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

The Kuwaiti Sports Club for People 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, which kick off today, Thursday, and run until September 23. The event includes equestrian, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, and weightlifting.

Sadiqa Al-Ansari, Chair of the Families Council at Special Olympics Kuwait, told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that participation in this regional forum is crucial, as it offers athletes the opportunity to represent Kuwait and compete against peers from various countries, thereby contributing to the development of their technical and athletic standards and strengthening the presence of sports for people 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, enhanced readiness levels, and a focus on skills specific to the participating sports, 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 to compete for the best results, while leveraging the tournament to gain further experience and sporting exposure.

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

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

Al-Ansari 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 Public Authority for Youth and Sports and the board of directors of the "Al-Tamouh" Club, all of which contribute to continuing to achieve local, regional, and international successes.

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

Al-Buhamdi 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 World Games in Berlin and several regional tournaments in Egypt and the UAE. She expressed her aspiration to sustain these results and deliver outstanding performances in the current tournament.

She stated that Nawaf Al-Qassar, Abdullah Al-Ali, Mariam Dhiyab, and Basma Al-Basili represent Kuwait in equestrian events under the supervision of Mohammed Al-Kandari and Sara Al-Buhamdi. Salman Shahab 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.