Abu Dhabi: The New York University in Abu Dhabi came alive to some unbelievable scenes on Sunday as the track-and-field, swimming and weightlifting events of the Mena Special Olympic Games got under way at their campus.
It was heartening to see the students joining in large numbers in various roles and lending their heart and soul to the event. More importantly, bonding with the people of determination and letting them know that ‘we care’.
For a change, the back markers were the ones whom the spectators cared for the most. They were the ones, who got the loudest cheer for making the effort for being there and giving it everything to get across the line, battling all odds.
Setting the pool on fire was Faisal Al Qusaibi from Saudi Arabia. The 22-year-old suffering from Down syndrome spoke very little but was well aware of his accomplishment.
A gold in the 25-metre backstroke and Al Qusaibi was simply elated — jumping non-stop proudly sporting his medal. Holding tight to his coach’s hands and mentor Dr Naeem Mahdi, Al Qusaibi’s eye spoke more than words. It was clear Al Qusaibi couldn’t thank Dr Mahdi enough for ensuring that he could see this day.
“Al Qusaibi is one of my favourites and we have been together for six years. You can’t imagine the joy that I get being with him. We also won a bronze medal through Badr Elias, he is just 16. I have spent 19 years with special children and they all continue to surprise me each day. They come straight from the heaven,” said Dr Mahdi, choking with emotion and struggling to hold back his tears.
“Al Quasibi is so very special and you should see him perform again this afternoon. Then you would know. He gives it everything and has won medals in many Special Olympic events. In 2015, he had won three golds at Los Angeles,” said Dr Mahdi, whose ward proved him right again by claiming another medal later in the day — this time a bronze in the 25-metre freestyle 1k.
UAE’s poster girl for Special Olympics — Hamda Al Hosani — also gave the hosts plenty to cheer as she pocketed a silver in the division 06 200-metre run. Al Hosani, who has won several laurels for UAE all around the globe, was beaten at the tape by Bahrain’s Aysha Al Subei, who clocked 33.61 seconds. Tunisia’s Rania Abidi was third.
“I’m a bit disappointed as this was my pet event. It was a bit too hot and I must say all the focus on me just before the event was a bit of a distraction,” said Al Hosani, without mincing her words. However, Al Hosani had another opportunity to go for gold when she competes in the 100m today.
“I will try to give my best, that’s all I can say. Though it is a silver today, it still feels great to win in front of my family and friends. They all have come to cheer me and I thank everyone for their support.”
