Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)
Special Olympics UAE will organise a swimming competition, set to take place on October 26, at the Mohammed bin Zayed City Sports Center’s Aquatics Complex, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Aquatics Club. This event coincides with the global celebration of World Swim Day and will feature 45 Special Olympics UAE swimmers from People of Determination clubs and centers across the UAE.
The one-day event aims to enhance the skills of athletes within the Special Olympics UAE community and underscores the popularity of swimming among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
His Excellency, Talal Al Hashemi, National Director, Special Olympics UAE, said “Special Olympics UAE’s mission transcends mere participation; we are committed to cultivating an empowering environment that nurtures the potential of our athletes. On this World Swim Day, we invite people of determination to dive into the world of swimming, promoting inclusion and engagement. By doing so, we aim to attract a diverse community to the Mohammed Bin Zayed City Sports Center, showcasing the strength and resilience of every athlete and reinforcing our belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to shine.”
Al Hashemi emphasised the importance of the competition in identifying promising talent for the Special Olympics UAE swimming team and preparing athletes for upcoming international events.
"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Abu Dhabi Aquatics Club for their collaborative efforts in organizing this event,” he added. "I would also like to thank the team at the Mohammed Bin Zayed City Sports Center for providing a world-class venue that allows us to stage this competition."
Humaid Al Hooti, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Aquatics Club, said, “We are delighted to partner once again with Special Olympics UAE to promote swimming among People of Determination. This aligns with the club’s mission to support all members of the community in adopting healthy lifestyles and engaging in sports. During the competition, we will ensure that athletes receive the necessary technical support, and we look forward to a successful event and to future collaboration with Special Olympics UAE.”
The swimming competition marks an addition to the ongoing Special Olympics UAE sports season.
The swimming events will kick off at 10:00 am and will include both men’s and women’s races, in a celebration of ability and achievement.