Special Olympics Athletes from 11 Countries Join Horse Event

The Special Olympics International – Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is preparing to hold an important sports event. This event is called the Special Olympics MENA Regional Equestrian Competition. It will take place in the Al Ain Region from August 24 to August 28, 2025. This event is special because it brings together top Special Olympics athletes who have intellectual disabilities. These athletes come from 11 different countries across the Middle East and North Africa.

The Special Olympics is a global movement that gives people with intellectual disabilities a chance to compete in sports and show their skills. This equestrian competition is one of the important events in the MENA region to promote inclusion and sportsmanship.

Countries Participating in the Event

The competition will have athletes from many countries. The 11 countries participating are the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Iraq, Tunisia, Bahrain, and Iran. These countries have selected their best Special Olympics athletes to take part in the event.

This large gathering shows how many countries support sports for people with intellectual disabilities. It also shows the spirit of friendship and cooperation among these nations. The athletes will have a chance to compete and learn from each other while sharing their passion for equestrian sports.

Organizers and Supporters of the Event

This important competition is organized by Special Olympics UAE. They are working closely with Special Olympics MENA to make sure everything goes smoothly. The event is held under the patronage of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, which means the department supports and helps the event.

Many other organizations are also involved. The Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters (GHQ) is the hosting partner. This means they are helping with safety, security, and other important tasks. The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation is another supporting partner. They bring their expertise in horse riding and racing to help manage the equestrian competition.

These partnerships show the strong support from different sectors to promote sports for people with intellectual disabilities.

Importance of Equestrian Sports in Special Olympics

Engineer Ayman Abdel Wahab is the Regional President of Special Olympics MENA. He explained that this event is a very important step. It is the first time this regional equestrian competition is held for Special Olympics athletes in the MENA region. He said that equestrian sports are a great example of inclusive sports.

Equestrian sports involve horse riding, which is not only a sport but also helps build skills like balance, coordination, and confidence. For Special Olympics athletes with intellectual disabilities, participating in horse riding can be a powerful experience. It helps them grow physically and mentally.

This competition will give elite athletes a chance to show their talent and compete at a high level. It also helps raise awareness about the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities.

What to Expect During the Event

The event will take place over five days. There will be many activities apart from the horse riding competitions. These will include training sessions, workshops, and social activities where athletes and their coaches can meet and share their experiences.

The competition will have different categories based on the athletes’ skill levels and abilities. This ensures that everyone gets a fair chance to compete and enjoy the event.

The event will also highlight the importance of teamwork, respect, and friendship among all participants. Families, volunteers, and officials will also be part of this special event to cheer for the athletes and support their journey.

Role of the Host City: Al Ain

Al Ain is the chosen location for this important competition. It is a city in the United Arab Emirates known for its beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Al Ain has good facilities for equestrian sports and can welcome athletes and guests from different countries comfortably.

The city is proud to host this event as it promotes the values of tolerance, inclusion, and respect for people with disabilities. The local community is excited to welcome visitors and celebrate the achievements of the Special Olympics athletes.

Impact on the Community and Region

This regional equestrian competition is more than just a sports event. It helps change the way people think about disabilities. By showing what Special Olympics athletes can achieve, it helps break down barriers and reduces stigma.

Events like this bring attention to the importance of inclusive sports programs that allow everyone to participate, regardless of their abilities. This can encourage more countries to invest in sports and programs for people with intellectual disabilities.

The competition also strengthens the bonds between countries in the Middle East and North Africa. It promotes peace, friendship, and cooperation through sports.

Future of Special Olympics in MENA Region

The success of this first regional equestrian event will open doors for many more such competitions in the future. Special Olympics MENA hopes to organize more sports events that include different sports and reach more athletes.

They want to create a strong network where athletes, coaches, families, and communities can support each other. This will help improve the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities in the region.

Special Olympics also plans to work closely with governments, organizations, and sponsors to make sure these sports programs continue to grow and have a positive impact.

A Step Towards Inclusion and Excellence

The Special Olympics MENA Regional Equestrian Competition in Al Ain is a major event that highlights the talents of athletes with intellectual disabilities. It brings together 11 countries in a spirit of sportsmanship, inclusion, and friendship.

Organized with strong support from many partners, this event shows how sports can unite people and promote respect for all abilities. It is a hopeful sign for the future, where more people will have the chance to compete and shine, no matter their challenges.

This competition is a proud moment for Special Olympics MENA and all the athletes who will take part. It reminds everyone that sports belong to all, and everyone deserves a chance to be a champion.