Special Olympics UAE Secures 54 Medals at Tenth MENA Regional Games in Cairo
The UAE delegation achieved outstanding success at the Cairo stage of the tenth Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa Regional Games, claiming 21 gold medals amongst its impressive haul.
Special Olympics UAE has concluded a triumphant campaign at the Cairo competitions of the tenth Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Games, securing 54 medals across four disciplines. The medal tally comprised 21 gold, 17 silver and 16 bronze, spanning rhythmic gymnastics, artistic gymnastics, powerlifting and equestrian events.
The Cairo stage represented the second phase of competitions under an innovative new format for the tenth MENA Regional Games. Rather than concentrating all events in a single venue, the organisational structure now distributes competitions across multiple cities and nations throughout the region during the course of the year. The opening stage was held in Sousse, Tunisia, whilst the next instalment will be hosted by the Sultanate of Oman.
The UAE contingent comprised 28 personnel, including 15 competing athletes supported by technical, administrative, medical and media staff. Through their participation across four sporting disciplines, the athletes gained valuable competitive experience whilst preparing for the Special Olympics World Summer Games scheduled for Santiago, Chile, in 2027.
Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, commended the athletes’ performances and the progressive development they have demonstrated. “We are proud of what our athletes have achieved in Cairo and of the performances they have delivered across artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, equestrian and powerlifting,” he remarked. “Their participation and results reflect the progress they have made through continued training and competition, while providing valuable experience across different sports and competitive environments.”
He highlighted how the revised format enhances opportunities for regional participation and competitive exposure. “The new Regional Games format creates more opportunities for athletes to participate in competitions across the region and gain experience in different environments. Each competitive opportunity contributes to their development and readiness as we continue our preparations for the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Santiago in 2027.”
Mohammed Zubair Al Shamsi, an equestrian athlete representing Special Olympics UAE, secured three gold medals during the Cairo competitions. Expressing his satisfaction with the outcome, he reflected upon the welcoming atmosphere and the professional preparation that had bolstered his confidence. “I am very happy to have won gold medals and to have represented the UAE at these Games. The atmosphere in Cairo was wonderful, and I enjoyed competing and meeting athletes from different countries. The training and preparation leading up to the Games helped me enter the competitions with confidence and focus on delivering my best performance.”
Source: WAM