Latest news with #TalalAlHashemi
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.
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.
Khaleej Times
17-03-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
UAE Special Olympics team clinches 16 medals at World Winter Games Turin 2025
The UAE delegation has achieved an exceptional sporting feat at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 wwhich wrapped up on March 16. The team clinched a remarkable total of 16 medals — four gold, five silver, and seven bronze — showcasing their incredible talent and determination. The UAE Special Olympics team, which included 11 athletes with intellectual and developmental challenges, showcased their skills across a range of winter sports, including snow running, cross-country skiing, figure skating, alpine skiing, short track speed skating, and skateboarding. This impressive achievement marks yet another milestone in the UAE's sporting achievements at the first Winter Games since Abu Dhabi hosted the 2019 World Summer Games. It is also the greatest achievement for the Middle East and North Africa region. Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE and Head of Mission to Turin 2025, expressed his happiness with the exceptional achievement. He said that this accomplishment is the result of great effort and dedication that continued for several months of training and preparation.
Al Etihad
11-03-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Special Olympics UAE delegation to participate in Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025
7 Mar 2025 23:55 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)A UAE delegation represented by Special Olympics UAE will participate in the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, which will be held from March 9-15 in Italy. Led by Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of the Special Olympics UAE, the delegation includes 30 members, among them 11 Athletes of Determination with intellectual and developmental disabilities, competing in six winter sports—the highest number a delegation from the Middle East and North Africa will compete six winter sports are snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, alpine skiing, short-track speed skating, and snowboarding. This level of participation reflects the UAE's growing commitment to expanding opportunities in winter sports for people with intellectual and developmental Al Hashemi, National Director at Special Olympics UAE, said: "Our athletes have shown exceptional dedication throughout their training, and we take great pride in their journey to Turin 2025.' He added, 'The participation in the 2025 Winter Games is part of our ongoing mission to provide global sporting opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring they are empowered to compete, succeed and inspire. Our leadership fully supports them, and we stand behind them as they represent the UAE. We also extend our deepest gratitude to our strategic partners and supporters, whose contributions have been instrumental in making this journey possible."The athletes were selected from leading clubs across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination, Dubai Club for People of Determination, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, Ajman Club for Disabled and Ras Al Khaimah Club for People of Determination. The delegation has received strong institutional backing, with Majid Al Futtaim as the official partner and the UAE Winter Sports Federation as a supporting partner. Journey to Greatness Mohammad El Etri, Managing Director at Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, said: 'At Majid Al Futtaim, we take immense pride in having played a key role in shaping the UAE delegation on their journey to greatness. Through dedicated training led by our coaches — both at home and abroad — we have witnessed the unwavering resilience, determination, and heart of these athletes. Our partnership with Special Olympics UAE is about more than just competition; it is a commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and breaking barriers. As they set their sights on Turin 2025, the coaches will be there, cheering them on every step of the way. I look forward to celebrating their achievements and witnessing the incredible moments that will inspire generations." Extensive Training Hamel Al Qubaisi, Vice President at UAE Winter Sports Federation, said: "We are honoured to support the UAE delegation as they prepare to participate in the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. The athletes have undergone extensive training, refining their skills across all six sports. Sport remains one of the most powerful tools for inclusion and empowerment, and this participation is a testament to the limitless potential of People of Determination. We hope their performance will inspire even greater engagement with winter sports across the UAE."The Special Olympics UAE organised an intensive training programme in collaboration with the UAE Winter Sports Federation and Majid Al Futtaim (Ski Dubai and Snow Abu Dhabi), ensuring that the athletes are fully prepared for competition. Team preparations included two training camps, the first of which was held in Uzbekistan in January, while the second concluded recently in Dubai. Preparations also included winter sports coaching development programmes in November 2024 to enhance training the first World Winter Games since the landmark Special Olympics UAE World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, Turin 2025 represents a new chapter in the UAE's leadership in inclusive sports. The delegation's participation builds on previous international successes, including Special Olympics UAE's record-breaking performance at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, where the UAE team secured the strongest results in the Middle East and North Special Olympics UAE athletes selected for the upcoming World Winter Games Turin 2025 include Yousef Al Mulla, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS); Mouza Al Hamed, Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination; Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Ras Al Khaimah Club for People of Determination; Mina Al Mazrouei, Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination; Khalifa Al Ameri, Dubai Club for People of Determination; Zulekha Al Mansoori, Ajman Club for Disabled; Kholoud Al Khoori, Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination; Salma Al Salami, Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination; Ahmed Al Jilani, Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination; Hamda Al Hosani, Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination, and Hazza Al Mehairbi, Abu Dhabi Club for People of October 2017, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced Special Olympics UAE as an independent organisation dedicated to changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was appointed as the Honorary President, and Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui as Chairperson of the Board of organisation aims to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through sports while providing them with leadership opportunities to help them display their talents and integrate them with mainstream Special Olympics UAE has launched a variety of community programmes, including those focused on families and young athletes. It has also introduced a number of initiatives to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to create a more inclusive society. The Special Olympics of the UAE received international recognition from the International Special Olympics Foundation-USA in December 2017. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
