Kuwait Special Olympics delegation heads to Cairo to participate in the 10th Regional Games

Kuwait City, Sept 17 (KUNA) — A delegation from the Kuwaiti Al-Tamouh Sports Club for Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities, the official representative of Special Olympics Kuwait, has departed for Cairo to participate in the second stage of the 10th Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa Regional Games for Performance Sports. The event, which kicks off today, Thursday, and runs until September 23, includes equestrian, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, and weightlifting.

Sadiqa Al-Ansari, Chair of the Parents Council at Special Olympics Kuwait, told KUNA that participation in this regional forum is crucial, as it offers athletes the opportunity to represent Kuwait and compete alongside peers from various countries, thereby contributing to the development of their technical and athletic standards and strengthening the presence of athletes with intellectual disabilities in regional and international competitions.

Al-Ansari added that the club prepared a comprehensive training program for male and female athletes lasting two months. This program included regular technical and physical training to enhance readiness, with a focus on sport-specific skills, alongside psychological and moral preparation, as well as ensuring the participants’ health and physical fitness.

She clarified that the Kuwaiti delegation comprises 17 athletes, coaches, and administrators. The team aims to deliver an honorable performance that reflects the development of sports for people with disabilities in Kuwait and competes for the best results, while benefiting from the tournament to gain further experience and athletic exposure.

She noted that participation extends beyond the competitive aspect, as it provides an opportunity to highlight athletes’ capabilities, boost their self-confidence and independence, and foster teamwork. She emphasized the importance of sports in promoting inclusion and empowerment, building the athlete’s personality, and enhancing their active participation in society.

Al-Ansari mentioned that Special Olympics Kuwait is participating for the first time in artistic and rhythmic gymnastics with two female athletes. This participation represents an important step toward expanding the base of these two sports and discovering more athletic talent in the coming stages.

She praised the enthusiasm, commitment, and dedication shown by the athletes during the preparation period, as well as the efforts of the technical and administrative staff, the support of parents, and the backing of relevant authorities, notably the General Authority for Youth and Sports and the board of directors of Al-Tamouh Club. These efforts contribute to continuing to achieve successes locally, regionally, and internationally.

For her part, equestrian coach Sara Al-Buhamadi told KUNA that the equestrian athletes underwent an intensive training program focused on developing physical and technical skills and enhancing readiness. She commended their enthusiasm, determination, and commitment during training sessions and confirmed their readiness to compete.

Al-Buhamadi added that the delegation places high hopes on the equestrian and weightlifting events, given the experiences and achievements attained by Special Olympics Kuwait athletes at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin and several regional tournaments in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. She expressed her hope to continue these results and deliver outstanding performances in the current tournament.

She stated that Nawaf Al-Qassar, Abdullah Al-Ali, Mariam Dhiab, and Basma Al-Basili represent Kuwait in equestrian events under the supervision of Mohammed Al-Kandari and Sara Al-Buhamadi. Salman Shihab and Shakir Al-Hilali compete in weightlifting under the supervision of Jalal Hamdi, while Fatima Fares and Hajar Al-Rashidi participate in gymnastics under the supervision of Inji Al-Duwayhi. (End) S.L.M