Special Olympics UAE Athletes Achieve Impressive Success With 15 Medals At Malta Games 2024
The Special Olympics UAE team returned to Abu Dhabi after a successful stint at the Special Olympics National Games Malta 2024. The event, held from September 12 to 15, saw the team earn an impressive haul of medals: five golds, six silvers, and four bronzes. They competed in various sports including swimming, table tennis, athletics, football, and bocce.
The athletes showcased their skills remarkably well in Malta. In swimming, they secured one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal along with a fourth-place finish. The men's football team excelled by clinching the gold medal. Their performance highlighted their dedication and preparation.

In athletics, UAE competitors performed admirably by winning two golds, two silvers, and two bronzes. They also achieved fourth and sixth place finishes. Meanwhile, table tennis players added to the medal tally with one gold, three silvers, and one bronze. They also managed a respectable fifth-place finish.
The bocce team put forth a commendable effort as well. Although they did not secure a podium finish, they achieved a respectable fourth place in their category. This reflects their hard work and determination throughout the competition.
Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, expressed immense pride in the athletes' accomplishments. "We are thrilled to announce our athletes’ remarkable success at the National Games Malta 2024," he stated. He praised their dedication and rigorous training which contributed significantly to their achievements.
Al Hashemi acknowledged the robust preparation undertaken at the Al Ain training camp as a key factor in their success. He extended his gratitude to both the athletes and the technical teams for their efforts. "I thank them and the Special Olympics UAE technical and administrative teams," he concluded.
The team's achievements not only highlight individual talents but also reinforce UAE's strong presence in international competitions. Their success serves as an inspiration for future events as they continue to represent UAE on global platforms.
With inputs from WAM