by Mohamed El Shahat, Sports Editor, AlAkhbar Newspaper
Al-Anoud, the 11-year-old girl from Qatar, was suddenly the center of attention at the 4th Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Regional Games in Tunis, Tunisia from 4-7 September 2004.
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Al-Anoud and her father Yacoub Youssef Al-Gefeiri, after he joined the Parade of Athletes to comfort her. [Photos by Khaled El Fiqi] |
Al-Anoud was the lead athlete for the Special Olympics Qatar delegation in the Parade of Athletes. Not only was it the first time she marched in the Parade, it was also her very first time to compete in a Special Olympics Regional Games; she was hesitant and uncomfortable. While the more experienced members of the delegation were enthusiastically waving to the spectators, young Al-Anoud was searching for her father, Yacoub Youssef Al-Gefeiri, who was sitting in the audience.
Al-Gefeiri, a member of the delegation from the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, had accompanied his daughter in her Middle East/North Africa Regional Games debut. He was worried she might panic, and he was right … she did. As soon as she saw her father in the stands, Al-Anoud tried to leave the Parade and go to him. He was called to comfort her and stayed near her until the parade ended.
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The joy on Al-Anoud's face as she competes in athletics is unmistakable. Her father realized how participating in the Regional Games, her first, had created new qualities in his daughter: independence, self-confidence and bravery. |
This distinctive initial appearance of Al-Anoud at the Games captured the attention of both the officials and fans. Everyone supported her when she began competing in the 100-meter race. At first, Al-Anoud clung tightly to her father's hand. But as the days passed, she began to relax and let go. Eventually, she was seen moving around alone, and even refused to allow her father to accompany her to her last race, assuring him that she was able to manage on her own — although she insisted that he should be in the stands to encourage her.
Tears came to her father's eyes as Al-Anoud competed, winning a bronze medal, the first medal in her sports career. Was that my girl? he asked himself. Is that the girl who used to hold my hand, fearing to let go of it? She is independent now, and she can manage on her own, he thought, as he and hundreds of fans applauded her victory. He was proud of her courage and realized how these Games had created new qualities in his daughter, qualities which he himself was unable to elicit through the years: independence, self-confidence and bravery.
Special Olympics brought out the best in Al-Anoud. |
