UAE Special Olympics athletes take a shot at region's first Topgolf event to make sports more inclusive
The athletes took part in the Special Olympics Topgolf Invitational Tournament in Dubai on Saturday after two months of training with coaches and trainers as part of an effort to make all sports more inclusive.
The athletes took on other Special Olympics athletes at Topgolf venues in the US and the UK in a one-day competition.
It was a day of excitement for the 72 athletes, all beginners in a sport that is not easily accessible to people with special needs.
Emirati national Salma Al Salami, 21, described it as a 'great' feeling.
'I have been practising regularly and improving, now I really understand the game,' she said. 'In the beginning, I didn't know how to play but now I can.'
The training helped her learn to control her swing and guide the ball to the target.
'It made me happy and I'm proud to represent the UAE,' said Ms Salami, who also runs, plays table tennis and represented the UAE in snowshoeing at the Special Olympics World Games in Turin in March.
New chapter for UAE
Talal Al Hashemi, national director of Special Olympics UAE, said the tournament strengthened the confidence of athletes and opened the door to further opportunities.
"This tournament represents a new chapter in international empowerment for our athletes,' he said.
'Our athletes made us proud and carried the UAE flag with pride. The UAE remains committed to promoting the full inclusion of people of determination, especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, through meaningful opportunities in sport and beyond.'
More than 90 UAE Special Olympics athletes including Emirati citizens and various nationalities who live in the UAE were part of the national training programme that began in May.
They learnt the basics from gripping a club, taking a swing, playing strokes and were supported with training and coaching twice a week at Topgolf Dubai.
Indian athlete Dinal Ekanayake, 19, said he enjoyed the energy of the sport.
'It was amazing, I loved every moment. There's a lot of great athletes here,' said Mr Ekanayake who also enjoys riding, tennis, cycling, swimming and basketball.
'I feel very happy here. I learnt how to swing from my coach.'
Making golf accessible
Watching the Special Olympics athletes play with fluidity and interact with others was heartening for Amr Badawi, head of sports and training for Special Olympics UAE.
'Usually it's hard to introduce golf to our Special Olympics athletes because of the nature of this sport and vast golf grounds,' he said.
'In Special Olympics UAE we have a limited number of maybe five athletes in golf. Now after impactful training we have 70 athletes and that's great.'
Unlike traditional golf, Topgolf is played throughout the year. Microchips in the golf balls track the distance and accuracy of athletes who are required to hit targets scattered over multiple floors.
'With these vertical playgrounds, you can have 36 players on each floor so we had about 100 athletes playing in the same place for one hour. This was huge access for our athletes,' Mr Badawi said.
'They got technical support that gave them fundamental skills. But there is the other side of the story, which is building relationships, friendships and feeling part of the community. It was amazing to see their smiles and interaction with the Topgolf team and the golf academy members as friends.'
Mike Walton, general manager of Topgolf Dubai, said they were proud to host a first-of-its-kind virtual event in partnership with Special Olympics International.
'The dedication and progress shown by the athletes over the past eight weeks was truly inspiring. We believe this initiative reinforces the inclusive potential of golf and our shared commitment to making the sport accessible to all,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
16 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE's Commando Group take top honours in Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship
The curtain came down on the inaugural edition of the Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship, held over three days at ADNEC Centre Al Ain, on Sunday. Emirati clubs delivered a powerful statement, sweeping the top three positions in the championship. Organised by International Vision Sports Management (IVSM), the championship featured thrilling matches and high-level competition, drawing a large crowd and more than 1,000 athletes from over 60 countries to the Al Ain Region. The final day saw the culmination of professional category matches, with standout performances energising the crowd. The UAE's Commando Group topped the standings in the division, followed by ADMA International in second place and M.O.D UAE in third. Winners were awarded medals and cash prizes at the conclusion of the event. Pouya Rahmani of Team Nogueira Dubai, who won gold in the Men's Grappling / 18+ / Professionals (125kg division), said: 'I feel amazing. This is my first world title in grappling as a black belt, and it means a lot to me. It's been a long journey, and finally winning this medal is incredibly satisfying. My final match was against Haitham Redha. I lost to him the last time, and he's a strong fighter, but I managed to take the victory this time. Thank you, Abu Dhabi. Thank you, Al Ain.' Caroline Vinhaes of Piramide Grappling Association, who claimed gold in the Women's 18+ / Professionals (55kg division), added: 'I really enjoyed the championship. It is amazing to have a tournament dedicated specifically to grappling. Everything about the experience has been outstanding, from the organisation to the number of participants and the way we were treated throughout. I'm definitely looking forward to coming back and competing again.' Over the course of three days, the championship featured competitions across the professional, masters, amateur and youth categories. The impressive attendance and international participation reaffirm the event's growing status as a premier grappling competition in the region and on the global sports calendar. This initiative was held in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi and under the umbrella of Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP). In attendance on the final day and participating in the awards ceremony were Sheikh Tarik bin Faisal Al Qassimi, Saeed Al Dhaheri, Destination Management Department Director at the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, and Tareq Al Bahri, General Manager of International Vision Sports Management. Tareq Al Bahri, General Manager of IVSM, said: 'This year, we succeeded in delivering an exceptional edition of the Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship by attracting top-tier international athletes to the Al Ain Region and organising professional-level matches that reflect Abu Dhabi's status as the world capital of jiu-jitsu. We thank all our supporting partners and the fans whose presence played a vital role in making this event a success. 'We promise to continue delivering high-calibre grappling championships that elevate the sport and help uncover new talent at both the local and global levels."
