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The National Multiple Sclerosis Association has announced the participation of seven athletes from its “Ghatarif Al Himma” team in the Abu Dhabi Masters Games 2026, scheduled to take place from February 6 to 15. This marks a significant milestone as athletes with multiple sclerosis prepare to compete on an international sporting stage, demonstrating their determination and athletic abilities in this prestigious event.
The participating athletes include Amira Al Jaberi, Deborah Dunn, Mohammed Al Harbi, Mary Mew, Cyric Durlo, Leen Al Masoud, and Mohammed Salim, according to the association. The team members will compete in various disciplines throughout the Abu Dhabi Masters Games, representing both their country and the wider community of individuals living with multiple sclerosis.
Among the standout competitors are Amira Al Jaberi, a former first aid volunteer who now competes in fencing and swimming, alongside Mohammed Al Harbi, who specializes in cycling. Both athletes serve as inspiring examples of resilience and overcoming challenges associated with their condition.
Athletes with Multiple Sclerosis Defy Limitations
Al Jaberi began her athletic journey after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2016. Rather than surrendering to her diagnosis, she maintained an active presence in sports, transitioning between fencing and swimming while continuing her community service in first aid.
According to Al Jaberi, sports became her primary method of adaptation to living with the condition. She stated that physical activity gave her a sense of strength and enhanced her ability to concentrate, noting that swimming provided significant motivation to continue and progress in her athletic pursuits.
The experience has revealed numerous positive aspects of her personality that have reflected in her sporting career, she indicated. Al Jaberi emphasized that success and excellence form the core of her relationship with sports, alongside the health and psychological benefits it provides.
First Aid Experience Shapes Approach to Health Challenges
Al Jaberi’s volunteer experience in first aid has influenced how she handles health challenges. She explained that she faces difficulties calmly and addresses crises step by step, an approach that has helped her overcome numerous obstacles throughout her journey with multiple sclerosis.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Al Harbi shared that his journey with multiple sclerosis began in 2022, marking a turning point in his life. The diagnosis motivated him to embrace sports, particularly cycling, and join the Ghatarif Al Himma team affiliated with the National Multiple Sclerosis Association in preparation for the Masters Games.
Abu Dhabi Masters Games Opportunity to Challenge Stereotypes
Al Harbi emphasized that the Abu Dhabi Masters Games represent a genuine opportunity to change stereotypes associated with multiple sclerosis and people of determination in general. The event allows athletes to showcase themselves as active individuals capable of competing, achieving, and making meaningful contributions at major sporting events.
Additionally, the participation of these seven athletes highlights the growing recognition of adaptive sports and the capabilities of individuals with chronic conditions. Their involvement in the Abu Dhabi Masters Games demonstrates that a multiple sclerosis diagnosis does not preclude athletic excellence or competitive participation at international levels.
However, the broader impact extends beyond individual achievement. The team’s participation serves to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis and promote understanding of how sports can serve as both therapy and empowerment for those living with the condition.
The athletes will compete across various disciplines during the February 6-15 period, though specific medal targets or competition schedules have not been disclosed by the association. The outcomes of their participation and any achievements during the Abu Dhabi Masters Games 2026 are expected to be announced following the conclusion of the event.
