Kuwait city: Kuwait's Special Olympics delegation is competing in the Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Equestrian Competition, hosted by Special Olympics UAE with the regional office in Al Ain, beginning Sunday and running through August 28 with athletes from 11 Arab countries.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Delegation Head Sadeeqa Al-Ansari, who is also the secretary general of Al-Tomooh Club, mentioned that the riders underwent a three-month intensive training program with the aim of extending Kuwait's equestrian successes. She highlighted the past achievements of athletes like Basma Al-Busaili, who secured three silver medals at the World Games in Berlin, and Abdullah Al-Ali, who won two gold medals at Egypt's Special Olympics National Games, expressing confidence in further accomplishments at the regional event.
Al-Ansari discussed the years of effort put into building a strong equestrian foundation for athletes with intellectual disabilities. She expressed gratitude towards the athletes, coaches, parents, and various organizations such as the Public Authority for Sport, Kuwait Special Olympics, Al-Tomooh Club, Kuwait Riding Center, and Special Olympics UAE for their support.
Coach Sarah Bouhamdi emphasized that the training was focused on ensuring the physical and technical readiness of the athletes. The Kuwaiti team will be participating in English riding, trail, and control events during the competition.
The delegation is led by Al-Ansari and includes riders Abdullah Al-Ali, Basma Al-Busaili, and Mariam Dhiab, under the guidance of coaches Sarah Bouhamdi and Mohammad Al-Kandari.