Snowboarder Wins UAE’s First-Ever Gold at Special Olympics Winter Games

Photo: WAM

Two Emirati athletes made history on Wednesday by winning the UAE’s first-ever medals at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.
Abdullah Al Nuaimi won a gold medal in snowboarding, while Mina Al Mazrouei claimed a bronze medal in the same sport. Their victories marked a proud moment for the UAE, as it was the first time the country had sent a team to compete in the Games.

The UAE delegation includes 11 athletes with intellectual disabilities who are competing in various winter sports. The Special Olympics World Winter Games is an international event that promotes inclusivity and challenges stereotypes about people with disabilities through sports.

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To celebrate the victory, the UAE team shared photos and videos of the medalists on social media. They described the moment as a reflection of “unity and sportsmanship” and praised the dedication and hard work that led to this achievement.

Talal Al Hashemi, the national director of Special Olympics UAE, expressed his pride in the athletes. “We are incredibly proud of Abdulla Al Nuaimi and Meena Al Mazrouei’s outstanding performances at this year’s Special Olympics World Winter Games,” he said. “These medals are proof of their perseverance and the strong support from our leadership for people of determination. Their success represents the spirit and values of the UAE. We are confident they will continue to achieve great things.”

The two medals were also a historic achievement for the entire Middle East and North Africa region, as no other team from the region had won medals in the Games before. The event, which will conclude on March 15, brings together 1,500 athletes from 102 delegations worldwide.

Al Nuaimi, 23, represents the Ras Al Khaimah Club for People of Determination, while Al Mazrouei, also 23, is from the Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination. They are part of a UAE team competing in six winter sports: snowboarding, Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, figure skating, and short-track speed skating.

For the past year, the athletes have been training at ski slopes, snow parks, and skating rinks in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain. They were selected from more than 70 athletes who participated in national trials between 2023 and 2024.

The UAE aims to develop a strong winter sports culture for families with children with disabilities, ensuring they have access to top-quality training facilities. The country’s Special Olympics sports federation has committed to continuing its work to provide opportunities for athletes with disabilities and ensure they receive training from experienced coaches.

Local clubs also play a crucial role in supporting families by providing consistent training, access to equipment, and guidance for young athletes. The success of Al Nuaimi and Al Mazrouei is expected to inspire more athletes in the UAE to take up winter sports and represent their country on the global stage.

Their achievements in Turin highlight not just their talent and hard work but also the UAE’s commitment to inclusivity in sports. As the Games continue, the UAE team remains hopeful for more victories and memorable moments on the international stage.