Disabled athletes battle it out

From: Gulf Daily News, Bahrain - May 8, 2003

BLIND, deaf and mute athletes from various centres and schools competed in the second day of the 12th Annual Bahrain Disabled Sports Championship yesterday.

The games have been organised by the Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation (BDSF) and yesterday's events were held at the National Stadium in Isa Town.

More than 240 athletes are competing in about 40 Special Olympic-type events, such as 50- metre, 100-metre and relay races, javelin throw, long jump, discus throw and shot put, throughout the three-day event, which concludes today.

"At the end of the games, we will be selecting the top athletes who will represent Bahrain in major championships abroad," said Special Olympics Bahrain director Mohammed Matouq.

Today will be the final day of the games and they will be held at Bahrain University, in Isa Town, from 9am.

The event will feature a six-a-side football tournament, table tennis and basketball matches and games for those with severe disabilities.

All the winners will be honoured tonight at 6pm.

The annual championship is the federation's biggest sporting event.

The top winners will qualify to compete in the Pan Arab Games to be held in September in Algeria, the 26th GCC Games, to be held in the UAE in October and the Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece, next year.

Copyright © 2002, Gulf Daily News