19.08.2008
Paralympic Qualifier
Athletes from the Gulf States have secured their places to compete at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games at a three-day qualifying event in Doha this month.
A local marching band and children from the Shafallah Centre for Children with Special Needs led 120 athletes from Qatar and the other five Gulf states onto the field at Khalifa Stadium in Aspire Zone to compete in a number of Paralympic qualifying events, including shot put, discus, javelin and the 100m.
The Qatari sporting icon and Ambassador for the Doha 2016 Bid, Nada Zeidan, was also on hand to sign autographs for local supporters.
Qatari javelin thrower Naseer al Sahoti beat his personal best to throw 44.08m and win trip to Beijing. Discus thrower Ali al Mass, who had been expected to qualify, unfortunately fell four metres short of target and so missed the cut.
The opening ceremony of the 8th annual GCC Paralympic Athletic Championships was followed by a speech from Sheikh Saud Bin Abdulrahman, General Secretary of QOC.
Dr Hassan Al Ansari, General Manager of the Championships, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for people across Qatar to cheer on our future Paralympic athletes, as well as enjoy a relaxing evening with their families. It’s important for fans to know that sports events are not just for athletes – they are for everyone.”