It was a day to remember for Qatar pupils Helena Shannon and Ibrahim Ibikunle who walked away with Rafael Nadal-signed memorabilia after their impressive performances on Friday.
Shannon of Doha English Speaking School (DESS) triumphed in the girls’ 75m, 300m and 4x100m, while Ibikunle registered victories in the 4x100m and 150m on the penultimate day of the Under-11 British Schools in the Middle East Games.
With the pictures signed by the Spaniard firmly in her hands, Shannon said she was ‘thrilled’ to be given the memorabilia of her favourite hero.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be given this today. I was quite surprised when my name was called out and it feels amazing,” she said. “Nadal is a super player and I love watching him play. He plays a lot different to other players and I like the way he keeps going – he is an inspiration.”
Al Khor International School student Ibikunle echoed Shannon’s view, saying he will keep the signed Wilson tennis ball ‘forever’.
“I have never won anything as big as this before and I will keep this forever,” said Ibikunle “I did well in this tournament and I love the concept behind these Games. It’s not all about taking part – there is a chance to dance to music, talk to friends and watch the action. Overall I’m simply loving this.”
Dev Makh, director of marketing and communications at Healthpoint – sponsor of the Games, who presented the awards to Shannon and Ibikunle, said he was pleased to see so many children take part in the Games
