Special Olympics UAE and Special Olympics Malta commence joint training camp in Al Ain
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – February 15, 2024:Special Olympics UAE and Special Olympics Malta commenced a joint training camp in Al Ain, bringing together 15 athletes from Malta and 15 from the UAE. Together, they will train in bocce, swimming, and athletics till February 18. The Maltese delegation set a precedent as the first European Special Olympics delegation to participate in a training camp in the UAE, building on strong connections with Special Olympics UAE. The camp is hosted by the city of Al Ain and is sponsored by the Department of Culture and Tourism and the Integrated Transport Centre.
In addition to their scheduled training sessions, the athletes willvisit prominent cultural attractions in Abu Dhabi, allowing them to engage socially and learn more about the history of the Capital and its landmark destinations.
His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director, Special Olympics UAE, said: “We welcome the Special Olympics Malta athletes and the delegationto the UAE. This joint training camp buildson a strong and collaborative relationship; we participated in the Special Olympics Invitational Games in 2022. Also, we received a short while back, the First Lady of Malta, Dr. Lydia Abella, President of the Special Olympics Malta, and we discussedtogether collaboration to advance sports programs for athletes in the two countries. We agreed on the need to focus on strategies that enhance training, in a way that improves the level of players in the two countries, and this camp, which we are proud to host in Al Ain, is part of these strategies.”
Al Hashemi added: “This camp demonstratesthe UAE’s commitment to empowering People of Determination with mental and developmental disabilities from all over the world and providing them with more opportunities to explore sportsand culture. The camp also opens new avenues for our athletes to connect with their peers, as we prepare for The Special Olympics Malta InvitationalGames next September. Finally, I would like to thank the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the Integrated Transport Centrefor their contribution to this camp and for providing unforgettable experiences for all participating athletes.”
This joint training camp underscores the growing ties between the two Special Olympics organizations; Special Olympics UAE athletes participated in the Special Olympics Malta Invitational Games 2022 and secured16 medals. The Emirati participation was the only one from the MENA region.
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About Special Olympics UAE:
In October 2017, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced Special Olympics UAE as an independent organization dedicated to changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Her Highness Sheikha Maryam Bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was appointed as the Honorary President, and Her Excellency Shamma Bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees.
The organization aims to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through sports while providing them with leadership opportunities to help them display their talents and integrate them with the mainstream society.
Special Olympics UAE has launched a variety of community programs, including those focused on families and young athletes. It has also introduced a number of initiatives to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to create a more inclusive society.
The Special Olympics of the UAE received international recognition from the International Special Olympics Foundation-USA in December 2017.
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