Dubai 2025 was one of the most unforgettable editions of the Asian Youth Para Games, bringing together 1,500 athletes from 35 nations in December 2025 in a celebration of youth, excellence and inclusion. 

For the second time since 2017, Dubai welcomed the region’s young Para athletes, underlining its growing role as a hub for Para sport in Asia. Over four action-packed days, the Asian Youth Para Games witnessed 25 record-breaking performances, including nine world records and 16 continental records.

Dubai 2025, which took place from 10-13 December 2025, showcased unprecedented continental depth, with 30 nations claiming at least one medal and 25 securing gold, six more than at Bahrain 2021. The results reflect the rapid growth and competitiveness of youth Para sport across Asia.

Memorable performances and historic firsts

The United Arab Emirates delivered an outstanding performance on home soil, finishing with 24 medals – seven gold, eight silver and nine bronze. 

Several nations celebrated historic milestones in Dubai. Bangladesh and the Maldives won their first-ever medals at the Asian Youth Para Games, marking breakthrough moments for both nations.

Bangladesh made a stunning debut, capturing four medals, including three gold in Para athletics and Para swimming.

The Maldives also celebrated progress, securing a bronze medal in Para swimming in its second appearance. 

Medal table highlights

Uzbekistan topped the overall medals table, finishing with 254 medals, including 125 gold, a huge increase from its previous tally of 18 medals, including 11 gold.

The Islamic Republic of Iran followed with 73 gold medals (261 medals), while Japan finished third with a total of 90 medals, including 48 gold.  

Para armwrestling was included in the programme for the first time, with Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan dominating the discipline by winning eight and seven gold medals, respectively.

Meet Asia’s young stars

Dubai 2025 featured some of Asia’s leading Para athletes. Para taekwondo athlete Zahra Rahimi of Iran, who won silver in the women’s -52kg K44 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, and Para table tennis player Chen Po-Yen of Chinese Taipei, who is ranked World No.1 in class 11, finished on the podium in Dubai.

Dubai 2025 also set new standards for innovation, becoming the first Asian Youth Para Games to integrate AI-powered robots into operations and delivery, including during ceremonies and medal presentations.

Dreams fulfilled

The Closing Ceremony on 14 December was a vibrant spectacle, featuring a Parade of Nations and the symbolic handover of the flag to Cambodia, host of the next edition in 2029.

Thani Juma Berregad, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, emphasising that Dubai 2025 was more than a sporting event – it was a journey of inspiration, unity and dreams fulfilled. He also praised the volunteers as heroes of the event.

Majid Rashed, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee, hailed Dubai 2025 as one of the finest editions ever delivered, commending the UAE’s leadership, the Dubai Sports Council, the Local Organising Committee and all partners involved. 

With record-breaking performances, historic firsts and inspiring human stories, Dubai 2025 set a new benchmark for the Asian Youth Para Games. The Games highlighted Asia’s growing strength and shared commitment to empowering the next generation of Para athletes. 

Sport brings communities together and helps young people grow confidence and resilience. Through this partnership, Kaiser Permanente supports programs that guide local coaches beyond the field, helping youth stay healthy and succeed in life.

On the field

At the clinic, coaches participated in drills and exercises that put strategies into action and gave them hands-on experience to bring back to their teams. The clinic also gave coaches the opportunity to learn directly from Kaiser Permanente experts and other professionals about best practices for supporting youth athletes.

Gabrielle Ahlzadeh, MD, a sports medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park and the official medical advisor to Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission, led a session covering how athletes can play longer, prevent injuries, and maintain overall health and wellness.

“Coaches shape the way young athletes experience sport,” said Dr. Ahlzadeh. “When we equip coaches with knowledge about injury prevention and health, we’re helping them create safer, more supportive environments for the team they lead.”

