A delegation from the Kuwait Equestrian Team for Intellectual Disabilities, representing the Kuwaiti Al-Tumooh Sports Club, is participating in the Regional Equestrian Competition of the Special Olympics for the Middle East and North Africa region. The event is organized by the UAE Special Olympics in collaboration with the Regional Special Olympics in the city of Al Ain. It begins today, Sunday, and continues until August 28th, with athletes from 11 Arab countries taking part.

Prior to departure, the Secretary-General of Al-Tumooh Club and head of the delegation, Sadiqa Al-Ansari, told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that Kuwait's male and female riders have prepared well for the competitions through an intensive three-month training program. She emphasized their determination to demonstrate their excellence and continue their series of achievements in equestrian sports.

Al-Ansari added, "All our riders possess an outstanding record of experience and international and regional achievements. Rider Basma Al-Basili won three silver medals at the World Games in Berlin, while rider Abdullah Al-Ali won two gold medals at the National Games of the Special Olympics in Egypt." She expressed her confidence in their ability to continue their path of excellence and raise the country's flag in various forums.

She explained that the past years have seen a dedicated effort to establish a distinguished foundation for equestrian sports as one of the effective activities in developing the psychological, physical, and social skills of athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Al-Ansari extended her thanks to the athletes, coaching staff, parents, the Public Sports Authority, the Kuwait Special Olympics family, Al-Tumooh Club, and the Kuwait Equestrian Academy for their support in ensuring the success of Kuwait's participation. She also thanked the UAE Special Olympics for hosting the competition in cooperation with the Regional Special Olympics.

Meanwhile, the team coach, Sarah Bouhamdi, told KUNA that the participating athletes underwent an intensive training program focused on developing their physical and technical skills and preparing them for the competitions. She praised their enthusiasm, determination, and commitment, as well as the support from parents and administrative staff, which contributed to enhancing their readiness for participation and their resolve to achieve success.

Bouhamdi explained that the Kuwaiti riders will compete in three events: English riding, trails, and control, expressing their hopes for outstanding results in this regional sporting event.

For their part, riders Abdullah Al-Ali, Basma Al-Basili, and Maryam Dhiyab expressed their pride in representing Kuwait in this tournament, affirming their full readiness to achieve new accomplishments and present an honorable image of Kuwaiti intellectual disability sports.

The Kuwaiti delegation participating in the championship, headed by Al-Ansari, includes riders Abdullah Al-Ali, Basma Al-Basili, and Maryam Dhiyab, under the supervision of coach Sarah Bouhamdi and coach Mohammed Al-Kandari.