Our champions, the UAE Special Olympics Sailing Team, made an impressive mark at the conclusion of the inaugural Special Olympic MENA Sailing Competition – Dubai 2024. The event was successfully organized by the Dubai International Marine Club with the support of the Dubai Sports Council, in partnership with the UAE Special Olympics and under the supervision of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation.
The UAE team showcased exceptional skills, earning podium positions by competing for top spots in four categories. Their remarkable performance resulted in multiple medals after days of intense competition on the waters of Dubai Islands, alongside Arab teams from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Morocco, and Syria.
The duo of Mohammed Al Zubaidi and Omar Al Hammadi, accompanied by their unified partner Mohammed Al Owais, along with the duo of Marwan Ibrahim and Zayed Al Amri, accompanied by their unified partner Sultan Al Owais, successfully secured a shared silver medal in the third-level race.
Our champion Mohammed Ali Al Zubaidi and his unified partner Mohammed Al Owais won the silver medal in the second category of the second level, while our champion Marwan Ibrahim and his unified partner Sultan Al Owais claimed the bronze medal in the first category of the second level.
The champions received their medals during a joyful ceremony attended by dignitaries, parents, and public visitors. The event was graced by His Excellency Mohammed Khalifa Al Nuaimi, Member of the Board of Trustees of the Special Olympics UAE and Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee; Mohammed Abdullah Al Obaidli, Secretary General of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation; Mohammed Al Marri, Director of the Sports Affairs Department at DIMC; Dr. Maryam Al Matrooshi, Head of the Sports Council at Dubai Police; and Dr. Sherif Al Fouly, Head of the Games and Competitions Sector at the Regional Presidency of Special Olympics International.
Ambition
Sadika Al Ansari, Secretary General of Ambition Sports Club and Head of the Kuwait Special Olympics delegation, presented honorary shields to Dubai International Marine Club, the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, and UAE Special Olympics.
The Best
The organizing committee selected the distinguished Tunisian coach, Qassim Bin Jamea, technical director of the Bahrain Special Olympics team, to receive the Best Coach Award in the first edition. This recognition followed the Bahraini Special Olympics champions' exceptional performance, securing numerous positions in the second and third levels.
Second Edition
His Excellency Mohammed Khalifa Al Nuaimi, Member of the Board of Trustees of the Special Olympics UAE and Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee, handed over the Special Olympics flag and the first regional sailing competition to Dr. Sherif El-Fouly, Head of the Games and Competitions Sector at the Regional Presidency of Special Olympics International, in preparation for its transfer to the host city of the second edition.
Community Happiness
The Dubai Police musical band captivated the audience with a stunning performance before the closing ceremony, while Policewoman Amna from the General Department of Community Happiness added a special touch to the celebration of the Special Olympics champions.
Marshall
The organizing committee expressed gratitude for the efforts of the volunteer Marshall team, who supported the event throughout the tournament.
