Special Olympics UAE athlete makes dream trip to FC Barcelona
Dubai - UAE, Saturday 9 February 2019: Special Olympics UAE footballer and FC Barcelona super fan, Hamad Al Shehi, met footballing star Gerard Piqué at the team’s Spanish training ground last weekend.
The two footballers swapped footballing tips and took pictures wearing Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 wristbands after Gerard Piqué finished a training session with the FC Barcelona team.
As well as receiving a signed football top, Hamad was also given a full tour of the stadium before watching the big match against Valencia where his favourite player, Lionel Messi, scored two goals.
Hamad Al Shehi, who has Down Syndrome, was inspired to take up football by the success of FC Barcelona, his favourite team.
A talented footballer Hamad features in a recent documentary about the power of determination and true sportsmanship.
Hamad impressed his coaches and teammates as soon as he stepped foot onto the pitch.
Sociable and well-liked, Hamad is a much-loved member of the UAE Special Olympics World Games Football Team thanks to his skills with the ball, larger than life personality and infectious smile.
He trains alongside players with and without disabilities as part of the Regional Sports Academy team coached by Omar Al Dhiyebi. Based in Abu Dhabi, the team is breaking down barriers through a shared love of sport and a spirit of inclusivity and respect.
Coach Omar quickly spotted Hamad’s ability as a player and insisted on registering him with the team, including him in training sessions and eventually official games.
Coach Omar has worked hard to support Hamad and to boost his natural footballing talent through a variety of exercises designed to increase his fitness and skills.
His family have seen a huge change in his demeanor and personality, with the young player eager to tell his parents and anyone who will listen just how much he enjoys being part of a unified team and how happy he is to be playing alongside new friends.
The youngster, who plays in attack, hopes to lead the UAE team to victory at the World Games in Abu Dhabi next month.
Home >> Entertainment Section
UAE Food Bank and Taya Art Production launch ‘Cook of Thousand Meals' initiative ...
Dubai Police claim wheelchair basketball crown at 11th Nad Al Sheba Sports Tourn ...
Mercato Hosts Special Iftar Event for Students of Determination from Rashid Cent ...
Tag Heuer Ambassador And Skateboarding World Champion Sky Brown Soars Above Towe ...
Students of Sharjah Performing Arts Academy Perform Their Own Production and Exe ...
Ski Dubai, in partnership with Dubai Sports Council, to host DXB Snow Run on 19 ...
Lola Cars returning to top-tier global motorsport with technical partners Yamaha ...
Nissan Becomes First Formula E Manufacturer To Commit To Gen4 Until At Least 203 ...
Mandarin Oriental And Its Global Celebrity Fan, Alia Bhatt, Host The Hope Gala, ...
Hotel Indigo Redefines Art Experience with Launch of Keerthana's First Supper
Roghani, Golestan claim Padel crown at 11th Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament
ADNOC Distribution Shareholders Approve New Five-Year Dividend Policy As Company ...
flydubai adds two destinations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Media Statement on the occasion of Zayed Humanitarian Day: Humaid Al Dhaheri, Ma ...
Snap, Savour and Win: Dubai Food Festival and Gulf Photo Plus Launch Photograph ...
Greenpeace MENA Reveals North Africa's Polluters- Time for Urgent Action!
Hotpack Global MD emerges Founding VC of Paper and Tissue Business Group at Duba ...
Dubai Shopping Malls Group Set To Delight Shoppers With New ‘Shop. Scan & Win' E ...
Power to progress: Kia K4 next-generation compact sedan sets new design standard ...
Etihad Rail signs agreement for waste management services with BEEAH Group