Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashed Meets the Athletes HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashed meets Special Olympics athletes. Before the 5th Middle East/North Africa Regional Games began, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashed met an athlete from each country participating in the Regional Games. The warm and friendly meeting was also attended by HRH Princess Haya, President of the International Equestrian Federation and Chairperson of the Dubai Equestrian club. HH Sheikh Mohamed wished the athletes the best of luck in their competitions, encouraged them to practice sports as much as they can, particularly equestrian sports; Sheikh Mohamed is a regular horse rider and champion. According to Sheikh Mohamed, equestrian is "a healing to man's mind and a comfort to his soul." In appreciation of the Special Olympics movement and athletes, Sheikh Mohamed gave instructions that one of his stables (the Dolphin stable) should be made available for anyone with intellectual disabilities to practice the sport. Return to Middle East/North Africa Regional Games home.