The beginning of December saw the start of the IWAS World Games 2011. Hosted in Sharjah UAE by the Althiqah Sports Club for the Disabled the opening ceremony was held on Thursday 1st December on the water’s edge at the Buhaira Corniche in Sharjah.

Teams from all the 49 nations attended the event to witness a horse show, dances and a firework display.  The event was also attended by numerous dignitaries from the U.A.E. including His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi along with officials and the volunteers.

UAE World Champion Mohammed Al Qaid deliver the athletes oath which declares that all athletes promise to take part in the IWAS World Games in a spirit of fair competition.
The Games coincided with the 40th anniversary of the ‘Spirit of the Union’ – the formation of the UAE – which was acknowledged during the opening ceremony with the short film ‘A Story of a Nation’ which described the story of the UAE.

Competition began the following day and over the week athletes competed in Athletics, Powerlifting, Swimming, Shooting, Table Tennis and Race Running.

Results from the event can be found on the IWAS Website, but to provide a brief summary China led the way on the medal table attaining 52 Gold, 13 Silver and 4 Bronze, followed by the Iran, Poland and South Africa.

A daily newsletter was produced and can also be seen on the IWAS Website.  This publication provided an insight to the events, locations and people involved in the games.  For those of you that attended don’t forget to check out the IWAS Facebook Page and add or upload any photos from the event that you would like to share.

During the Closing Ceremony the IWAS Honorary Treasurer Bob Paterson gave thanks to the people involved.  

He said “We have seen some outstanding performances and many of us have been introduced to the sports of Amputee Football and Race Running for the first time. We have once again seen the coming together of Nations with Sport as the connecting link and national politics left behind. We have met new people, made new friends and learned more about each other’s cultures. We will take away memories to treasure.”

He went on to say
“There are many people who have worked tirelessly to make this event a success, without the work behind the scenes of the administrators, the technical officials and all the volunteers, nothing would have happened. To them we say Thank You!”