Our community impact

The clinic gave coaches a chance to share ideas and strategies with each other. Programs like this reflect the partnership’s commitment to expanding opportunities for youth across Southern California. By supporting the Grow the Game of Soccer Clinic Series, Kaiser Permanente provides health and wellness expertise that strengthens local communities and prepares young athletes and coaches for a brighter future.

Looking ahead

The Grow the Game of Soccer Clinic Series is the first in a series of programs planned for coaches, referees, and players ahead of the World Cup in 2026. Future events will include opportunities for youth to participate, using the power of sport to advance health, confidence, and opportunity throughout Los Angeles.

Learn more about the impact of the first clinic.

May 28, 1932 – January 1, 2026

Louise Mary (Murphy) Devaney, a devoted wife, mother, teacher, and tireless community volunteer, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the age of 93. A longtime resident of South Dennis, MA Louise brought energy, kindness, and humor to every life she touched.

Born in Boston on May 28, 1932, Louise was the beloved daughter of Louisa (Herlihy) and William R. Murphy. She spent her early years in Belmont before the family relocated to Newton Center in 1935 alongside her parents and older brother Robert, and younger siblings Gerard and Winifred. Louise grew up in a lively household rooted in Catholic values and civic spirit.

After graduating from Sacred Heart High School in 1949, she attended Framingham State College, where she earned her degree in Elementary Education. She went on to teach fourth grade in Wrentham from 1953 to 1960, a role that perfectly matched her lifelong love of children and learning.

In 1955, Louise married Alan Devaney, the love of her life. Together they built a home in Wrentham and started a family. While there, she co-founded the local Red Cross swimming program and, alongside Alan, helped establish the town’s Little League program. She also served as President of the Catholic Women’s Club and coached Wrentham High School’s award-winning cheer-leading squad.

Louise and Alan moved their growing family to South Dennis in 1968, where they raised five children and became deeply involved in the Cape Cod community. Louise embraced her role in local schools and youth sports, running the snack bar at the Dennis Babe Ruth field and serving as club treasurer for many years. She was also active in the Framingham State Alumni Club of Cape Cod, eventually serving as its president in the 1980s.

Volunteering was a pillar of Louise’s life. For over 30 years, she served with VNA Hospice, where her compassion and energy earned her the “Volunteer of the Year” award, not once, but twice. Even after retiring from hospice work, she continued giving back through the VNA’s thrift shop, where she made dear friends and lasting memories. Louise continued her volunteering even through her illness.

Louise also worked at Colonial Candle in West Dennis and later at the beloved local spot, The Breakfast Room, where she was known for her wit, warmth, and loyal friendships.

Family meant everything to Louise. She cherished holidays, traveling, attending her children and grandchildren’s events, backyard gatherings, and especially the annual “lobster fest.”

A devoted fan of the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins and Boston College. She fondly recalled taking the bus in her youth to Fenway Park, where she watched legends like the great Ted Williams from the left field bleachers.

She is survived by her loving children: Lynn Felix and her husband Tony, Mark Devaney and his wife Laurie, Brian Devaney, and Jon Devaney and his wife Colleen and by her cherished grandchildren: Keenan, Cassandra, and Aidan and her sister Winifred Murphy. She was predeceased by her husband Alan, her son Bruce, her brothers Robert and Gerard, and her parents.

Louise will be remembered for her generous heart, her tireless spirit, and the laughter and love she brought to every room she entered.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16th from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Avenue South Yarmouth, MA. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 17 at 10:00 AM at St. Pius X Church, Station Ave., South Yarmouth, MA. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Rt 134, S. Dennis, MA.

All are then welcome to celebrate Louise’s life at a reception at the Yarmouth House Restaurant, Rt 28, W. Yarmouth

Donations in her memory can be made to: CCHC Foundation, VNA of Cape Cod Hospice & Bereavement Support Services, PO Box 370, Hyannis, MA 02601.

The service will be live-streamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/stpiusxsy/videos

FROM FACEBOOK__Bluffton Soccer Club has announced that Spring youth soccer registration is open for U18-U15 Rec & Travel teams.

