Two UAE athletes brought glory to their country by bagging medals in their respective categories at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025.
Abdullah Al Nuaimi became the first athlete from UAE to clinch a gold medal for snowboarding while Mina Al Mazrouei secured a bronze.
UAE has fielded 11 athletes with intellectual disabilities in the week-long marquee event that uses sport to break barriers and end preconceived notions about people with special needs.
“We are incredibly proud of Abdulla Al Nuaimi and Meena Al Mazrouei’s outstanding performances at this year’s Special Olympics World Winter Games,” Talal Al Hashemi, national director of Special Olympics UAE, was quoted as saying by The National.
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“These medals are a testament to their perseverance and the consistent support of our wise leadership for people of determination. Their success represents the spirit and values of the UAE, and we are confident they will continue to achieve great things as the Games progress.”
The medals hold a special place in the history of North Africa and Middle East as they are the first to be won in the marquee event which ends on March 15, the Special Olympics UAE team said.
Al Nuaimi, 23, represents the Ras Al Khaimah Club for People of Determination and Al Mazrouei, 23, is from the Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination.
The UAE team is competing in six disciplines: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, Alpine skiing, snowboarding, figure skating and short-track speedskating
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