Khaleej Times
21 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai dominance on display as curtain comes down on Glorious Goodwood
Glorious Goodwood, an annual spectacle of world-class racing in Sussex, England, lived up to its name as Dubai-owned horses once again made a significant impact at the prestigious festival, which was established two centuries ago in 1802. After Dubai Treasure struck for Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor on the opening day with a hard-fought victory in the EBF Fillies' Handicap under two-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy, it was a Dubai-flavoured final day's racing with three more winners flying the flag for the emirate in front of a stellar crowd. One of the most significant victories came in the Group 3 Coral Glorious Stakes, where Al Aasy, running in the iconic blue and white silks of Shadwell Estate, stormed home under Jim Crowley for trainer William Haggas. The win was a poignant reminder of the lasting legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, former Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, who acquired Shadwell in 1981 and transformed it into one of the world's most successful and respected racing operations. Later in the day, Crowley and Shadwell doubled their delight with Mudbir, who delivered a smart win in the Whispering Angel Handicap, proving the depth of talent in the Newmarket-based operation's current string, owned and managed by Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan Al Maktoum since 2021 following the passing of her father Sheikh Hamdan. Adding to the Dubai treble was Waardah, a rising filly who made her mark in the Group 2 Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes over a mile and six furlongs. Owned by Major General Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police and Public Security, and trained by Owen Burrows in Lambourn, Berkshire, the 'Valley of the Racehorse', Waardah showed class and stamina in equal measure, to give Dubai connections their third winner of the day. These victories showcased Dubai's strong influence and continued investment in top-tier horse racing, while also honouring the passion of the late Sheikh Hamdan and the Maktoum family's enduring dedication to the global racing world. Over the next three weeks, Ireland takes centre stage with a packed calendar of Group and Premier races at Galway, Naas, Leopardstown, Cork, and the Curragh, including standout events like the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes and the Irish St. Leger Trial. But all eyes will soon turn back to England when the stage is set for one of the most prestigious meetings of the summer - York's historic Ebor Festival, which kicks off on August 20. The five-day meeting features headline races like the Juddmonte International (G1), Yorkshire Oaks (G1), Nunthorpe Stakes (G1) and the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes (G2).
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Khaleej Times
'Built for the players': What UAE gamers think about EA FC 26
In the ever-passionate world of football gaming, anticipation for EA SPORTS FC 26 is reaching fever pitch — and that excitement is palpable among the UAE's growing community of players, creators, and pros. Following a mixed reception to last year's FC 25, many see this year's release as a potential turning point or a final straw. And if EA's messaging is anything to go by, they've been listening. From overhauled gameplay mechanics to the introduction of competitive and authentic modes, FC 26 (formerly FIFA) aims to reset the tone and rebuild trust with the community that made it a global phenomenon. In the Emirates, where content creation and esports are thriving, some of the region's most prominent voices are already sharing their thoughts. 'Built by the community, for the community' Ahmad Alkadri, better known as 88K, is a regional creator with a sharp focus on FC's Ultimate Team mode and gameplay breakdowns. For him, FC 26 signals a welcome shift in tone and substance. 'One of the things I appreciate most is EA's shift in direction this year,' says 88K. 'Their new concept, 'from the player to the player,' shows they're finally listening to the community. The trailer clearly reflects that.' Watch the trailer below: He highlights deeper technical improvements like smarter AI, better dribbling responsiveness, and smarter goalkeeper behavior. But it's the split between Competitive and Authentic presets that stands out. 'That gives players more control depending on how they play, whether they're online grinders or Career Mode purists. It feels like they've taken real feedback seriously and built the game around what the players actually want.' 'Fun, not frustration' Not everyone is in it for the wins. For UAE-based content creator Bibi Zumot, FIFA has always been more about comfort than competition. And in FC 26, he sees a smoother, more player-friendly experience. 'The gameplay feels more fluid… especially the dribbling and passing. It doesn't feel as clunky or frustrating as previous years,' he says. 'I've been playing since 2012, and this is the first time in a while it looks like a true upgrade.' For Saqr_fut, an Emirati content creator, tournament organizer, and M7 Esports partner, FC 26 is under a massive spotlight — and not just because of the gameplay trailer. 'After FC 25, the whole community had complaints — bugs, gameplay issues, broken mechanics. EA even showed those complaints in the teaser for FC 26, which is rare,' says Saqr. But acknowledging criticism is only the first step. Expectations are high and patience is thin. 'People are saying it looks faster, better, more responsive. Fans are excited. But if the problems continue, this could be the last chance. A lot of players might leave the game for good.' Sultan Khalifa, a lifelong fan of the series, says the upcoming release represents more than just a technical upgrade. 'Every year we hope for improvements, but FC 26 just feels… different. The presentation, the atmosphere — it feels more alive,' he says. Sultan is particularly drawn to Career Mode, where EA has introduced Manager Live, a dynamic hub with rotating challenges inspired by real-world football. But for him, the soul of the game lies in the social moments it creates. 'It's always been about playing with siblings and friends, the late-night matches, the banter. That's what makes this game special.' And then, there's also the return of Brazil football team which has been absent in previous editions due to licensing issues. 'I might not play with them personally, but it's huge. Brazil is football. Their history, their style, their energy — having them back just makes FC 26 feel more complete.' With esports viewership on the rise in the UAE and regional tournaments gaining traction, EA SPORTS FC 26 launches into a highly engaged, increasingly vocal market. For creators like 88K and Saqr, it's about pushing EA to be better. And this time, it seems like EA is actually listening. 'We are players too,' said John Shepherd, EA SPORTS FC VP & GM, in the official announcement. 'This year brings an overhauled gameplay experience… and a Career Mode that comes alive through evolving challenges.' EA FC 26 is set to release worldwide on September 26, 2025, across PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC (EA App/Steam), Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and Amazon Luna. The early access through the Ultimate Edition begins on September 19, 2025.
