Special Olympics UAE athletes bag 15 medals at Malta Games

The Special Olympics UAE delegation arrived in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, after securing five gold medals, six silver and four bronze.

The team participated in the Special Olympics National Games Malta 2024, held from September 12 to 15, 2024, where the UAE delegation competed in swimming, table tennis, athletics, football, and bocce.

The athletes delivered an impressive performance at the National Games Malta 2024, securing three medals—one gold, one silver, and one bronze—alongside a fourth-place finish in swimming. The Special Olympics UAE Men’s football team claimed the top spot and earned a well-deserved gold medal.

In athletics, UAE athletes excelled with two golds, two silvers, and two bronzes, as well as fourth and sixth place finishes.

The table tennis athletes also made their mark, capturing one gold, three silvers, and one bronze, in addition to a fifth-place finish. In bocce, the Special Olympics UAE team finished fourth.

“We are thrilled to announce our athletes’ remarkable success at the National Games Malta 2024, bringing home numerous medals that reflect their hard work and dedication. This outstanding performance not only showcases their individual talents but also reinforces our team’s strong track record in international competitions. Their achievements serve as a testament to the rigorous training and commitment to excellence that they embody. We are proud of their accomplishments and excited to see how they continue to represent the UAE on the global stage,” said Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE,

“We were confident that our athletes would strongly compete at the Games, given their robust preparation at the training camp in Al Ain. I thank them and the Special Olympics UAE technical and administrative teams and wish them more success in the upcoming local and regional competitions,” he concluded.

In February 2024, Special Olympics UAE welcomed a delegation of 15 Maltese athletes who participated in a joint training camp in Al Ain, supported by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism.

The last day of the Games witnessed significant achievements and strong performances by the athletes of the Special Olympics UAE, with the participation of 600 athletes, including 100 international athletes from UAE, North Macedonia, and Cyprus.

Special Olympics UAE had participated in the Malta Invitational Games for the first time in 2022.