Y - June 14, 2011 - Issue 174 - Y-oman.com

With final groundwork underway for what should be a bedazzling Opening
Ceremony planned for 25th June, excitement is already growing in the
Omani camp where competitors are busy with final preparations and last
minute training. “It’s almost time for our departure for Greece and the
greatest event of 2011 for Team Oman. We’re privileged to have such a
dedicated team of volunteer coaches working tirelessly to have the team
be the best they can. Representing your country is the highest honour any
athlete can aspire to,” said Saleh Al Aghbari, Managing Director of Special
Olympics Oman. Team Oman sponsor, Omantel’s Hamdan Al Harrasi said,
“As part of our support for Special Olympics, we’re particularly proud to
sponsor Team Oman and I’d like to wish every one of our eight athletes
the best of luck in Athens.” Younis Al Maashani, Assistant Managing
Director, commented, “It’s thanks to individuals and
to unique corporate support from Omantel that we’re
able to continue to enrich and advance the lives of
our athletes and their communities. We’re proud of
this commitment by Omantel to show such valuable
support for some of the most inspiring athletes in the
world.”
Look out for more information on the team’s
preparations for the Games in next week’s issue of Y,
but in the meantime we wish Team Oman all the best
with the Games to come.
Team Oman
Preparing for Glory
Team Oman will join 7,500 athletes from 185 nations this June,
for one of the highlights of the sporting calendar – the Special
Olympics in Athens. The Special Olympics is one of the world’s
greatest displays of sporting talent, with athletes competing in
events such as football, powerlifting, basketball and aquatics.
The Games began in 1968 in Chicago, when Anne Burke, a PE
teacher, developed the idea for a sporting event for athletes with
special needs. After initial funding of 25,000 dollars, more than
1,000 athletes from across North America gathered in Chicago
for the first Games, which was heralded a triumph. In 1971, the
US Olympic Committee granted the Games the Olympic title and
since then the Special Olympics has become a highly anticipated
and hugely competitive international sporting event. Oman will
send eight athletes to the Games in Athens, selected for their
physical prowess, dedication and aptitude for sports, who will
compete in the powerlifting, bocce and athletics tournaments.
Four specialised coaches will also join the team, along with
friends and family who will be there to cheer on Team Oman.
His Highness Sayyid Faisal bin Turki Al Said, Chairman of Al
Amal Association, said: “I’m delighted and proud that Omani
athletes will be participating at the Special Olympics this
summer in Athens. Each of our athletes has shown great
motivation, discipline and tremendous skill in getting this far
and it’s worthy of real celebration.” The skills these athletes
hold has put them on a platform to compete with some of the
world’s best and this is an achievement in itself. His Highness
Sayyid Faisal bin Turki Al Said goes further to add, “In my
opinion, they’re all winners and it’s a remarkable achievement
for all our athletes, their coaches and families. Indeed, I know
Oman will be cheering them on in June and I’m really looking
forward to being in Athens to enjoy and share the experience
with our athletes. Their participation at the Games is the result
of hard work, commitment and dedication and I congratulate
all eight athletes.”
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