“When I see other children, I want my son to be like any other child.”
For Huda Ahmed Abu Deif Nouh, a mother of two Special Olympics Egypt athletes, Omar and Karma, both with Down syndrome, desire for her children became the driving force behind a journey defined by determination. When Huda learned that Omar had Down syndrome, she faced uncertainty about what the future might hold. When Karma was born with the same diagnosis, she experienced another wave of concern. But rather than allowing fear to determine what was possible for her children, Huda chose to learn everything she could to help them thrive.
“I read a lot. I educate myself how to train my children,” she shared.
Huda sought information, followed programs and put what she learned into practice at home. Through Special Olympics Egypt, she found valuable guidance and opportunities to better understand how to support her children’s development. Even during COVID-19, when communities shut down and families faced isolation, she continued looking for ways to help Omar and Karma learn, grow, and stay active. Her approach was rooted in a simple belief that every child deserves the opportunity to develop his abilities, participate in his community, and discover what his can accomplish.
Behind that determination is a family committed to growing together. Huda’s daughter, Mayar, 12 years old, has played an important role in supporting her siblings, encouraging them to attend training, stay committed to their routines, and celebrate every achievement. She helps Omar and Karma when they feel tired or discouraged, reminding them that progress comes with patience and persistence. Mayar’s support for her siblings does not mean doing everything for them, it means encouraging them to try things and become as independent as possible.
Huda describes Mayar as a second mother to Karma, but her influence goes beyond helping with everyday responsibilities. Mayar sees her siblings for who they are, recognizing their abilities and supporting their dreams. For Huda, the principle that guides their family is straightforward, “The golden rule is that all the kids should love each other.” Together, they create an environment where each child is encouraged to grow, contribute and discover his strengths.
Omar, who is more reserved, has developed a passion for swimming and is particularly protective of his sisters. Karma continues to challenge herself, discovering new abilities and showing her family what she can accomplish. Both children attend regular public school and are now in fourth grade, while Mayar is in her third year of middle school. Their experiences at home, at school and through sports are helping them build confidence and develop skills that extend into everyday life.
For Omar and Karma, sports have become much more than physical activity. Through training, they have opportunities to improve their coordination and balance while developing confidence in their abilities. They are learning discipline, responsibility, teamwork and patience, along with how to communicate with others, manage their emotions and respond to both successes and setbacks. Each new skill and achievement reinforces an important lesson that progress takes commitment, but every step forward matters.
Their family plays an essential role in that process. Huda reinforces what her children learn through sports by making healthy living a shared family commitment. During the pandemic, Special Olympics Egypt provided the family with a backpack of resources to help them continue learning about healthy lifestyles. Huda embraced the guidance as something everyone could practice together. “I follow the same diet with my children. It is not just them; we are all part of the plan.”
By learning alongside her children, Huda has helped make healthy living part of their daily routine. Mayar’s encouragement adds another layer of support, helping Omar and Karma stay motivated as they work toward their goals. Together, their experiences demonstrate that success is about far more than winning a medal. It can be seen in a child becoming more independent, building relationships, taking responsibility, or finding the confidence to try something new.
When Huda El Shenawy, a mother of two Special Olympics Egypt athletes, shared her family’s journey at the Regional Youth Leadership Summit during the 10th Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Games, her message resonated beyond her own community. Among those listening was Murtadha Adnan Tahseen a youth leader from Special Olympics Iraq who has 2 brothers, Mostafa and Mohammed with autism. Huda’s story moved him emotionally, connecting with his own family experience, and illustrating how one family’s journey can help another feel understood and less alone.
Huda also spoke about the importance of changing attitudes toward people with intellectual disabilities. She expressed concern that some parents continue to keep their children out of public view, emphasizing that exclusion and judgment are attitudes society must confront. Her own approach has been to keep learning and share what she has discovered along the way. She believes that families should have access to the knowledge and opportunities they need to help their children participate fully in their communities.
The following day, Karma put her abilities into practice at a Unified Young Athletes demonstration alongside 20 children, with and without intellectual disabilities. Across five activity stations, the children practiced walking, running, jumping, balancing, trapping, and catching. The atmosphere was filled with joy and positive energy as they participated together.
Moments like these reflect what Huda has worked toward since the beginning: ensuring her children have opportunities to participate, develop their abilities, and be recognized for what they can do. Her journey has not been about having all the answers. It has been about asking questions, seeking knowledge, adapting and moving forward, even when the path feels uncertain.
And for parents beginning their own journeys, Huda offers the words that have guided hers, “Never give up. Always have a goal.”
