Latest news with #SpecialOlympicsWorldWinterGames2025
Daily Tribune
11-03-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain represents MENA at Special Olympics opening in Turin
Bahrain Special Olympics delegation arrived in Turin, Italy, ready to take on the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025, running from March 7 to 16. The small but determined team wasted no time, diving into the event's mandatory medical checks to confirm their fitness and health ahead of the competition. It's a routine step, but one that speaks to the careful preparation behind their journey—a journey that's about more than medals, representing Bahrain on a global stage for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Mahmoud Mohsen and Rawan Al Saad will lace up for snowshoeing, a sport that demands both speed and grit on the snow-covered tracks. Mohsen is set to race in the 400m and 800m events, distances that test endurance as much as pace, while Al Saad will compete in the 25m and 50m sprints, where precision can make all the difference.
Daily Tribune
09-03-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Special Olympics Team heads to Turin 2025 with high hopes
The Bahrain Special Olympics team boarded their flight on Friday to Turin, Italy, bound for the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025, running from March 7 to 16. It is a big moment for this tight-knit group, heading to one of the most celebrated events for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Leading the charge are Mahmoud Ali Mohsen and Rawan Ismail Al Saad, two athletes who've been training hard to compete in snowshoeing—a tough sport that's all about grit and balance on icy ground. They left Bahrain with a mix of nerves and excitement, carrying the kingdom's flag into the global spotlight. Prepared and Proud Ahmed Hussain Makki, the team's technical director, has been putting Mahmoud and Rawan through their paces, making sure they're ready for the challenge ahead. These aren't new faces—they've been part of Bahrain's Special Olympics family for a while, and their dedication shows. Wafika Khalil Jamal, who's heading up the delegation, couldn't hide her optimism. 'They've got the heart and the skill to do us proud,' she said, her voice steady with belief. 'This is about showing what Bahrain can do on a stage like this.' Backing them up are Reza Sabt, the assistant head, and Khawla Al Busmait, the physio keeping everyone in fighting shape. Turin's Global Gathering The Winter Games are massive—102 countries, over 1,500 athletes, and a lineup of sports from skiing to snowshoeing. Turin's hosting for the first time, kicking things off on March 8 at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, with the closing ceremony a week later. It's not just about medals; it's about bringing people together, showing what's possible, and celebrating every effort. With 2,000 volunteers, 1,000 coaches, and 100,000 fans expected, the atmosphere will be electric. For Mahmoud and Rawan, it's a chance to race against the best and soak in a community that gets what they're about. Carrying Bahrain's Spirit The Special Olympics programme here has been quietly building something special, giving athletes like Mahmoud and Rawan a shot at the big time. As they step onto Turin's snow, they're not just chasing personal bests; they're showing what Bahrain stands for. With Ramadan starting mid-event, their commitment feels even bigger— echoing the same drive that saw the kingdom rally behind the Gulf Cup win. Back home, people are watching, hoping for a performance that'll spark the same kind of joy and togetherness.
Express Tribune
09-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Special Olympics Pakistan athletes ready to shine
The Special Olympics Pakistan contingent donning traditional Pakistani attire before departing for the Alpine Arena in Turin for the Special Olympics World Winter Games Opening Ceremony. PHOTO COURTESY: SOP The Pakistani male athletes and officials dazzled at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Opening Ceremony in Turin, Italy on Saturday. They were very excited about the opening ceremony, dressed in their traditional attire, shalwar kameez with waistcoats, while female athletes are wearing traditional shalwar kameez. The opening ceremony featured a musical program, a laser light show, and fireworks. Meanwhile, the Special Olympics International medical team, under its Healthy Athletes Program, conducted pilot screenings for Pakistani athletes participating in the World Winter Games to ensure their health and well-being. Through pediatric screenings, "Opening Eyes" vision tests, and "Fun Fitness" assessments, the medical team conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the athletes' health. It is important to note that good health plays a crucial role in grooming Special Athletes' abilities. Providing various medical facilities not only significantly improves their physical fitness and individual performance but also helps in addressing health issues through these specialized check-ups. Earlier according to a press release, the Special Olympics Pakistan (SOP) expressed their support and enthusiasm for the athletes. "SOP is proud to announce its participation in the upcoming Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025, set to take place from March 8 to March 15, 2025. This prestigious global event will bring together over 1,500 athletes from more than 93 countries, supported by 2,000 volunteers, in a celebration of inclusion, determination, and sportsmanship." It further detailed the participation in Turin, "Pakistan will be represented by a 25-member delegation, comprising athletes, coaches, officials, medical staff, and youth leaders. The athletes will compete in Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing, showcasing their dedication and resilience on the international stage. Additionally, six Pakistani delegates will participate in the Global Youth Leadership Summit (GYLS), advocating for inclusion and empowerment through sports." The delegation includes participants from Karachi, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Islamabad, Swabi, and Gilgit, reflecting the diverse representation of Pakistan's Special Olympics community. "We are thrilled to see our athletes take center stage at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025. Their hard work, perseverance, and passion for sports are truly inspiring. This platform allows them to compete internationally and become ambassadors of inclusion, breaking barriers and proving that ability triumphs over disability," says Ronak Lakhani - Chairperson of Special Olympics Pakistan. Special Olympics Pakistan remains committed to fostering an inclusive society where individuals with intellectual disabilities have opportunities to excel, both in sports and life. The team is eager to represent Pakistan with pride and determination, promoting the message of unity and resilience on the global stage.
Express Tribune
28-02-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Special Olympics: Pak athletes get a boost
Pakistan's athletes who will represent the country in Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 in Turin are seen with the SOP and Bank Alfalah officials at the ceremony. PHOTO: SOP A special ceremony was held at the Bank Al Falah head office on Thursday to extend the best wishes to Pakistan's athletes ahead of the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 in Turin, Italy. Bank Alfalah partnered with Special Olympics Pakistan (SOP), a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through year-round sports training and competitions. The SOP will be sending the athletes to the winter games for the third time. Previously, the country competed in 2013 and 2017. Ronak Lakhani, Chairperson and Board Member of Special Olympics Pakistan, expressed her enthusiasm for the 10 athletes: "This partnership is a game-changer in our mission to empower athletes with intellectual disabilities across Pakistan. By expanding our reach and creating more opportunities, we are supporting these athletes, breaking barriers, and redefining inclusion in sports. I do not doubt that these 10 extraordinary athletes will make Pakistan proud globally, inspiring countless others with their determination and resilience." The Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 is a major international sporting event scheduled from March 8 to March 15, 2025, in Turin, Italy, with the motto, "The Future is Here", reflecting its commitment to showcasing the abilities and achievements of athletes with intellectual disabilities, promoting inclusion and unity through sports. This event will unite over 500 athletes from 102 countries, competing across eight winter sports disciplines. It will include eight disciplines: Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, dance sport, figure skating, floorball, short-track speed skating, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. The athletes from Pakistan will be participating in Alpine Skiing and snowshoeing. Over the period of two years, the bank funded a PKR 9 million training program through this collaboration, benefiting 500 athletes. This collaboration supports SOP's objectives by engaging over 500 special and mainstream athletes through regular sports programming, organising live-in training camps for selected athletes, and developing a 50-coach and technical staff network. "Bank Alfalah believes in the power of sports to transform lives and build a more progressive and inclusive society," said Atif Bajwa, President and CEO of Bank Alfalah.
