Emirati athlete proudly raises Special Olympics flag at opening ceremony

Photo : Instagram / @teamusa

Emirati athlete Mina Al Mazrouei made her country proud by raising the Special Olympics flag at the opening of the Special Olympics World Winter Games – Turin 2025. This moment showed the UAE’s strong support for athletes of determination and its growing role in world sports.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel  

Talal Al Hashemi, the National Director of Special Olympics UAE and Head of the UAE Team at Turin 2025, shared his happiness about Mina’s achievement. He said that since the Abu Dhabi 2019 Games, there has been a big change in how people of determination are supported in sports. He explained that the UAE’s leaders have worked hard to help people with intellectual and developmental challenges so they can succeed.

He also said that Mina’s role in the opening event is not just her personal success but a proud moment for the whole country. It shows that the UAE is fully committed to helping athletes of determination. He added that Mina’s moment on the big stage proves that all the training and effort put into these athletes are making a real difference.

Talking about the UAE’s team at the Special Olympics Winter Games, Al Hashemi shared that the team has 30 members, including 11 athletes of determination. The UAE is also the country from the MENA region that is competing in the most sports, showing its deep belief in giving all athletes a chance to shine.

The UAE athletes will compete in six winter sports: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, alpine skiing, short track speed skating, and snowboarding. Their participation is another step in the country’s mission to help people of determination show their skills and make history.

Al Hashemi wished Team UAE good luck and said he is sure they will continue to inspire people everywhere. He promised that the country will always support them and that their journey in Turin 2025 is another big step in making sports more inclusive for everyone.