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Kuwaitis nab 20 medals at MENA Special Olympics, including eight gold

Kuwaiti special athletes with their mother
Kuwaiti special athletes with their mother

By Bader Al-Sulaihem

ABU DHABI, March 22 (KUNA) -- Kuwaiti athletes clinched a total 20 medals, including eight gold, four silver and eight bronze, at the Middle East-North Africa region Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi, which concluded on Thursday.
The event, dedicated to athletes with intellectual disabilities, witnessed the participation of over 1,000 athletes from more than 30 countries competing across 16 sports.
Mohammad Sami and Mishal Al-Bader claimed the bulk of the medals, including three gold and a bronze across various swimming disciplines.
The national team chief delegate Rihab Bouresli said the accomplishments would spur the athletes on towards greater achievements on the international stage.
The event has enabled to them to gain competitive experience and new friendships with their fellow global athletes, she said.
Kuwait was represented by 50 athletes, who competed in football, basketball, table tennis, swimming, track and field, bowling and bocce.
Abu Dhabi is also set to host the 15th edition of the Special Olympics World Summer Games, between March 14-21, 2019, making it the first Middle East nation to do so.
Despite being recognised by the International Olympic Committee, the games run on a separate schedule than the Paralympic Games, and are held every two years. (end) bsu.sd