Oman Pride: Basketball competition for physically challenged athletes in Oman

More sports Tuesday 19/December/2017 16:23 PM
By: Times News Service
Oman Pride: Basketball competition for physically challenged athletes in Oman

Muscat: The first Oman basketball championship for wheelchair users was launched yesterday by the Oman Paralympic Committee.
The idea for the championship came about after the athletes asked for a chance to compete and spread the culture of sports among the disabled, which would, hopefully, also attract new members to the national team, according to Oman's Paralympic Committee.
The contest will run for nine days, stated the organisers.
Twenty wheelchair-bound players have registered for the tournament. They make up four teams — Muscat, Al-Dakhliah, Al-Wasta and Al-Batinah.
“We have started this tournament, which is the first in the history of the activities of the Paralympic Committee of Oman, with the support of the Ministry of Sports Affairs and Omantel,” said Akram Al Maawli, Vice Chairman of the Paralympic Committee of Oman.
“We work to develop this sport in various aspects, and to be more competitive in regional and international tournaments,” he added.
“Our priorities are to improve the efficiency of the players, and attract new players with disabilities to this sport, which is gaining popularity internationally,” elaborated Al-Maawali.
“This championship is proof of the commission's efforts to promote mobility among the disabled people by attracting new players, and by shedding light on their potential and capabilities,” explained Tariq Al-Kiomi, a committee member.
Rahma Al-Hajari, a member of the Oman Paralympic Committee, noted, “Certainly, the players enjoy the games, which have given them a lot of excitement through strong competition. The disabled players are able to perform on an equal footing with other athletes.”
National basketball trainer Yaqoob Al-Nadabi added, “We are trying to teach players the principles of basketball, in order for them to qualify for international championships.”