Saudi Arabia Joins Unified Floorball Team in 2025 Winter World Games

Saudi flag (AAWSAT AR)
Saudi flag (AAWSAT AR)
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Saudi Arabia Joins Unified Floorball Team in 2025 Winter World Games

Saudi flag (AAWSAT AR)
Saudi flag (AAWSAT AR)

The draw for the participation of countries from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games, to be held in Torino, Italy on March 8, 2025, took place in Dubai on Wednesday.
The regional president of Special Olympics International, Engineer Ayman Abdel Wahab, and members of the regional presidency were present during the draw, SPA said on Thursday.
Saudi Arabia was selected to participate in the "Unified Floorball" team, in which players with intellectual disabilities and their peers without disabilities participate in the same team.
The draw was completed for the rest of the sports that the Olympics will showcase, including cross-country skiing, speed skating, snow running, dance sports, figure skating, and the team sport of floorball.
During the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games, Saudi Arabia sent a delegation of 11 participants, including eight players who competed in snow running and speed skating.
They were among 289 participants from 16 countries, including the UAE, Egypt, Bahrain, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Palestine, Qatar, Iran, and Oman. The Kingdom participated in four sports: floor hockey, speed skating, cross-country skiing, and snow running, among the seven sports held by the Olympics. The region also participated in the Youth Conference through a player and an escort.



Antonelli Named as Hamilton’s Replacement at Formula 1's Mercedes

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli of Italy walks down stairs for the first free practice ahead of the Formula One Italian Grand Prix race at the Monza racetrack, in Monza, Italy, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli of Italy walks down stairs for the first free practice ahead of the Formula One Italian Grand Prix race at the Monza racetrack, in Monza, Italy, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
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Antonelli Named as Hamilton’s Replacement at Formula 1's Mercedes

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli of Italy walks down stairs for the first free practice ahead of the Formula One Italian Grand Prix race at the Monza racetrack, in Monza, Italy, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli of Italy walks down stairs for the first free practice ahead of the Formula One Italian Grand Prix race at the Monza racetrack, in Monza, Italy, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Teenager Kimi Antonelli has been named as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement next year at Mercedes, a day after his Formula One debut ended in the 18-year-old driver hitting the wall.
Antonelli took over for George Russell in the opening practice session for Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
But his much-anticipated first appearance lasted fewer than six laps, and only 10 minutes, after he lost control of his Mercedes at the Parabolica, sliding backwards through the gravel and into the tire barrier.
Team principal Toto Wolff said Saturday the crash would have no impact on Antonelli’s F1 chances, and confirmation of his elevation as a junior driver with the team was confirmed ahead of final practice at his home event.
“It is an amazing feeling to be announced as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025,” said Antonelli. “Reaching F1 is a dream I’ve had since I was a small boy."