Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports, Joher Nabil, officially opened the 10th Regional Special Olympics Games for the Middle East and North Africa, taking place in Cairo from September 17 to 23. The event, themed "Sports Performance," brings together participants from 13 Arab countries, including Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. The games also feature a youth conference.
The opening ceremony was attended by several high-profile guests, including Zina Tawil, Executive Director of the "Qadrun Bikhilaf" fund and representative of the Minister of Social Solidarity, Ayman Abdel Wahab, Regional President of the Special Olympics for the Middle East and North Africa, and Hani Mahmoud, President of the Egyptian Special Olympics. The ceremony began with a parade of participating countries, followed by a performance by athletes with special needs, showcasing ancient Egyptian culture.
Minister Nabil expressed his joy at hosting the 10th Regional Special Olympics Games in Egypt, highlighting the country's commitment to empowering people with special needs. He emphasized that the event celebrates the determination and resilience of athletes with special needs, and that sports provide a platform for them to demonstrate their abilities and achieve their goals.
The Minister also praised the participating athletes, saying that their presence in Egypt is a testament to the country's dedication to inclusivity and social integration. He stressed that the value of participation and sportsmanship goes beyond winning or losing, and encouraged athletes to enjoy the competition and give their best.
Zina Tawil, Executive Director of the "Qadrun Bikhilaf" fund, wished the participating teams success in the tournament, highlighting the Ministry of Social Solidarity's efforts to provide support for athletes with special needs. Ayman Abdel Wahab, Regional President of the Special Olympics, praised Egypt's role in hosting the games, noting that the country has a long history of supporting the Special Olympics.
Abdel Wahab also thanked the sponsors for their support, saying that their contributions are essential to the success of the games. Hani Mahmoud, President of the Egyptian Special Olympics, confirmed that all tournament committees are working to ensure a smooth and successful event, with all necessary preparations in place.
The games will feature various sports competitions, as well as accompanying activities, including a program on kinetic activities and a unified schools program. The event aims to promote social integration and provide opportunities for athletes with special needs to showcase their talents.
Key points
- The 10th Regional Special Olympics Games bring together athletes from 13 Arab countries.
- The event aims to promote social integration and empower people with special needs.
- Egypt has a long history of supporting the Special Olympics, hosting the first regional games in 1999.
