The first Special Olympics MENA Regional Sailing Competition will be launched today, Wednesday, in the waters of Dubai Islands, a unique tourist destination along Dubai's shores. This event, being held for the first time in the region and the Middle East, will continue until Sunday (6th October 2024).
The major event is organized by the Dubai International Marine Club, with support from the Dubai Sports Council, as part of the new 2024-2025 sports season. It is being held in partnership with the Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa region and UAE Special Olympics, under the supervision of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation.
The Higher Organizing Committee of the event revealed, during a press conference held at the W Hotel - Mina Seyahi last Tuesday (October 1, 2024), the latest preparations and arrangements for the launch of the competitions, the event schedule, accompanying activities, and the participating teams and delegations. The players of the UAE national team, who are entering the competition with great ambitions, were also introduced.
The press conference was attended by Mohammed Khalifa Al Nuaimi, Member of the Board of Trustees of the Special Olympics UAE and Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Khalid bin Dasmal, Board Member of the Dubai International Marine Club, and Mohammed Abdullah Al Obaidli, Secretary General of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation.
Today (Wednesday), Dubai will welcome the delegation of participating teams, which includes six national teams from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Morocco, and Syria, in addition to the UAE national team.
The organizing committee extended its highest thanks and appreciation to the wise leadership of the United Arab Emirates for providing every opportunity to integrate people of determination and foster community partnership, ensuring a cohesive society filled with vitality and a positive spirit.
Mohammed Khalifa Al Nuaimi, Member of the Board of Trustees of the Special Olympics UAE and Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee, praised the tremendous efforts of the Dubai Sports Council, the Dubai International Marine Club (the event host), and the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation. He emphasized that their fruitful cooperation has culminated in organizing this unique competition, which is being held for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa.
Al Nuaimi stated that the Special Olympics UAE, through its plans and programs, aims to showcase the creativity of the Special Olympics athletes among people of determination. He noted that this new competition will significantly contribute by discovering exceptional talents in this forum and wished success to the members of the national team.
Khalid Khamis bin Dasmal, Board Member of the Dubai International Marine Club, welcomed this unique and major event organized by the club under the auspices of the Dubai Sports Council and in cooperation with the UAE Special Olympics and the Special Olympics for the Middle East and North Africa, under the supervision of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation. He conveyed the greetings of the Chairman and members of the Board of Directors to the organizing committee and participating delegations, expressing their best wishes for success to all and for everyone to enjoy these wonderful competitions that embody the true spirit of sports.
He mentioned that the Dubai International Marine Club has completed all preparations to begin the competition stages, which coincide with the start of the new 2024-2025 sports season. The competitions will take place from Wednesday to next Sunday at the scenic Dubai Islands. He also invited the public to attend and cheer on the athletes, encouraging people of determination in the Special Olympics.
Mohammed Abdullah Al Obaidli, Secretary-General of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, expressed his happiness with the fruitful partnership between the Dubai International Marine Club and the UAE Special Olympics, which has led to the successful organization of this unique competition being held for the first time, the event aligns perfectly with the aspirations of the Federation's Board of Directors, led by Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, who has worked for years to involve people of determination. Their efforts have resulted in the emergence of Special Olympics champions in the UAE national Champion series, as well as the support of national teams in international competitions, including the World Games.
6 Teams:
Six teams are participating in the first Special Olympics MENA Regional Sailing Competition, representing Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Morocco, Syria, and the UAE.
Two Categories:
The competition will include two categories. The first, at the Second Level, features a pair of unified partners and a player from the Special Olympics. The second, at the Third Level, includes a trio in a unified partner boat with players from the Special Olympics.
Official Opening and Delegations' Ceremony on Thursday:
The Dubai International Marine Club, in coordination with the organizing committee, has arranged a variety of programs and activities for the participants and delegations. The official launch ceremony of the championship will take place on Thursday (October 3, 2024) in the Al Serdal Hall at the Westin Hotel - Mina Seyahi.
Conclusion of the Competition on Sunday:
The first Special Olympics MENA Regional Sailing Competition will conclude next Sunday with a awarding ceremony for the champions in various categories, who will receive medals in the presence of esteemed guests at the event site on the beaches of Dubai Islands.
Program:
