Disablity is not a barrier for them

DUBAI: Despite being born with intellectual disabilities, there was something these two brothers couldn't resist since their childhood days. While Mohammad Al Tajer loved horses, his sibiling Abdullah Al Tajer was passionate about swimming.

Special Olympics came as a boon to these special kids and both the brothers have been creating waves winning consistently at the international special events.

"Both my brothers wanted to do something special and give back to their country. They have achieved success and brought bringing laurels to the country and I hope they continue doing this," their brother Obaid Al Tajer said during a relay organized to carry the white flame in support and solidarity for Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa athletes with intellectual disabilities.

The 20-year-old Adbullah has won two gold medals at the Special Olympics Games, held in Tunisia and then followed his good form to win two gold and a silver at the fifth Special Olympics MENA Games in Dubai in 2006 and two gold at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, China in 2007. He also won gold at World Championships in Athens last year.

His brother Mohammad, just 14, too is not far behind, excelling at the World Championships in China in 2007.

"He used to get excited every time he saw a horse. Then he trained at the Dubai Club for Special Needs and his coaches really helped him get professional training," Obaid added as his brothers prepare for the World Championships to be held in Korea next year.

Seif El Dabal is the other athelete from the UAE to participate.