Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhi attended the annual conference on health programmes held by Special Olympics Egypt.

At the national teams training centre in Maadi, the conference began with a documentary showcasing the comprehensive medical services provided by Special Olympics Egypt to enhance the health of its athletes. This was achieved, the video said, by providing thorough medical examinations as well as deploying numerous medical convoys across Egypt’s governorates. The conference agenda showcased the achievements of health programmes in Special Olympics Egypt and discussed innovative strategies to further promote mental and physical well-being for individuals with disabilities, emphasising their integration into sports activities.

Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organisation for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round training and activities to five million participants and Unified Sports partners in 172 countries.

Sobhi welcomed the participants, expressing appreciation for the Special Olympics which has received national attention since 2014 following directives from President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi. For their significant contributions to advancing the Special Olympics movement in Egypt, he extended his gratitude to Ayman Abdel-Wahab, the regional president of the Special Olympics in the Middle East and North Africa, Hani Mahmoud, Special Olympics Egypt president and former minister of communications, and Maya Morsi, the minister of social solidarity.

Sobhi emphasised the importance of the conference in raising health awareness and prioritising the well-being of athletes. He praised the Special Olympics’ role in enhancing the fitness and competitive abilities of athletes through regular health programmes, essential for performance and well-being.

Sobhi congratulated the Egyptian teams which played in the inaugural Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa Unified Champions Schools hosted by Egypt in October, and praised their results as “remarkable”. The event saw notable participation from officials from Special Olympics International and many organisations dedicated to supporting athletes.

The conference featured international attendance from the Golisano Foundation and delegates from Special Olympics International, along with representatives from prominent medical organisations and notable figures in health and sports. Attendees included doctors and specialists dedicated to health assessments for Special Olympics athletes.

The event also recognised Egyptian teams that participated in the inaugural Middle East and North Africa Regional Unified Champions Schools competition for the Special Olympics. The acknowledgement highlighted the teams’ dedication and aims to inspire further achievements in the future.

National Director of Special Olympics Egypt Bassem Tohami emphasised that the conference was essential for raising awareness of health and physical activity, stating that health programmes were crucial for enhancing the quality of life of athletes. Tohami highlighted the role of recognising Egyptian teams that participated in the unified schools event, which, he said, promotes competition and collaboration.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 7 November, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.