Middle East/North Africa

How the Coach’s lifetime commitment to promote tolerance and acceptance is changing the worldview of athletes with intellectual disabilities.

The 2nd Special Olympics MENA Regional Athlete Leadership Input Council Meeting was held virtually and attended by 20 Athlete Leaders from 10 programs. During the virtual meeting, all Athlete Leaders participated in a Design Thinking and Recycling Workshop.

Anas Khalil Al Zorba was once described by some as hyperactive with excessive movement. Then, he joined Special Olympics Palestine. Because of his sports training, the exercise and rules of game helped him control his energy and gain discipline. Not only did his skills and dedication improve his behavior, self-reliance and independence, but they also got him noticed by Special Olympics coaches and staff.

International Youth Day recognizes youth engagement for global action. To celebrate, some young people who took part in the Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Youth Leadership Summit 2020 share the impact it had on them and their vision for a more inclusive world!

Special Olympics athletes are known for their athleticism, determination, and all-around inclusion. However, their skills go way beyond the fields and into places like kitchens!

A Transformative Gift from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Will Promote Positive Social Change and Foster More Inclusive Societies

Celebrate the International Day of Yoga with Special Olympics on 21 June! Yoga is important to Special Olympics athletes around the world. It is a great way to relax before an important competition or focus before a practice.

Special Olympics is grateful for the participation and support of fathers all over the globe. Fathers who are athletes, fans, coaches, volunteers, staff and cheerleaders help make this movement so special.

On Thursday, 5 March 2020, Members of Congress, the UAE Embassy, and Special Olympics USA athletes from Southern California, Virginia, D.C., Maryland, Ohio, and Connecticut gathered for a screening of The Road to Abu Dhabi, a documentary about the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.

This has been a breakthrough year for my son Ali. Until four years old, no school accepted him into any programs. They would say that he was not social, that he would not get along with other children, and that he did not perform well in their school setting. Ali never wanted to go to school, he hated it.