Ayman Abdel Wahab, the regional president of Special Olympics International for the Middle East and North Africa, confirmed that the 10th Regional Games of Special Olympics International for the Middle East and North Africa, titled "Cairo 2026" and themed "Performance Sports," represent an important milestone in the journey of Special Olympics in the region, especially in light of the developments seen in the competitions in their new format.
Abdel Wahab noted that Cairo's hosting of the second phase reflects Egypt's pivotal role in promoting the movement of Special Olympics, explaining that the games have transcended being mere sports competitions to become a platform that combines sports, empowerment, leadership, experience exchange, and enhancing cooperation among Special Olympics programs in the region.
He added that the choice of "Performance Sports" reflects the continuous progress in athletes' skills and opens new horizons for them to compete and showcase their abilities, emphasizing that the main goal is to provide opportunities for athletes to participate, achieve, and build a more inclusive future.
The second phase of the Regional Games will see the participation of 12 countries, along with 173 male and female athletes and heads of delegations, in addition to 42 participants in the conference for preparing athletes with disabilities, in an event that combines sports competition with promoting empowerment and community integration.
The press conference announcing the details of Egypt's hosting of the second phase of the 10th Regional Games of Special Olympics International for the Middle East and North Africa, titled "Cairo 2026" and themed "Performance Sports," was attended by Mohamed Nabil, Minister of Youth and Sports, and Dr. Maya Morsi, Minister of Social Solidarity and Deputy Chair of the "Able to Differ" Fund.
The conference was held at the Youth Innovation and Learning Center in Zamalek, attended by Ayman Abdel Wahab, the regional president of Special Olympics International for the Middle East and North Africa, and Hani Mahmoud, head of the Egyptian Special Olympics, along with several leaders of Special Olympics, representatives of participating and supporting organizations, and the Egyptian Special Olympics teams that will participate in the games.
