Elena Răducan and Alexei Zanoga, two of the Moldovan athlete competing in the 2019 Special Olympics World Games of Abu Dhabi, have won silver so far. Elena Răducan represented Italy where she has lived since 2009, while Alexei Zanoga contended for the Republic of Moldova. The competition held during March 14-21 involves over 7,500 athletes from 190 countries, IPN reports.

The 25-year-old athlete of Moldovan origin Elena Răducan on March 17 won silver in bowling with the result of 365 points. Italy’s bowling team finished fifth with 1,445 points, according to the official website of the event (www.abudhabi2019.org). Elena Răducan was included in the lineup of Italy together with another 113 athletes. She was born in Chisinau on May 21, 1993 and emigrated to Italy at the age of 16.

Alexei Zanoga, 29, competed in swimming in 25 m and 50 m freestyle. In the 50 m race, he ranked second. According to the competition’s official website, Moldova’s team consists of 11 athletes who contest in three events.

At the 2015 Special Olympics World Games of Los Angeles, Moldova won golds in football, tennis and swimming and silver in table tennis. Alexei Zanoga ranked first in swimming.