Thuraya Al Zaabi rallies support for her IPC Athletics dream

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  • Thuraya Al Zaabi has competed at both the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Paralympics.

    Thuraya Al Zaabi, the UAE’s first female Paralympian, has called on sports fans to turn up for the upcoming IPC Athletics World Championships in Qatar, where she hopes to make a maiden appearance on the podium.

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    Al Zaabi, who represented the Emirates in the 2008 and 2012 Paralympics in the discus, shot put and javelin throwing events, is keen to show the world what para-athletes are capable of as she sends out an invitation for people to catch the action at the Qatar Sports Club from October 21-31.

    The 45-year-old, who took up para-athletics following a stroke at the age of 29, which paralysed her down the left side of her body, made history for the UAE when she competed at the Beijing Games seven years ago and she is looking to do more as she eyes success in Rio next year.

    The Emirati was featured in the “My Incredible Story” series, released by the World Championships as one of the inspirational figures in the world of para-athletics.

    “The Doha 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships will be beyond incredible,” said Al Zaabi in the series video.

    “I call on everyone not to lose out and come to Qatar Sports Club to see the various athletes and their incredible abilities – regardless of their impairments. These Championships are a clear indication that para-athletes are capable and not in any way disabled – and that they are able to represent their countries.”

    Al Zaabi, who won discus bronze at the IWAS World Games in Sochi last month, will be competing in the F32-34 javelin and shot put events in Doha this week on October 28 and 29.

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    “My participation in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and the 2012 London Paralympics made me an ambassador for my country, which is an absolute honour for me and it’s why I’m extra motivated for Rio 2016. To make my country proud in the field, in the stadiums, everywhere, is incredible. I am the United Arab Emirates,” says Al Zaabi, who used to run and played basketball and volleyball prior to her stroke.

    “Sport to me is hope. It renewed my weak muscles and also moved me from a state of reclusiveness and depression to a state of hope, determination and a perpetual smile.

    “My biggest challenge was when I first had my stroke. My injury was severe and it was a whole new world for me. But it was my physical situation that led me to take up para-athletics.

    “It is very difficult and requires greater effort. But that shouldn’t stop us from riding this wave and demonstrating that para-athletes can overcome their disability, excel, and take para-athletics to a higher level.

    “Nothing is impossible if you will it, and if it is impossible then you haven’t willed it.”

    Al Zaabi’s best finish at a World Championships so far was a seventh place in the F32-34 shot put in 2006 and in the F33-34/52-53 javelin in 2011.

    The UAE team arrived in Doha on Monday, led by Mohamed Hammadi, a two-time Paralympic medallist. The Sharjah-based sprinter will be looking to add to his already impressive tally of World Championship medals having scooped two gold in the 200m and 400m T34 and silver in the 100m in the 2011 edition as well as a silver and a bronze in 2013.

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