Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – January 14, 2025 A Special Olympics UAE delegation departed for Uzbekistan to participate in a training camp in preparation for the Special Olympics Winter Games – Turin 2025, which will take place in March. The delegation includes 10 athletes of determination with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They will undergo intensive training at the Amirsoy Resort in Uzbekistan until January 17.
The UAE delegation will compete in six sports at the Turin Games. These include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, alpine skiing, speed skating, and snowboarding. The athletes selected for the Turin 2025 Games represent various clubs for people of determination across the UAE.
His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, said: “As preparations ramp up for the Special Olympics Winter Games in Turin, Italy, in 2025, the launch of an international training camp aims to ensure athletes are fully prepared to perform at their best. Organizers are optimistic that the athletes’ participation will mark a significant milestone in their sports journey, highlighting their growing confidence and broader global perspective. The hope is that they will proudly represent the UAE and continue to champion inclusion. Gratitude is extended to the sponsors, supporters, and the clubs and centers for people of determination from which the athletes were selected.”
Hamel Al Qubaisi, Vice President, UAE Winter Sports Federation added: “The UAE Winter Sports Federation continues to partner with Special Olympics UAE to develop athletes of determination’s talents and capacities in winter sports. This partnership enhances community awareness and promotes the growth of winter sports across the UAE. We believe the training camp in Uzbekistan will significantly strengthen athletes’ skills and ability to participate meaningfully at the Winter Games Turin 2025. We look forward to seeing our athletes embody the UAE’s values, ambition and dedication to supporting people of determination, using sports as a powerful platform for growth and inspiration.”
The Special Olympics UAE training camp is supported by the Ministry of Sports, the UAE Winter Sports Federation, the Emirates Centre for Sports Sciences and Sports Medicine, Majid Al Futtaim, Ski Dubai, and Snow Abu Dhabi.
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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 Mariam 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 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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