First female to represent UAE in Paralympic Games to compete in Doha

Thuraya Al Zaabi, the first female to represent the UAE at a Paralympic Games in Beijing 2008, is due to compete in the Doha 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships, which will be held from 21st -31st October at Qatar Sports Club.

Ms Al Zaabi will be competing in the javelin and shot put events on the evenings of 28th and 29th October.

Speaking in the penultimate film of the series, 'My Incredible Story', launched by the Doha 2015 Organising Committee to showcase the incredible obstacles, challenges and journeys of some of the world's greatest para-athletes, Ms Al Zaabi said, "The Doha 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships will be beyond incredible. I call on everyone not to lose out and come to Qatar Sports Club to see the various athletes and their incredible abilities, regardless of their impairments. This is a clear indication that para-athletes are capable and able to represent their countries. With all of my love and respect, get your tickets to the Doha 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships - we're waiting for you."

Thuraya took up para-athletics following a stroke at the age of 29, which paralysed her down the left side of her body. Despite finding the sport difficult at first, she persevered and went on to compete in the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Paralympic Games, becoming the first Emirati woman to participate in a Paralympic Games.

Doha will also be making history this week when it hosts the largest para-sport event ever to come to the Middle East. 1,300 of the world's best para-athletes from over 100 countries will be competing at the Qatar Sports Club this month and hoping to secure a qualifying spot for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Speaking about Ms Al Zaabi's support for the campaign, Dr. Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, President of the Local Organising Committee and Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, said, "Thuraya Al Zaabi is an excellent role model for young females across our region and we are very grateful to have her support for this campaign. We hope that her story will empower people everywhere to see that anything is possible whatever your circumstance. She will be joined by many other incredible athletes from across the Middle East and around the world who will inspire and amaze spectators at the IPC Athletics Championships next week. We encourage everyone to get their tickets now and come down and witness the incredible world of para-sport first-hand."

Al Zaabi will be joined by a host of talented athletes from across the region, including Qatar's very own world-record holder, Abdelrahman Abdelqader, Walid Ktila of Tunisia who is a double Paralympic Champion, and Moroccan Gold medallist, El Amin Chentouf

Source: WAM