Emirati athlete raises Special Olympics flag at opening ceremony

Emirati Special Olympics athlete Mina Al Mazrouei raised the Special Olympics flag during the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Winter Games – Turin 2025.

The National Director of Special Olympics UAE and Head of the UAE Delegation to Turin 2025, Talal Al Hashemi, said: "Since the Abu Dhabi 2019 Games, we have witnessed a new era of empowerment and excellence for people of determination in the field of sports. We have focused on investing in the strategy of supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental challenges, as adopted by our leadership. Today, we are all proud as we see our athlete Mina Al Mazrouei representing her country in the best possible way. This achievement reflects the hard work and specialist training programs that the athletes have benefited from."

Al Hashemi added: "Mina Al Mazrouei’s participation in the opening ceremony represents a moment of pride and honor for all Emiratis. It reflects the global recognition of the UAE's deep commitment to supporting and empowering people of determination. I wish Team UAE best of luck and success in all competitions. We are confident that they will continue to inspire the world, as they always have."

The Special Olympics UAE delegation to the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 includes 30 members, including 11 athletes with determination.

This delegation stands out for competing in the largest number of sports compared to other delegations from the MENA region.

Special Olympics UAE athletes are set to compete in six sports: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, alpine skiing, short track speed skating, and snowboarding.