PARIS (WAM)

Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sport, stated that the resolve of the People of Determination to raise the UAE flag at major international events is a source of pride and a model for all athletes to follow.

This came during his visit on Thursday to the residence of the UAE delegation participating in the Paralympics Games Paris 2024, which includes Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Director-General of the UAE General Authority of Sports, and Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the authority.

He was welcomed at the Olympic Village by Mohammed Fadel Al Hameli, Chairman of the UAE Paralympics Committee who is leading the UAE delegation to Paris 2024; Tariq Sultan bin Khadem, Vice-Chairman of the National Paralympic Committee; Gareth Wynn, Chief Communications Officer at Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), and members of the committee's board of directors and delegation.

The minister praised the readiness of the national teams of People of Determination to ascend the podiums and enhance the achievements accomplished in recent years, including the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and the Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou, China, in 2023.

Al Falasi said, “The resolve of the People of Determination to raise the UAE flag high at the world’s largest events has always been our source of pride. We are confident that their participation in the Paris Paralympic Games will mark a new chapter of excellence in the UAE’s sports journey.”

He added, “We will continue to support and nurture our People of Determination champions so that their success is distinguished and sustainable on the international stage, setting an example for elevating UAE sports to new levels.”

Mohammed Fadel Al Hameli expressed his happiness with the minister's visit, seeing it as a great motivation for the athletes before the start of the competitions, especially as they all have the determination to do their utmost and maintain the track record of achievements over the past years.

The minister toured the Olympic Village in Paris, ensuring all comfort measures for the UAE delegation are in place. He also visited the International Paralympic Committee’s Athletes’ Council voting booth, which is being held throughout the Games, with UAE shooter Saif Al Nuaimi nominated for membership.