Whomever said that disability stops dreams and ambitions? A person with the desire to be a champion will become one when possessed with ambition and desire. With these words, the young Shaikha Al Shaiba began her speech before her participation in the IRONMAN 70.3 Middle East Championship Bahrain to be held on November 25 in Bahrain. Challenge is most prominent title of Shaikha Al Shaiba's athletic career. When watching triathlon races, she dreamed of being a participant, but was always discouraged, especially because she has a handicap in her right arm, which was amputated since she was just a year and a half old.

Shaikha Al Shaiba lived in a family that encouraged her to realise her dream, which grew bigger when His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of Bahrain Olympic Committee, presented her with full support.

Speaking of this support, she said: "When I met with His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, I felt wonderful. His words of encouragement were the biggest incentive to me to participate in the Ironman Middle East Championship." She added, "His Highness gave me his full support and told me that he would encourage my career and provide means of support to achieve my dream of reaching the finish line. "

Shaikha related her story saying: "The challenge was initially between me and myself, especially since many people told me that I cannot achieve this dream because of my amputated arm. But this discouragement which I heard only prompted me to realise this dream and participate in this championship."

She added, "My participation will be a message to all people, not only those with special needs or disabilities, because disability does not kill desire, drive and determination. I kept that in mind and was able to train and participate in an Olympic Championship in Kuwait, previously."

She continued, "Everything I do is on behalf of Bahrain. My disability will send a message to everyone that disability is not a defect and does not end ambition or desire. Here I must point out that the greatest motivation for my participation is the encouragement of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who gave me full support, enabling me to be the first Bahraini to participate in the race with one arm."

She concluded, "My ambition in this championship is to reach the finish line. I am confident that I can do it, no matter what the difficulties are, and whatever my outcome. I will aspire to achieve this goal and I hope that everyone will grant me their support and encouragement."

Source: BNA