ABU DHABI, 26th September, 2016 (WAM) His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, expressed pride for the unprecedented achievements of the Emirati para-athletes in the 2016 Rio Paralympics Games in Brazil.

The UAE Paralympics team won two gold medals, four silvers and one bronze.

During the meeting at Al Bahr Palace on Monday, Sheikh Mohamed said, "Members of the team have shown their merit, excellence and determination to deliver the best for their nation and themselves.''HH affirmed that the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, pays due attention to sports and always encourages and recognises sportspersons who have achievements that raise the UAE profile at international championships. Sheikh Mohamed also gave special credit to para-athletes who he said not only had remarkable results to their name but also proved over and again that disability does not impede them to move forward, win and excel.

''It is the patriotism and strong determination of our sons and daughters that stimulates them towards success and excellence,'' HH said as he congratulated the team.

HH also commended the families for encouraging the para-athletes to achieve victory and congratulated the administrative and technical staff as well as coaches for making this achievement possible.

HH also lauded sponsors of the team, urging them to float new innovative ideas that contribute to the progress of sports in the UAE.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2016.