Abu Dhabi: Umm Saleh fills with pride each time her son rolls a bowling ball to record another game-winning strike.

Saleh Al Marri dominates the lanes wherever he plays. The 24-year-old Emirati is a bowling sensation with a remarkable record of victories and an impressive tally of strikes.

But what is even more impressive is the change he has undergone since he found his love of the sport and began competing on the world stage at the Special Olympics, says Umm Saleh.

“The Special Olympics has affected various aspects of Saleh’s life and he has become more enthusiastic and self-confident.

“Because the championship is taking place here in Abu Dhabi he wants to be in first place among the people of his country.”

Saleh came in first place in the 9th division of the traditional singles bowling competition played at Zayed Sports City, winning yet another gold to add to his growing collection.

Saleh first started playing the sport in 2010. A year later he competed in his first Special Olympics in Athens, Greece, where he won two gold medals. He followed this up with two golds in Egypt and victory in the World Championship in the USA in 2015, says Umm Saleh.

“Now he wants to continue making achievements,” says the athlete’s mother, adding that her son’s sporting success is another example of the passion and determination he demonstrates to his family each day.

“He is smart, beloved and distinguished among his friends, family and all the people.”

As a youngster Saleh spent two years as a student at Al Noor Special Needs Center in Abu Dhabi.

He then enrolled at the Zayed Organisation, which had a tremendous impact on his development, says Umm Saleh.

“I remember once he was in Germany for medical treatment. He went out with his brothers to play bowling and was interacting with the German people and all the people there.

“Saleh has always relied upon himself. One time he felt sick and went to the doctor with the driver by himself.

“He cares a lot about his family and they treat him as they would any person of his age. He is not dealt with in a special way. At home he has all the support of his brothers and his father and feels nothing less than them.”