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When Hazem and Niven learned of their son Mohamed’s Down Syndrome diagnosis, their lives changed in ways they could never have imagined. In a time when kids were being hid all over Egypt because of their disabilities, Hazem and Niven were faced with uncertainty and societal stigmas, yet they chose to focus on potential rather than limitation.
From the beginning, Hazem and Niven embraced early intervention as the foundation for Mohamed’s development. They dedicated themselves to nurturing his awareness, communication, and skills.
“From the day your children are born, accept them, and do not reject them,” Niven said. “Work on developing their skills, awareness, communication, and early intervention. Everything. And the most important thing among these, is sports.”
Their relentless commitment led them to Special Olympics, a decision that opened doors to opportunities beyond sports, including social inclusion in education through Unified Champion Schools.
“If Mohamed hadn't been educated in Unified Champion Schools established by the Special Olympics, his awareness would have been very limited,” Niven reflects. “He wouldn’t have been able to rely on himself or be a university student now.”
Though the road was not easy, the family’s faith in Mohamed’s potential paid off. As Mohamed grew, so did his love for swimming and athletics.
“I love sports, I love all people,” Mohamed said. “It tells the world that I am capable of anything.”
With the support of his family and coaches, he excelled in free and butterfly swimming, earning titles in both national championships and international competitions. His journey also included mastering the pentathlon, a testament to his determination and strength.
“Sports and skill development helped Mohamed grow physically and mentally,” Hanan Abdallah AboElsaad, Mohamed's Aunt said. “He went to places his peers couldn’t reach.”
Mohamed’s accomplishments did more than showcase his abilities; they inspired his older sister, Heidi. Watching her brother rise to challenges and succeed against the odds ignited a passion in her to advocate for inclusion and equity.
“Mohamed gave me the drive and energy to teach people about what he is capable of,” Heidi shared. “At times, Mohamed can do things better than I could—and my mother can confirm that!”
Heidi began volunteering at sports events, working alongside athletes with intellectual disabilities. Through sibling workshops and engagement with inclusion-focused schools, she learned about the barriers that individuals like Mohamed face daily. Determined to create change, she became a vocal advocate for inclusivity, sharing her experiences and insights at universities and community events.
Her efforts extended to organizing awareness campaigns and training sessions, educating others about intellectual disabilities and the importance of inclusion. Heidi’s leadership led to her election as president of her student union, where she amplified the voices of those who are often unheard.
Hazem and Niven’s dedication, Mohamed’s resilience, and Heidi’s advocacy collectively demonstrate the profound impact of family support and community inclusion. Today, Mohamed is not only a champion athlete but also a role model for others with intellectual disabilities, proving that with the right environment and encouragement, anything is possible.
“Family is the source of everything, said Hanan. “Anyone without a family is without a backbone, without a support system, alone in this world. So if the family doesn't support its kids, special or not, they will go nowhere.”