Empowering the Spirit of Inclusion: The UAE's Special Olympics Team Prepares for the 2025 World Winter Games
Amidst a backdrop of snow and ambition, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment has embarked on a transformative journey, igniting hopes and dreams for athletes across the MENA region. Over 20 athletes representing the UAE, Oman, and Egypt have dedicated themselves to intensive training for more than 170 hours at esteemed snow destinations including Ski Dubai, Snow Abu Dhabi, Ski Egypt, and Snow Oman. This rigorous preparation is part of a visionary initiative dubbed the Snow Sport Team Development Strategy, aimed at bolstering the skills and confidence of Special Olympics athletes in the lead-up to the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games—an event that promises to be a historical milestone for the region.
The integration of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing into the training regimen reflects Majid Al Futtaim’s commitment to expanding opportunities for athletes. It underscores a belief that sports should be inclusive, enabling all individuals, regardless of ability, to partake in physical activities that foster camaraderie and personal growth.
Ignace Lahoud, the Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, articulates the ethos driving this initiative succinctly. “The Special Olympics is a powerful movement that unites people through the love of sport,” he stated. “Our athletes from the UAE, Oman, and Egypt are a true inspiration, showcasing perseverance, passion, and the drive to defy limits. We are incredibly proud of them and cheering them all the way as they shine on a global stage.” These words echo a broader sentiment across the community: that sports can transcend barriers and build bridges among diverse groups.
Unfolding from the ethereal peaks of indoor snow parks, the upcoming 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games—scheduled to ignite in Turin from March 8 to 15—will gather 1,500 athletes from over 100 nations. This event also marks a momentous occasion as it will be the first Winter Games in nearly a decade. The UAE delegation is set to be the largest from the Middle East, entering the competitions with entries in six disciplines: Snowshoeing, Cross-country skiing, Figure skating, Alpine skiing, Short-track speed skating, and Snowboarding. Each athlete embodies not only their individual aspirations but also the collective ambition of their nations.
The inception of this comprehensive training strategy dates back to October 2023, when Ski Dubai introduced an innovative approach to athlete development for Special Olympics UAE. Designed to equip athletes with the skills necessary for robust competition on the international stage and ensure sustained progress, the program ultimately expanded across the entirety of Majid Al Futtaim’s Snow and Ski portfolio.
The historical significance of this initiative is further amplified by the UAE’s legacy in hosting dynamic global sporting events. Following the successful 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi, Majid Al Futtaim’s ongoing efforts to embed inclusivity in sports send a powerful message: with the right resources, mentorship, and opportunities, individuals with intellectual disabilities can excel in winter sports—a sector traditionally viewed as inaccessible to many.
Since the launch of Ski Dubai in 2005, Majid Al Futtaim has been a frontrunner in indoor snow entertainment, continually pushing the envelope of what is possible in this domain. The addition of Ski Egypt in 2017 marked the debut of indoor snow facilities in Africa, showcasing the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences. More recently, Snow Oman—debuted in 2022—further reflects the dedication to innovation, with Snow Abu Dhabi following suit in 2023. Each facility not only serves recreational purposes but plays a critical role in nurturing talent and fostering a culture of inclusivity in sports.
As these athletes prepare to make their mark on the global stage, they carry within them the aspirations of their respective communities. Their journey is emblematic of a broader movement, nurturing a narrative that champions diversity, resilience, and the undeniable human spirit. In this historic moment, the boundaries of possibility are being reshaped, paving the way for future generations to dream bigger and strive for greatness in all that they do.
As they step into an arena of international competition, these athletes are not just representing their countries; they become ambassadors of hope, illustrating that with hard work, support, and unwavering determination, barriers—once deemed insurmountable—can be dismantled.
Tags: #UAE, #SpecialOlympics, #SportsNews