PRCS athletes win six medals out of the 17 medals earned by the Palestinian Team at the Special Olympics World Summer Games

(Greece, 05-07-2011):PRCS won a total of six medals at the Special Olympics World Summer Games held in Greece from 19 of June to 4 of July 2011. PRCS athletes were competing as part of the Palestinian Special Olympics Team which won a total of 17 medals.

PRCS delegation, which comprised 5 athletes and 3 coaches from PRCS Rehabilitation Centers in Jericho, Nablus, Hebron and Khan Younes, won 3 gold medals, 1 silver medal and 2 bronze medals as follows: Athlete Fadi Jahaleen from PRCS Capacity Development Center in Jericho and Ahlam Al Shatrit from Al Raja’a Center in Hebron won 3 gold medals in Bocce. They were coached by Ms. Samiya Abou Ziyad and Mr. Firas Falyan. Athlete Areej Al Tarwa, from the Special Education School in Bani Na’im earned a bronze medal in Badminton. She was coached by Ms. Rabi’a Manasra. Athlete Dunia Hasiba from PRCS/Nablus Special Education Center earned a bronze medal in table tennis, while athlete Salem Abdel Ghaffour from Al Amal City for Rehabilitation and Capacity Development in Khan Younes won a bronze medal in cycling.

In total, the Palestinian delegation which comprised 37 athletes, coaches and administrative staff earned 17 medals: 9 gold, 4 silver and 4 bronze.

The Palestinian delegation expressed its deepest thanks to PRCS President Dr. Younes Al Khatib for his constant cooperation with and support to the Special Olympics delegation at all events, including these latest Games in Greece. Dr. Al Khatib provided financial support to the delegation for its travel and participation costs at these Games.

At a meeting with Mr. Nizar Basalat, Head of the Delegation, Dr. Al Khatib expressed his readiness to enhance partnerships between PRCS and the Special Olympics and to translate them into a joint and constant framework of action. He added that he cherished all achievements realized by the Palestinian Special Olympics team.