Success of first Special Olympics UAE Games widely praised

Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE Esports Federation, praised the success of the UAE Special Olympics, which held its first edition in June last year and saw the participation of more than 600 male and female athletes who represented various clubs and centres in the country..

“The first edition of this unique initiative brought us many outstanding participants from people with disabilities, determination, spirit and developmental challenges, as well as inspiring role models who have overcome obstacles with will and defiance,” he said.“.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi, Chairman of the UAE Bodybuilding Federation, also congratulated the Special Olympics Foundation on the successful organization of the inaugural event..

He stressed that the event coincides with the outstanding and sustainable success of the UAE Special Olympics Foundation in supporting people of determination to take up sports activities, an initiative that has many sporting and social implications..

His Excellency Ghanem Mubarak Al Hajri, Director General of the General Authority of Sports, explained that the holding of the first edition reflects the direction of the National Sports Strategy 2031, which aims to promote the practice of sports among all members of society, especially people of determination, and that the success of this event represents a qualitative leap in empowering people of determination and providing them with appropriate opportunities to effectively participate in sports activities at local and international levels..

His Excellency Major General Ismail Al Gergawi, President of the UAE and Arab Basketball Federation, affirmed that the selection of basketball as one of the main events of the tournament contributed to local support for the sport and thanked the active participation of committed and determined people who were integrated into society during the tournament, which gave them the opportunity to successfully practice the sport..

His Excellency Mohammed Sheliwih Khalifa Al Qubaisi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Bowling Federation, congratulated and appreciated the UAE Special Olympics Foundation for the successful organization of the event, explaining that the UAE Bowling Federation, which signed a partnership agreement during the event to collaborate with the UAE Special Olympics Foundation to host the UAE Games, hopes to continue on the path of excellence and achievement..