Egypt is currently hosting the 10th Special Olympics for the Middle East and North Africa, with 13 Arab countries participating in the event. The games feature competitions in four sports: equestrian, powerlifting, artistic gymnastics, and rhythmic gymnastics. The event began with a youth leaders conference and an opening ceremony, and will conclude on September 22 with a closing ceremony and medal distribution.
The Special Olympics Egyptian team is being led by Engineer Hani Mahmoud, who expressed his happiness at hosting the event in Egypt. He stated that all participating delegations have shown interest in visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum, which will provide an opportunity for them to learn about Egyptian history and civilization. This visit is expected to promote Arab tourism in Egypt.
According to Hani Mahmoud, the Special Olympics in Egypt has witnessed significant development in recent times, with Egyptian players now having a strong presence in various Arab and international competitions. This was evident in the recent participation of the Egyptian delegation in Tunisia, where they achieved remarkable results.
The Egyptian team is preparing for upcoming competitions in Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, which will ensure continued participation of Egyptian players in various regional and international events. Mahmoud emphasized that the support from state institutions has played a crucial role in the development of the Special Olympics in Egypt.
Hani Mahmoud praised the financial and moral support provided by Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Maya Morsi, and Minister of Youth and Sports, Joher Nabil. He also highlighted the importance of providing sports facilities for Special Olympics players, which has helped create a suitable environment for training and competition.
The competitions will continue until September 22, after which the participating delegations will depart Egypt on September 23. The event has brought together players from 13 Arab countries, promoting unity and friendly competition among the participants.
The successful hosting of the 10th Special Olympics for the Middle East and North Africa in Egypt is a testament to the country's capabilities in organizing large-scale international events. The event has showcased Egypt's commitment to supporting people with special needs and promoting their participation in sports.
Key points
- The event features competitions in four sports: equestrian, powerlifting, artistic gymnastics, and rhythmic gymnastics.
- Egyptian players have shown significant improvement in recent competitions, with a strong presence in Arab and international events.
- The support from state institutions has played a crucial role in the development of the Special Olympics in Egypt.