Dubai is set to host the 16th Fazza Para Athletics Grand Prix from February 10 to 13, 2025, featuring around 400 para-athletes from 52 countries. This event marks the season opener for the 2025 edition of the Fazza International Championships for People of Determination. The championships will also kick off the Grand Prix calendar for the World Para Athletics, the global governing body for the sport.

Among the elite athletes participating are notable figures such as Switzerland’s wheelchair racing champion Marcel Hug, Belgium’s two-time gold medalist Maxime Carabin, and China’s nine-time Paralympic champion Wen Xiaoyan, who has secured four gold medals at the Paris 2024 Games. The UAE will be represented by 60 para-athletes, including Paralympic stars and newcomers seeking international classification during the four-day event.

Majid Al-Usaimi, the Director of the Organising Committee for the Fazza International Championships for People of Determination, expressed gratitude to Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his unwavering support for People of Determination. He also acknowledged the continuous backing from the Dubai Sports Council and 25 partners and sponsors that contribute to the event’s success.

Al-Usaimi emphasized the importance of having an integrated vision from the leadership to achieve national aspirations and promote sustainable trends in developing champions. He noted that the Fazza Championships play a vital role in advancing para sports at all levels and have positively impacted Dubai’s reputation for hosting international competitions.

The Director confirmed that all preparations for the championships are complete, and the organizers are confident of delivering a successful event. Present at the launch were Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, and Emirati para-athlete Rawda Abdullah, who is looking forward to competing in her second Fazza Para Athletics Grand Prix.