The Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 concluded on March 16, with the United Arab Emirates delegation achieving a historic feat by winning a total of 16 medals.

The team, consisting of 11 athletes with intellectual and developmental challenges, recorded four gold, five silver, and seven bronze medals across a variety of winter sports including snow running, cross-country skiing, figure skating, alpine skiing, short track speed skating, and skateboarding.

This achievement marks a significant milestone for the UAE, as it reflects the country’s commitment to inclusivity in sports and showcases the talents of athletes with intellectual disabilities.

The event in Turin, Italy, was particularly notable as it represented the first Winter Games following the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games held in Abu Dhabi.

The success at the World Winter Games denotes an unprecedented accomplishment for the Middle East and North Africa region within this international sporting event.

Talal Al Hashemi, the National Director of Special Olympics UAE and Head of Mission for the Turin 2025 delegation, praised the athletes for their dedication and hard work leading up to the Games, which included several months of rigorous training and preparation.

The Special Olympics World Winter Games provided a global platform for athletes to compete and demonstrate their abilities, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity in sports.

The UAE's delegation not only took home medals but also aimed to inspire other athletes with similar challenges in the region and beyond.