UAE’s Mina Al Mazrouei Raises Special Olympics Flag at Turin 2025 Opening Ceremony
Turin, The Gulf Observer: Mina Al Mazrouei, a Special Olympics UAE athlete, proudly raised the Special Olympics flag during the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Winter Games – Turin 2025, which commenced yesterday in Italy. Her participation underscores the significant strides made by Special Olympics UAE in promoting the inclusion of people of determination through sports.
The selection of an athlete from Special Olympics UAE, out of 1,500 athletes and unified partners representing 102 countries, highlights the international acknowledgment of the UAE’s unwavering commitment to empowering people of determination and providing them with opportunities to compete on the global stage.
Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE and Head of the UAE Delegation to Turin 2025, stated: “Since the Abu Dhabi 2019 Games, we have witnessed a new era of empowerment and excellence for people of determination in sports. Our leadership has prioritized initiatives that support individuals with intellectual and developmental challenges. Today, we are all proud to see Mina Al Mazrouei representing her country in such a remarkable way. Her achievement reflects the dedication and expertise of the training programs that have helped shape our athletes.”
Al Hashemi further emphasized: “Mina Al Mazrouei’s participation in the opening ceremony is a moment of immense pride for all Emiratis. It reflects the global recognition of the UAE’s steadfast commitment to supporting and empowering people of determination. I extend my best wishes to Team UAE for success in all competitions, confident that they will continue to inspire the world.”
The Special Olympics UAE delegation to the Turin 2025 Games comprises 30 members, including 11 athletes of determination. Notably, the UAE delegation is competing in the highest number of sports among MENA region delegations. UAE athletes will participate in six disciplines: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, alpine skiing, short track speed skating, and snowboarding.
In support of their participation, Mubadala has been named the official sponsor of the delegation, with Majid Al Futtaim serving as an official partner, alongside collaboration with the UAE Winter Sports Federation as a supporting partner.
