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I play sport to feel joy, to keep away from sadness, to open my heart to people, and to enter another world. The choice of practicing shot put and discus throwing was brought to my attention by the club. I then found myself overcoming all the challenges around the sport and even reaching scores that made me qualify for the Paralympic Games.
That has been possible only because of serious commitment to training and, I will continue to work harder to score higher!
I hope that the happiness I gain from sport overwhelms the world”.
Abdulaziz Abdulla Al Shekaili, Discus throw/Shot put wheelchair, Al Ain Club for the Disabled |
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“Shooting is an inherited hobby in the family but I, on the contrary, chose to practise it in a more professional framework. That was my personal decision.
What’s more is that I managed to take my interest in this sport from the local to the international arena.
I wish for peace to settle between all nations, and I believe that sport is the most important vehicle that could bring people together, to establish common grounds and to resolve conflicts.”
Abdulla Sultan Al Aryani, Shooting, Al Ain Club for the Disabled |
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“Today I feel happiness whenever I remember the fear I felt every time I practised sport in the past. I was able to overcome my fear and replace it with the joy of accomplishment.
Faithful coaches believed in my capabilities and stood by me and that made me conquer the difficult stages.
Sport is no longer a frightening hobby; it is now my present and my future, which I hope will be more promising.
I am thrilled that I have qualified for the Paralympic Games, and I hope I will take part in the Games in 2012”.
Ahmed Abdullah Al Hosani- Javelin Throw, Al Thiqah Club for Handicapped, Sharjah |
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“I have always been fond of powerlifting, but I encountered many difficulties in the beginning that formed serious obstacles, and at the same time made me take on the challenge, which finally helped me reach my goal. So, I strived persistently until I mastered this sport.
To raise the United Arab Emirates flag in the international and great venues is an honour I always dreamt of having.”
Ahmed Khamis Al Balooshi - Powerlifting, Abu Dhabi Club for the Disabled |
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“Sport is love...
Following that path of love leads you shortly to the passageways of the world when you are genuinely involved with sport. In less than four years, sport made me travel around the world.
Only with the encouragement of my family, the support of my late father, and the assistance of my coach and my colleagues, have I become a professional in javelin throwing. I will secure my participation in the Paralympic Games in London after being qualified, and I will convey my message of love to the hearts of humanity.”
Aisha Salem Bani Khaled - Javelin throw/Shot put, Khorfakkan Club for Handicapped |
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“Sport gave me many things which I never expected. My personality and views about life have changed for good.
I’m stubborn by nature and I love to be special, therefore, I do not like to go the easy ways, and that is what attracted me to powerlifting. So, I became the first Emirati woman to practise and pursue this game, despite the fact that even the idea of having a female powerlifer is rejected by our society.
I hope that the awareness of the importance of sport spreads even more, because it means a lot!”
Fatmah Rashed Al Kaabi - Powerlifting, Dubai Club for Special Sports |
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“I reached the world of sport while I walked through the road of light. I followed the advice of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) who said: “Teach your children shooting, swimming and horse riding.”
I discovered a whole different world. I discovered the balance between mind and body.
I initially faced problems related to fixing the target and throwing the javelin in the specified direction. I was, however, capable of overcoming them all with a lot training.
My enthusiasm for the Paralympic Games in 2012 is overwhelming”.
Hassan Ali Malaleih - Shot put/Javelin throw wheelchair, Khorfakkan Club for Handicapped |
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“When I first chose to play sport, it was not only for the physical and psychological health it nurtures, but also because I found the spirit of noble competition.
This is the first time I have qualified for the Paralympic Games, and this participation will always have that special flavour.
I wish I could become a coach in discus throwing; a sport that I have excelled in. I also hope to be able to develop this sport and pass on to the new athletes my own experience, which I have greatly enriched through the contact I made with the world champions”.
Issa Saif Al Jahwari - Discus throw wheelchair, Al Ain Club for the Disabled |
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