Waiting to play...My Bahrainian team is due to play their match against Ireland 1 at the same time as the men's Irish team on the other court. As a result, there are long queues dressed in Irish green and orange trying to get into the Arena.
I meet up with my "girls", who are in a very mischevious mood. It's very emotional to lead them out on court with the Special Olympics anthem playing at full blast and a crowd of over 500 spectators giving them a great welcome. They play their best match so far until they're totally exhausted. It's a very close game, with the lead changing several times. Ireland just sneak in as winners and the girls are totally devastated. We have just a few minutes to get them smiling again in time for the awards ceremony. Luckily I've managed to secure a female dignitary to present the awards, so Muslim etiquette isn't contravened*. A guard of honour of volunteers forms around the court and the girls do their lap of honour to Tina Turner's "Simply the Best". Then it's time to say our final goodbyes - with hugs, kisses and tears all round.
* = most of the girls were of an age where being touched by a male who's not a member of their family contravenes Muslim law, hence my need to find a female dignitary in 5 minutes flat in order to avoid a very embarassing situation!
Click here for Day 11.
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