Bermuda captured their first medals at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates at the weekend.

Equestrienne Eden Woollery, the youngest member of Bermuda’s 13-strong contingent at 14, earned silver competing in the Level CS English Working Trials at the Al Forsan Arena 2 on Saturday.

Carlton Thompson, the most senior member of the island’s team at 51, then secured the bronze medal competing in the singles bowling competition at the Khalita Bowling Centre yesterday.

Bowlers Tiannai Lowe and Wayne Smith and runners Danielle Gibbons, Damon Emery, Kris Trott and Kirk Dill also did the island proud after placing in their respective disciplines.

Lowe and Smith, who is making his first international appearance at the Games, finished fourth and fifth in yesterday’s singles bowling event.

Gibbons, Dill, Trott and Emery all competed in the 200 metres at the Dubai Police Officers Club Stadium yesterday.

Trott finished fourth with a time of 28.72sec while Dill also crossed in fourth in his race in 32.41. Gibbons finished sixth in her race in a time of 38:48 and Emery eighth in his in a time of 31.52.

“I am so proud of Bermuda’s 13-strong team of athletes,” Lovitta Foggo, the sports minister said. “They are doing incredibly well.”

Scheduled to compete today are Del-Che Landy, Solay Thomas, Gibbons and Woollery who will all try and add to Bermuda’s medal haul.

Runner Landy is competing in the 400 metres at the Dubai Police Officers Club Stadium where Thomas is also competing in the softball throw and Gibbons in the 100 metres.

Woollery is competing in the Level CS-English Equitation equestrian event at the Al Forsan Arena 2.

“Bermuda’s team joins thousands of other athletes from around the world and I want to wish those yet to compete the best of luck,” Ms Foggo added. “Bermuda is cheering for you!

“I was particularly moved to see the island’s team accompanied by two Gombeys as they entered the stadium at the opening ceremony.”

The Games, featuring 7,500 athletes from 190 countries, got under way in spectacular style at the Zayed Sports City Stadium last Thursday and will continue until this Thursday.