celebration in their honour on 10 April at Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, reinforcing the nation's commitment to championing and advancing inclusion in sports. The UAE delegation, comprised of 11 athletes of determination, proudly represented the nation as its largest team to date at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. Held from 08-15 March, the delegation achieved outstanding success, securing an impressive tally of 16 medals, including 4 Gold, 5 Silver, and 7 Bronze medals. During their homecoming celebration, the athletes showcased their world-class talent by performing a synchronised skiing and snowboarding run and carrying the UAE Flag and Special Olympics Flag on the snow-covered slopes of Ski Dubai, in front of their families, coaches, senior officials from the UAE Government, Special Olympics UAE, Majid Al Futtaim, and key media partners. The exclusive event was held in the presence of H.E. Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of the Special Olympics UAE, Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, Ignace Lahoud, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, Mohammad El Etri, Managing Director of Operations of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, and representatives of Special Olympics UAE. H.E. Talal Al Hashemi, National Director, Special Olympics UAE, said 'We are incredibly proud of our athletes who represented the UAE with passion, perseverance, and pride at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. Their remarkable achievement of 16 medals is not just a testament to their talent, but also to the power of inclusion and what can be accomplished when individuals of determination are given the opportunity to thrive. Our heartfelt thanks go to Majid Al Futtaim and the UAE Winter Sports Federation for their unwavering support in preparing our delegation. This homecoming celebration is a reminder of the progress we are making as a nation towards building a more inclusive sporting community.' Ignace Lahoud, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, said, 'We are extremely proud to see our homegrown athletes achieve the historic victory they deserve. For over a year, our world-class facilities at Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi have been a training ground for their incredible talent, determination, and resilience, and now the rest of the world has witnessed it too.' 'Majid Al Futtaim is committed to making winter sports accessible for all, right in the heart of the desert. Through the transformative power of sports, we aim to foster inclusivity and celebrate diversity among people of determination. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Special Olympics and UAE Winter Sports Federation to continue achieving the extraordinary.' Since 2024, the ongoing partnership between Majid Al Futtaim and Special Olympics UAE have made winter sports even more accessible to athletes with intellectual disabilities by focusing on talent identification, team building, skill development, performance monitoring, and overall readiness, empowering them to reach new heights and represent their country on the global stage.
