Paralympic stars to descend on Dubai for season-opening Fazza Para Athletics GP

Top para-athletes including Paralympic and world champions will gather in Dubai to showcase an extraordinary show of grit and excellence when the 16th Fazza Para Athletics Grand Prix – Dubai 2025 will get underway from February 10-13.

The Fazza International Championships for People of Determination will witness participation from around 400 para-athletes representing 52 countries.

The details of the event were announced during a press conference held at the Dubai Sports Council headquarters on Tuesday.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the championships will also be the season opener for the Grand Prix calendar of the World Para Athletics, the world body for the sport.

The championships will feature an extraordinary lineup of some of the most iconic and accomplished athletes in the world of para athletics, making this event a true spectacle of talent, resilience, and determination. Among the standout competitors is Switzerland’s wheelchair racing legend Marcel Hug, famously known as the “Silver Bullet.” A multiple-time Paralympic and World Championship gold medallist, Hug continues to dominate the sport with his unparalleled speed, precision, and endurance.

Adding to the star-studded roster is Belgium’s Maxime Carabin, a two-time gold medallist from the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Known for his explosive performances and remarkable consistency, Carabin has become a beacon of inspiration for athletes around the world, demonstrating what is possible through hard work and unyielding focus.

China will also be represented by two of its greatest para athletes, further elevating the level of competition. Wen Xiaoyan, a nine-time Paralympic champion, etched her name into the history books once again at Paris 2024, where she claimed an incredible four gold medals, solidifying her status as one of the most decorated athletes in para sports history. Joining her is Wu Qing, another multiple-time Paralympic gold medallist from China, renowned for her technical mastery and relentless drive, making her a formidable force in every competition she enters.

These athletes, along with many other world-class competitors, promise to deliver unforgettable performances as they push their limits and strive for glory.

Their participation highlights the global appeal of Fazza Para Athletics Grand Prix Dubai.

Hosts UAE will take center stage with a strong contingent of 60 para-athletes, proudly showcasing their talent and determination at this prestigious event.

Among them are some of the UAE’s most celebrated Paralympic stars, who have already made their mark on the global stage with remarkable achievements. These seasoned athletes will once again aim to deliver outstanding performances, adding to their legacy while inspiring the next generation of para-athletes in the region.

In addition to these established stars, the UAE’s delegation will also feature a group of promising newcomers eager to make their debut on the international stage.

Majid Al Usaimi, Director of the Organizing Committee of the Fazza International Championships for People of Determination, thanked Sheikh Mansoor for his great interest and support for People of Determination. He also acknowledged the Dubai Sports Council and 25 partners and sponsors’ continuous support to achieve the club’s desired goal.

“Reaching the number one position requires an integrated vision from the wise leadership to achieve national aspirations and sustainable future trends for creating champions and raising the flag of the country in international events.”

“The Fazza Championships have remained the focus of development in the Para sports in all levels and have had positive impact for Dubai to continue its great journey in organising various international championships,” Usaimi added.

The Director of Championships also confirmed the completion of preparations to present an exceptional version according to the planned approach, especially since the Grand Prix season for athletics begins in Dubai.

Among other present during the press conference were Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council; Wissam Breidy, CEO of HRE Real Estate Development;

Muna Harib, Head of Marketing, Communication at Al Masraf Bank, Emirati para-athlete Rawda Abdullah who will be competing in her second Fazza Para Athletics Grand Prix in two weeks’ time.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter