Balushi hoping UAE will clinch football gold at Special Olympics
abu dhabi — Ali Al Balushi and his teammates are hoping to take home the gold at Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.
The Special Olympics UAE football team player is determined to win big when he and the rest of the team kick off at the World Games on home soil on March 14 next year.
Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 is part of the UAE’s National Vision 2021 that highlights full integration of people of determination into every part of society.
Preparations are already well under way, with the UAE team looking to build on its positive performance at the inaugural Unified Football Cup, which was held in Chicago, USA, from July 17 to 21, as part of Special Olympics 50th Anniversary celebrations.
A determined and talented athlete, Ali scored in the UAE’s 8-0 defeat of Canada in the group stages and is now eager to face teams from all over the world when they travel to his home country for next year’s Special Olympics World Games.
“Playing in the Unified Cup in Chicago was one of the proudest moments of my life,” said Ali, 24. “I am so happy that our national team reached such special levels.”
The Special Olympics UAE Football Team placed third in the competition, after resounding victories in the group stages of 8-0, 4-0 and 7-0. They narrowly missed out on a place in the final after losing on penalty kicks to Uruguay in the semifinal.
However, Ali is confident his teammates can go all the way in Abu Dhabi next year.
“Without the penalties we would have been in the final, but this is the nature of a football game; some days you win, other days you lose,” said Ali.
“I think it is important to participate in international competitions like the Unified Cup as it helps to refine the talents of the UAE team, especially before the World Games in Abu Dhabi next year.”
Sport, particularly football, has helped to transform the lives of Ali and the other players who make up the Special Olympics UAE Football Team.
Greater promotion of Special Olympics Games and Unified Sport in general is a key part of Abu Dhabi’s goal to break down society’s misconceptions of people with intellectual disabilities and what they can achieve.