His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, today received the UAE team for Paralympic Games, at Al Bahr Palace.

Mohammed Mohammed Fadel Al Hameli, Chairman of the UAE Disabled Sports Federation, Majid Abdullah Al Osaimi, Deputy Chairman of the UAE Disabled Sports Federation and President of the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC), and a number of members of the federation attended the meeting.

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed congratulated the players on their results and trophies won during their participation in the tournament as well as in other international sports events in which the Emirati players proved their competence and potential which were worthy to clinch the first positions. He also praised their high morale and determination as well as their strong will to achieve the best results.

Sheikh Mohamed said that people with special needs are given much attention and they are a source of pride for the UAE leadership and people, thanks to their outstanding achievements that adds to the country's stature on the international sports map.

''The real achievement is that they overcome the challenges and obstacles to fulfill their aspirations, and creativity," Sheikh Mohamed said.

He hailed the administrative and technical staff of the UAE team for their relentless efforts to develop the sports of people with special needs.

Meanwhile, the UAE team took part in 12 competitions out of 20 in the Special Olympics World Games of the Special Olympics, held last summer in Los Angeles, United States. The tournament is held every four years.

The UAE team had won 32 medals, 14 gold, nine silver medals, and nine bronze medals during its participation in the 2015 Special Olympics World Games.

He also commended sponsors and the supporting authorities of the disabled sports, extending thanks for their keenness on the success of the UAE team.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, and a number of officials attended the meeting.
Source: WAM