MUSCAT: The Oman Paralympic Committee (OPC) has completed its preparations to organise the seventh edition of the Oman Para Athletics Championship, scheduled for November 8-9 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in the Wilayat of Bausher. The event will take place under the supervision of the International Athletics Federation for Athletes with Disabilities. Approximately 150 male and female athletes from Gulf clubs and international teams from the Czech Republic and Greece will participate. This forum provides a platform for interaction and competition among athletes from various categories and disabilities.
Dr Mansour al Touqi, OPC Chairman, emphasised the importance of this event, which has become an annual sporting tradition highlighting the talents and abilities of athletes with disabilities. He noted that this year’s edition has expanded to include international teams from outside the Gulf region, such as Khorfakkan Club from the UAE, Al Madina Club, Jazan Club from Saudi Arabia, the Bahrain team, as well as two teams from the Czech Republic and one from Greece, adding a distinctive international flavour to the event. Dr Al Touqi confirmed that all recorded results will be accredited by the International Paralympic Committee, enhancing the event's global significance.
He added that the goal of organising this championship is to provide opportunities for Omani and Gulf athletes to gain experience and develop their skills. It also serves as a test of Oman’s readiness to host the West Asia Games scheduled for 2026. The competitions will cover various events for athletes with motor, visual, cerebral, and intellectual disabilities, including sprint races of 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1500 metres, along with long jump, javelin, discus, and shot put events. This diversity in activities offers a chance for athletes to develop individual skills and compete within a motivating sports environment.
On the sidelines, a training course for Omani referees will be held on Wednesday, under the supervision of international lecturer Dr Tariq al Suwaiji. This two-day course, running from November 7-8, will feature an intensive theoretical programme aimed at enhancing referees' skills. The para athletics championship provides a practical opportunity for referees to apply the skills they learn, enabling them to officiate the competitions according to international standards. Dr Al Touqi emphasised that this course builds on last year’s refereeing course, which included around 25 male and female referees. This year, it targets new referees to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the refereeing team in upcoming championships, including the West Asia Championship.
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