Dubai: Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee (UAE NOC), was extremely pleased at the UAE’s three medals at the 2012 London Paralympic Games this summer.
“The pride I felt at witnessing the achievements of our athletes in London cannot be described. I was so filled with joy to see the UAE flag flying high and our national anthem played following the success of our athletes,” Shaikh Ahmad told presidents of member associations affiliated to the UAE NOC at the annual general body meeting.
He called on members of the country’s sporting fraternity to respond and play their part by emulating the accomplishments of these Paralympic athletes, who gave their best to make the UAE proud. “These athletes of ours had a vision and they showed how dedication to a task can bear fruit,” he added.
Shaikh Ahmad urged all sportspersons in the UAE to replicate the performances of the Paralympic athletes and bring glory to the UAE while participating at various competitions held all over the world.
“Very often, a lot is said about our resources and facilities. But I do not agree. If there is a will, like what our Paralympic athletes showed us, then there can be no excuses for performing at the top level. Desires have no limit and these Paralympians from the UAE showed us exactly that when they brought home three medals. I am sure that with the right amount of hard work and dedication, our able-bodied athletes can do the same,” Shaikh Ahmad said.
