ABU DHABI: Special Olympics UAE has concluded its second training camp in Al Ain in preparation for the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, taking place June 17-25.
Emirati athletes will take part in 20 different sporting competitions at the event.
The Special Olympics UAE delegation is one of the largest from the MENA region, comprising 75 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities and 32 unified partners.
Athletes held various training sessions during the camp across different sports, including beach volleyball, volleyball, basketball, athletics, equestrian, roller-skating, table tennis, powerlifting, swimming, badminton, bowling and cycling.
The squad held its first training camp earlier this year and has taken part in several competitions already during 2023 in preparation for the upcoming World Games, including Yas Triathlon, Third National Sailing Camp, DIBS — Citizen Open Bowling Tournament and the Emirates Swimming Cup.
Talal Al-Hashemi, national director of Special Olympics UAE, said: “We are excited to see our athletes gear up for their upcoming participation in the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023. We are proud of their progress, and their resolve and commitment to best represent the UAE, which has the largest participating delegation from the MENA region. We started the preparation and training sessions months ago and continue to provide all support needed for our athletes to complement their enthusiasm and strong can-do attitude.
“Our participation in the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 underscores our journey toward promoting an inclusive community, which accelerated with the hosting of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019,” he added.
“We will continue the momentum during the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 and will represent the UAE as one of the biggest supporters of inclusion and People of Determination globally.”
In collaboration with the National Ambulance, Special Olympics UAE recently held several training sessions under the “Train Safely” initiative. The scheme provides all the Special Olympics UAE staff with medical and first-aid skills, strengthening the delegation’s health and safety credentials and making it one of the safest groups taking part in the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.
In 2022, Special Olympics UAE achieved many global victories, including 16 medals at the Invitational Games Malta 2022, and 16 medals during the group’s participation in the Special Olympics Austria National Games 2022.
Special Olympics UAE concludes 2nd training camp ahead of Berlin 2023
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Special Olympics UAE concludes 2nd training camp ahead of Berlin 2023
- Latest preparation stage took place in Al Ain ahead of World Games in June
- The squad held its first training camp earlier this year and has taken part in several competitions already during 2023
Man pleads guilty to sending ‘abhorrent messages’ to England women’s footballer Carter
- His admission came after the UK Football Policing Unit launched an investigation last July into abuse directed at Carter
- Dewale is due to be sentenced on March 25
LONDON: A man pleaded guilty Friday to sending “totally abhorrent” social media messages to England women’s defender Jess Carter during last year’s European Championships.
Nigel Dewale with an address at Prospect Street, Great Harwood, northwest England, entered a guilty plea to one charge of malicious communications and possession of a weapon in a private place at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
His admission came after the UK Football Policing Unit launched an investigation last July into abuse directed at Carter.
Dewale is due to be sentenced on March 25.
Mark Roberts, the football policing lead for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: “Everyone is responsible for what they do and say, and posting a message on social media is no different.
“In this case, Dewale sent hateful and malicious messages, thinking that he would be able to hide behind his account name.
“His comments were totally abhorrent, they caused emotional distress for Miss Carter and her family and I welcome the guilty plea entered today.”
A spokesperson for England’s governing Football Association responded to Dewale’s guilty plea by saying “unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated, whether in person or online.”
The spokesperson added: “Our priority remains supporting Jess and all of our England players who continue to be impacted by disgusting online abuse.”
Writing on her social media accounts at the time the abuse came to light, Carter — who went on to help England win a second successive Euros title — said: “From the start of the tournament I have experienced a lot of racial abuse.
“Whilst I feel every fan is entitled to their opinion on performance and result I don’t agree or think it’s OK to target someone’s appearance or race.”
England forward Lauren James suffered online racist abuse after a defeat for her club side Chelsea in 2023.
England men’s players Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho were targeted after they all failed to score penalties in a shoot-out loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final at London’s Wembley Stadium.
