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First Special Olympics MENA Sailing concludes today

06 October 2024

First Special Olympics MENA Sailing -Dubai 2024 concludes today at Dubai Islands which is organized by Dubai International Marine Club with the support of Dubai Sports Council and in partnership with UAE Special Olympics under the supervision of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation.

Six teams are competing for the competition titles: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Morocco, and Syria, along with our champions in the UAE team, across two categories. The first is for the second level (a doubles team consisting of a unified partner and a player from the Special Olympics), with 10 teams competing. The second is for the third level (a trio in a boat consisting of a unified partner and players from the Special Olympics), with 5 teams participating on RS Venture boats.

The awarding ceremony for the first Special Olympic MENA Sailing Competition – Dubai 2024 is set to take place this Sunday, where the winners of the four races will be honored—three from the second category and one from the third category.

The event’s closing will feature the ceremonial handover of the competition flag to the Special Olympics International representative for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region by the organizing committee. This marks the competition’s successful conclusion in its inaugural edition on the beaches of Dubai and in the waters of the Dubai Islands, as it moves on to a new destination.

The charming beaches were bustling with activity over the past few days, as Special Olympics champions showcased their remarkable energy, creative talents, and tremendous abilities, painting a beautiful picture of their road to excellence and success.

The stages witnessed fierce competition among the participants. Representing our national team were Omar Al-Hammadi, Mohammed Al-Zubaidi, Zayed Al-Amri, and Marwan Ibrahim, along with two partner players—Mohammed and Sultan Khaled Al-Owais from Al-Hamriyah Club and the national sailing team. Kuwait’s team included Suleiman Al-Nasser, Nawaf Awad, and partner players Abdulrahman Al-Kandari and Manaf Al-Wahib.

Bahrain’s team was represented by Mohammed Al-Ali and Ali Al-Maitqawi, along with partner players Walid Daran and Ahmed Abdullah Siddiq. Saudi Arabia fielded Ahmed Hidayat Allah Hakimi and partner player Abdulaziz Khaled Al-Qassab. The Moroccan team included Yassin Dhaoumi and Monem Al-Wahabi, alongside partner players Walid Qaddour and Yassin Mahdi. Syria was represented by Maysoun Al-Mawri and partner player Yasser Al-Akhdar.


Follow-up


The first regional competition is receiving significant attention from the Special Olympics International for the Middle East and North Africa region. Dr. Sherif Al-Fouly, Head of the Games and Competitions Sector, and Dr. Imad Mohi El-Din, Head of the Sports and Training Sector, were both in attendance at the events.


Praise


Abdel Hamid Morsi, head of the referees committee for the regional competition, praised the high level of organization and technical expertise demonstrated throughout the event. He commended the professional effort put into selecting the location, competitions, and racecourse, all of which contributed to the success of each stage. He emphasized that the event's success was made possible by the sincere efforts and strong cooperation between all parties involved, culminating in today’s conclusion.