Regional Athlete Leaders: Middle East / North Africa

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An intensive training program focused on leadership, inclusion, and personal development awaited members of the Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Regional Athlete Leadership Council.

Athlete leaders from nine Special Olympics Programs took part in workshops covering personal growth, public speaking, leadership skills, artificial intelligence and innovation, project development, and the role of families in fostering inclusion.

Regional Athlete Leadership Councils are groups of trained athlete leaders who represent the voices, priorities, and ideas of athletes across a Special Olympics region. The councils help each Region keep an athlete-focused approach to work and planning. The training in November 2025 was held in Jordan.

“I’m proud that my country hosted this impactful training, which always empowered athlete leaders to grow, connect and lead with confidence,” says Majd Al Hindawi of Special Olympics Jordan, President of the MENA Regional Athlete Council. “This was a powerful opportunity to reinforce our collective commitment to inclusion.”

Hamoud Al Shammery, an RALC member from Special Olympics Saudi Arabia, shared during a training session. He’s a talented public speaker and event emcee.

Hiba Ghurab is a mentor to younger Special Olympics athletes in Saudi Arabia. She was among the athlete leaders attending the RALC training. The program included interactive sessions with experts, vocational and unified sports activities, and cultural experiences.

Since the first Special Olympics Games in 1968, athletes with intellectual disabilities have trained and competed in sport. Over time, they have trained and grown as leaders across the movement. In 2025, athletes in the Middle East / North Africa Region combined those paths in training that prepares them to step onto the field as coaches.

“The reason I choose gymnastics as a sport is because it makes me happy. It makes me feel more confident in myself,” says Athlete Leader and gymnast Laila Labib of Special Olympics United Arab Emirates.

Being a coach will help her share the sport she loves with others.

“I want to train others as well so they can be motivated and bring their best. I can always give them advice, like my grandma told me, don’t be scared of anything. I just want to tell them, be yourself,” she says.

As with Labib, that step from athlete to coach is a natural one. Athletes already know the drills, the pace of practice, and the needs of their teammates. Special Olympics has identified coaching as a key leadership pathway.

“I have switched to be an assistant coach in the training because this is important for me,” says Fatma Al Harthiya of Special Olympics Oman, who took part in the equestrian coach training. “I should do it because it is for my future. I will be teaching people how to ride a horse and to do everything correctly. I’m so proud for others on my team,” she says.

Each training brought together Special Olympics coaches and athlete coaches in- training to build practical skills, teamwork and communication.

Gymnastics coaching sessions were held in Cairo. Equestrian sessions were held in Al Ain, in the UAE. A third session was held in Abu Dhabi on the Special Olympics sport called Motor Activity Training Program. That is a Special Olympics program designed for athletes with significant physical and/or intellectual disabilities.