Ali Al Balushi and his team-mates are hoping to take home the gold at Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.

The Special Olympics UAE footballer is determined to win big when he and the rest of the team kick off at the World Games on home soil on 14 March next year.

Preparations are already well under way with the UAE looking to build on their positive performance at the inaugural Unified Football Cup, which was held in Chicago, USA, from July 17 to 21. It was part of Special Olympics 50th Anniversary celebrations.

Al Balushi scored in the UAE’s 8-0 defeat of Canada in the group stages and is now eager to face teams from all over the world when they travel to his home country for next year’s Special Olympics World Games.

“Playing in the Unified Cup in Chicago was one of the proudest moments of my life,” said the 24-year-old. “I am so happy that our national team reached such special levels.”

The UAE finished third in the competition after resounding victories in the group stages where they won 8-0, 4-0 and 7-0. They narrowly missed out on a place in the final after losing on penalty kicks to Uruguay in the semi-final.

However, Al Balushi is confident his teammates can go all the way in Abu Dhabi next year.

“Without the penalties we would have been in the final, but this is the nature of a football game; some days you win, other days you lose,” he said.

“I think it is important to participate in international competitions like the Unified Cup as it helps to refine the talents of the UAE team, especially before the World Games in Abu Dhabi next year.

“I would like to participate in the next tournament to represent the UAE and to bring joy and smiles to the faces of my friends, loved ones and my family,” he added.