The women’s team brought their A-game to the court
Team UAE has made history after claiming gold at the inaugural Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup in Katowice, Poland.
From 5 to 8 October, the UAE women’s team brought their A-game to the court, finishing their campaign in style with a commanding 2–0 victory over Ukraine in the Group C final.
The team dedicated their golden triumph to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, in recognition of his unwavering support for the empowerment of People of Determination and his vision for inclusive sport across the nation.
The four-day tournament gathered 16 teams from around the world, celebrating not only athletic excellence but also the power of teamwork and shared purpose.
Competing in the women’s category, the UAE side stormed through the group stages, defeating Italy, Namibia, and Kenya before sealing the deal against Ukraine.
The UAE’s 12-member squad truly embodied the spirit of ‘Unified Sports,’ with six athletes of determination and six Unified Partners playing side-by-side, proving that together, there are no limits.
His Excellency Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, praised the team’s outstanding achievement, calling it “a reflection of years of dedication and investment in women’s sport.”
He added: “This gold medal represents the UAE’s growing strength as a global model for inclusion. Our athletes have shown the world what’s possible when determination meets opportunity.”
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For the players, it was a dream come true. Khuloud Al Shehhi, one of the UAE’s star athletes, couldn’t hide her excitement:
“Winning first place at our very first Unified Volleyball World Cup was incredible! We felt the spirit of the UAE with us the whole time, from our teammates to our coaches, everyone pushed each other to be our best.”
Ruqaiya Al Blooshi, one of the team’s Unified Partners, echoed that pride: “We believed in ourselves, stayed focused, and gave everything we had. To raise the UAE flag high on the world stage; that’s something we’ll never forget.”
Behind the success is a true national effort. The team’s participation was supported by leading organisations including Ajman Club for the Disabled, Dubai Club for People of Determination, Al Wasl Sports Club, Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, and the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, each playing a role in championing inclusion and inspiring the next generation of women athletes.
As the UAE team returns home with gold medals and unforgettable memories, their victory stands as a shining symbol of what happens when talent, teamwork, and belief come together.
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