UAE Paralympians return home...

The UAE Paralympic team returned to Dubai this morning after a successful time at the Paralympic games in London. Abdula Sultan Alaryani won gold in the mixed R6-50m rifle prone SH-1& Mohammed Hammadi won a silver in the Men's 200m T34 plus a bronze in the Men's 100m T34.

The UAE first competed at the Paralympics in Barcelona in 1992, and London 2012 was thier 6th appearence.

On their return I spoke to Abdulla Al Kamali, the UAE team shooting coach.

I also spoke to Mohammed Khali, as he explained double medal winner Mohammed Hammadi was hoping for gold, but eyes Rio 2016 to go one better.

The UAE were well represented at London 2012. With teams of both Olympians & Paralympians the UAE were hopeful of medals. The likes of Mubarak al Bersher in the Olympic pool had medal hopes. Although sadly leaving London without, Al Bersher can't wait for Rio and if London has done anything, it is inspire. Not only kids to play sport, but existing athletes as they look at what they can achieve in the future. The UAE footballers of course put across a great account of themselves, failing to progress to the knock out stages but putting in some decent performances, no more so than against Team GB at Wembley. The success of both UAE teams is key to the progression of sport in the country.

So, can the UAE build on London 2012 and are they tempted to host the games themselves? I spoke to Vice-Preseident of the UAE Olympic Committee, Yousuf Al Serkal about the future.

LOCAL NEWS

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