The team competed alongside 300 athletes from all over the planet.
The Special Olympics UAE’s Unified National Women’s Football team returned to the UAE having secured a silver medal in their group at the Special Olympics Unified Cup Detroit 2022.
Taking place between 31 July and 6 August, the team competed alongside 300 athletes from more than 20 delegations from around the world including Egypt, India, Mexico, and Slovakia, as well as the host country, USA.
Combining People of Determination with intellectual and developmental disabilities and neuro-typical athletes, the team coached by former Emirati player and long-standing advocate for women’s empowerment in sports in the UAE, Houriya Al Taheri enjoyed a 12-day closed training camp at Abu Dhabi Summer Sports in ADNEC.
Speaking on the team’s achievements, Al Taheri said; “A few weeks ago, the team members didn’t know each other very well, but throughout the trainings, we have seen incredible strength.
“The team was focused on training together and not leaving anyone behind, they grew together, and helped each other. It was very rewarding to see the positive effects of inclusion, and how they each looked out for one another.”
Special Olympics Unified Cup Detroit is the third international participation for Special Olympics UAE Athletes who took part in Special Olympics Invitational Games Malta 2022 in May as well as the Special Olympics National Games Austria 2022.
Congratulating the team Her Excellency Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth and Chairwoman of Special Olympics UAE said: “Our athletes had an exciting summer, from the Special Olympics Invitational games Malta 2022 to Special Olympics Austria’s National Games and now the Unified Cup Detroit 2022, they excel in whatever sporting event they endeavor, and we cannot be prouder.
We are honored to dedicate this achievement to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the foremost supporter of Emirati women and women’s sports. The cup represents a great opportunity for Special Olympics UAE Athletes to engage with other football players, who were just as passionate about the game.
“This repeated success for our athletes at top international sports events is testament to our success in sustaining the legacy of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, despite the COVID-19 challenges, to the extent that Special Olympics UAE Athletes are invited to every major event happening across the world.
“We are grateful for the support that our athletes received from our government and private sector partners. Such partnerships have significant impact and create platforms for inclusion and social responsibility.”
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