The spotlight is on Dubai Islands today as the waters come alive with the launch of the first-ever Special Olympics MENA Sailing competition. Organized by the Dubai International Marine Club, the prestigious event is being held under the Dubai Sports Council, in collaboration with UAE Special Olympics and under the careful supervision of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation.
This historic competition, which will run until Sunday, marks a significant milestone for the region's sports scene, bringing together athletes of determination from across the Middle East and North Africa to showcase their skills and determination on the water.
The competition were officially launched yesterday during the opening ceremony at Sardal Hall in the Westin Mina Seyahi, with the participation of dignitaries, heads and members of the organizing committees, officials, and representatives of the delegations from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Morocco, and Syria, in addition to the UAE national team.
His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, welcomed the guests and delegations participating in the competition, which is being held for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region, with six teams taking part. He praised the efforts of the Dubai International Marine Club (the host), the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, and Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa (the organizing body) in making this unique event a success, noting that the UAE is hosting it for the first time, further confirming its leadership and consistent excellence.
His Excellency said, "We appreciate the efforts of the organizing committee and all the entities supporting people of determination with mental and developmental challenges in the country. We hope these efforts will be added to the record of tireless initiatives by the wise leadership to integrate individuals with mental and developmental challenges, directing all capabilities and resources to prepare this group to excel in all fields. I hope that the first regional sailing competition for the Special Olympics will inspire more athletes with disabilities and unified partners across the region to take up sailing, and that the competitions will unfold in an atmosphere of friendliness and fun, giving people of determination the chance to develop their skills and make new friends.
Al Hashemi urged all segments of society to attend the competition site at Dubai Islands to support the champions in this challenge, instill enthusiasm in the players, and experience the competition up close while enjoying the atmosphere.
It is worth noting that the first day of the inaugural regional sailing competition for the Special Olympics was preceded by a successful technical meeting between the organizing committee and the heads and directors of the participating delegations. This meeting aimed to clarify instructions and discuss competition procedures. On the first day, the teams were divided to ensure fair competition among groups of similar skill levels.
The competitions feature two categories using “RS Venter” boats. The first category is for the second level, comprising a doubles team consisting of a unified partner and a Special Olympics athlete, with 10 teams competing. The second category is for the third level, involving a trio in a boat consisting of a unified partner and Special Olympics athletes, with 5 teams participating.
