ABU DHABI, 9th May, 2024 (WAM) -- Special Olympics UAE hosts the first Special Olympics MENA's Sub-Regional Gulf Badminton Competition in Abu Dhabi in partnership with Special Olympics MENA, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, UAE Badminton Federation, Badminton World Federation, and Khalifa University of Science and Technology. The competition aims to unite athletes and partners across the Gulf, encouraging camaraderie and sportsmanship.
Delegations from Special Olympics programmes in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE will come together for the opening ceremony, held at the W Hotel on Yas Island, along with representatives of Special Olympics organizations and representatives of diplomatic missions of participating countries.
Ayman Abdel Wahab, Special Olympics Regional President for the Middle East and North Africa, said, "Bringing together more than 25 badminton athletes from across the Gulf to compete in Abu Dhabi is a significant addition to the Special Olympics movement. Sports participation and competitions impact the lives of athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities positively and strongly; they foster inclusion, empowerment, and equality, which are fundamental rights for all,"
“We extend our sincere thanks to the leadership of the UAE and Special Olympics UAE for organizing and hosting this competition at the state-of-the-art facilities in Khalifa University. The World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 has set an aspirational blueprint for collaboration among Special Olympics programs in the region, and the First Gulf Badminton Competition builds on this legacy. We eagerly look forward to hosting more competitions across the MENA region,” he concluded.
Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said, “We are pleased to host the first edition of the Gulf Badminton Competition for the Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi, which reflects our keenness in the Council to support sporting events related to People of Determination, who are considered an essential component of Emirati society as well as an effective and influential element in various segments of life, in order to achieve the comprehensive strategy of the Abu Dhabi government.
“The results achieved in 2019 through the UAE’s hosting of the World Special Olympics encouraged more people to support People of Determination in sports, which in turn reflects the role and position of Abu Dhabi on the local and international sports map and its readiness to make every major sporting event a success.”
Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, said, "Special Olympics UAE welcomes all the delegations participating in the inaugural Gulf Badminton Competition in their second home, the UAE. We are proud to host this group of inspiring badminton athletes from across the Gulf for the first time in the United Arab Emirates, where we prioritize People of Determination and continuously work towards integrating them and activating their role in sports and all aspects of life. We wish everyone all the best in the competition and hope that it motivates more athletes to join the sport."
"We value the vital role of partners and supporters, including Special Olympics MENA, Badminton World Federation, UAE Badminton Federation, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Khalifa University. As Abu Dhabi hosts this groundbreaking competition, we eagerly anticipate the participation and excellence of our athletes in future events," Al Hashemi concluded.
A training program for 21 technical and administrative staff representatives from Canada, Malaysia, Egypt, Spain, Vietnam, China, the United States, and Peru was held on the sidelines of the competition on May 8 and 9. The programme, which encompasses theoretical and practical components, aims to enhance participants' technical skills and qualifications to manage and arbitrate badminton events for People of Determination.
Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President at Khalifa University, said, "We are proud to host the First Special Olympics MENA Sub-regional Gulf Badminton Competition at Khalifa University in collaboration with our partners. Through the event’s positive impact on society, we remain consistently committed to supporting People of Determination and advancing the strategic goals of Special Olympics UAE. We look forward to witnessing the camaraderie among participating delegations and anticipate an exceptional performance from all athletes. These competitions not only support integration but also showcase the athletes as exemplary sports role models."
Khalifa University features state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, providing a premier setting for hosting major international sporting competitions and games.