• The deadline to register is January 31.
• Schedules will be sent to coaches on March 16.
• Games begin March 28.
• U8-U10 Riverdale Tournament is May 8-10 and the U12-U15 Bluffton Tournament is May 15-17.

Register at https://blufftonsoccerohio.com/registration/

The Goochland Sports Complex, located at 1800 Sandy Hook Road, is an eight-acre county-run facility that functions as a hub for athletics, fitness and Recreation Division operations. The complex includes a fully irrigated and lighted football field, a lighted baseball field with a grass infield, and a lighted softball field. Scoreboards, press boxes, a public address system, and a concession stand with restrooms support spectator events and organized league play.

Inside the main building the complex houses the Recreation Division’s administrative offices alongside a range of indoor amenities: a dance studio, cardio room, weight room, classroom and lounge areas, and a full-sized hardwood gymnasium. The property also features picnic tables, meeting rooms and internet access. As the county’s only public skateboard park, Skate 522 adds a unique recreation option for older youth and teens.

The Complex is a primary venue for Goochland Middle School baseball and softball and for activities organized by the Goochland Youth Athletic Association. Those partnerships underscore the facility’s role in youth development and local sports programming, where scheduling, lighting and irrigation allow for extended seasonal use and evening games. The presence of administrative offices on site centralizes permitting, programming and oversight for county recreation services.

For Goochland residents the complex serves multiple public functions: it provides structured athletic opportunities for school-aged children, outlets for adult and family fitness, and public space for weekend events and informal recreation. The combination of indoor and outdoor amenities also supports year-round programming that can contribute to public health, volunteer engagement and local economic activity tied to sporting events.

County management of the complex carries budgetary and policy implications. Maintenance needs for irrigated fields, lighting and the skate park demand consistent funding and oversight if the facility is to remain safe and available for scheduled youth athletics and community use. Residents seeking access, reservations or current hours and facility policies should consult the county Parks & Recreation page for the most up-to-date information.

As a visible municipal asset that hosts school teams and community leagues, the Goochland Sports Complex remains a focal point for civic participation in recreation planning, volunteer coaching, and attendance at local events that shape county programs and priorities.

Jan. 6, 2026

Bernalillo County, N.M. – Today, BernCo Fire & Rescue (BCFR) welcomed a new ladder truck into service with a traditional push-in ceremony at Fire Station 36, located in the North Valley.

The new ladder truck offers state-of-the-art communications and extended vertical and horizontal reach, allowing crews to more effectively operate multi-story incidents and complex rescue scenes. In addition, the shorter wheelbase will allow for easier maneuvering through North Valley neighborhoods.

“On behalf of Bernalillo County, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Office, our state lawmakers, the International Association of Firefighters and the BernCo Board of County Commissioners for their support and commitment in approving the purchase of the new apparatus,” says Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue Chief Zach Lardy. “The new truck not only enhances BCFR’s operational capabilities but also reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to providing reliable, high-quality emergency services to the community.”

The approximately $1.9M truck was purchased utilizing a combination of capital outlay monies, public safety tax dollars and county general fund monies.

The push-in ceremony honors a long-standing fire service tradition dating back to the late 1800s, when firefighters manually pushed horse-drawn fire wagons into their stations after returning from calls. During the event, firefighters pushed the new ladder truck into the station bay by hand, officially placing it into service.

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About Bernalillo County

Bernalillo County is 1,160 square miles and is New Mexico’s most populous county with more than 676,000 residents. Bernalillo County government provides a wide range of public services to residents who live in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos and Tijeras with approximately 106,000 residents living in unincorporated areas of the county. Bernalillo County employs approximately 2,800 people and has an annual operating budget, capital investments and other funds of more than $1 billion. Elected officials include five county commissioners, assessor, clerk, probate judge, sheriff and treasurer.