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UAE boosts haul of medals to 138
The UAE increased its haul of medals to 138, comprising 57 gold, 53 silver and 28 bronze at the end of the 6th MENA Regional Special Games which came to a close last night.
- By Yasir Abbasher, Senior Reporter
- Published: 23:30 November 21, 2008
- The Iraqi team returns to the Morocco team during a table tennis game at the Mena Regional Special Games at the Armed Forces Officers Club in Abu Dhabi.
- Image Credit: Ravindranath/Gulf News
Abu Dhabi: The UAE increased its haul of medals to 138, comprising 57 gold, 53 silver and 28 bronze at the end of the 6th MENA Regional Special Games which came to a close last night.
Mohammad Faddel Al Hameli, Head of the Supreme Organising Committee, told the closing ceremony that it had been a pleasure and an honour hosting all the 1,500 athletes from 23 countries in Abu Dhabi in the past few days and providing an opportunity for them to show their athletic excellence and dedication in 12 different competitions.
"We look to forward to seeing you again in 2010 in the MENA 7th Games and we are sure that we will see more improvement and progress in the field of humanitarian services and community welfare. It is our duty to help the disabled integrate into society and perform their role with their people in developing their countries," Al Hameli said.
Four countries have applied to host the next Games: Egypt, Qatar, Syria and Morocco.
Star of the day
UAE youngster 17-year-old Ahmad Abdul Rahman Al Hamly, was the star of the final day collecting four gold medals in powerlifting while the football seven-a-side competition attracted the largest number of spectators, which included UAE ace footballers: Fahad Masaood, Mohammad Al Shehhi, both from Al Wahda and Mohammad Salem, the captain of Al Dhafrah, who attended the final matches and showed their support to the athletes in a gesture that earned applause and appreciation from the spectators.
Saudi Arabia won the gold for football for the first level with Iran winning the silver and the UAE the bronze.
The Saudis defeated Egypt 3-0, and Iran 2-0 before settling for a 1-1 with the UAE. Iran defeated UAE 2-0 and Egypt with the same result while the UAE drew with Egypt 2-2.
The hosts, the UAE, dominated the basketball competitions for men winning two gold medals for both levels while the country's ladies team won a silver.
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