Special Olympics Oman Ready for World Games Berlin 2023

Oberhausen: Trainings were held today by the Special Olympics Oman in the German city of Oberhausen in preparation for the Special Olympics World Games “Berlin 2023”, which will be held during 17-25 June.

The players of the Special Olympics Oman delegation also participated today in the running ceremony with a symbolic torch of the World Games. Timo Sheffield, a professional triathlon player from Oberhausen, joined the delegation in the running ceremony.

Mohammed Salim Al Rashdi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Special Olympics Oman, and Head of the delegation that will participate in the Special Olympics World Games “Berlin 2023” affirmed the delegation’s readiness to partake in the upcoming competitions.

Al Rashidi said in a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA) that the delegation, which consists of 13 different teams, has started preparing to participate in the Games since the beginning of the year.

He explained that the Special Olympics Oman has conducted several trials during the past period to select the participating players from various governorates of Oman.

Al Rashidi added that the morale of the players is high and there is anticipation from the delegation’s to present an outstanding performance that satisfies everyone, as this participation is an opportunity for people with mental disabilities to represent the Sultanate of Oman in an important international sports event.

He pointed out that the Special Olympics Oman aims to integrate people with intellectual disabilities in society. This event, he said, is an important opportunity to hone the skills of the players and to meet with peoples of the world.

On the other hand, Fatima Ali Al Zedjali, Coach of Special Olympics Oman’s swimming team indicated that the preparations for the upcoming games includes providing psychological, physical and medical support for her team members.

She added that the trainings that were conducted during the past months were gradual because of their impact on the readiness of the players. The pace of the trainings increased, especially with the approaching start of the Games.

She noted that the coaches play an important role in raising the morale of the players, which plays a big part in improving their performance.

She also expressed her happiness to represent the Sultanate of Oman in this international event, especially as it is the first participation of a female player and female coach in the swimming competition category.

Moreover, Ali Rashid Al Shaimi, sailing coach at Special Olympics Oman, underscored the readiness of the sailing team and its preparedness to overcome challenges.

He added that what distinguishes the sailing game is that it is a unified game in which a player with mental disabilities participates alongside a unified player.

He emphasized that the unified players play an important role in helping the coaches deliver information and directions to players with mental disabilities, in addition to contributing to preparing the players.

He also highlighted the importance of this participation, expressing his happiness to represent the Sultanate of Oman in one of the most important international event related to persons with intellectual disabilities, and stressed his aspiration to obtain the gold medal.

Fatima Mohammed Al Harthy, an equestrian player, expressed her happiness to participate in the Games.

Regarding her preparedness she added, “The coach helped me prepare and provided the necessary support and guidance during the training.”

Ghassan Talib Al Yaqoubi, a unified player in the Futsal team of Special Olympics Oman, said that he is proud to represent the Sultanate of Oman in this international event and his aspiration to achieve the gold medal with the rest of the team players.

He stressed that the exercises that were conducted during the last period contributed to increasing the harmony between players and coaches.

Oman’s delegation comprises 36 players (persons with intellectual disability) and 9 unified partners.

The delegation will participate in the following games: athletics, unified badminton, unified bocce, bowling, equestrian, futsal, golf, weightlifting, roller skating, sailing, swimming, table tennis, and unified tennis.

The delegation of the Special Olympics Oman will leave the city of Oberhausen tomorrow “Thursday” heading to Berlin to attend the opening ceremony on 17 June and participate in the various competitions that will be held afterwards. – ONA