The conclusion of the 10th edition of the Regional Games for the Special Olympics "Cairo 2026" and recognition of the participating delegations.
The tenth regional games of the Special Olympics for the Middle East and North Africa – Cairo 2026, held in Egypt from September 17 to 23, 2026, under the slogan "Performance Sports," concluded with a wonderful celebratory atmosphere that brought together delegations, athletes, coaches, volunteers, and partners, celebrating a week filled with competitions, achievements, and inspiring human stories.
The closing ceremony was attended by heads of delegations and several prominent figures and officials. The event included official speeches, honoring the heads of delegations and volunteers, handing over the Special Olympics International flag for the Middle East and North Africa, and the official announcement of the games' conclusion, along with artistic and musical performances that wrapped up the celebration.
In his speech during the closing ceremony, Ayman Abdel Wahab, the regional president of the Special Olympics International for the Middle East and North Africa, emphasized that Cairo set a wonderful example in hosting the regional games, noting that the success was not limited to organizing the competitions alone but also included Egypt's ability to unite the people of the region under the umbrella of sports, unity, and inclusion.
Abdel Wahab pointed out that the regional games go beyond being mere sports competitions; they provide a platform for athletes from different countries in the region to exchange experiences and cultures. He affirmed that diversity can be a source of strength and integration, praising the tremendous efforts made by the team, volunteers, and all participating entities in making Cairo 2026 a success.
He added that the Special Olympics will continue to work on improving the system for hosting the regional games and leveraging the accumulated experiences from each edition to provide a more advanced experience for athletes and delegations, enhancing the role of sports as a true tool for inclusion and community participation in the region.
For his part, Mr. Shafik, the Secretary-General of the Egyptian Special Olympics, extended greetings to all participating athletes and delegations, affirming that every athlete who participated in the Cairo 2026 competitions is a champion deserving of recognition and appreciation.
Shafik stated that what the games witnessed during their days was not just competitions and medals but was filled with stories of determination, joy, friendship, and team spirit, emphasizing that the success of the edition came as a result of the collective efforts of everyone involved, including athletes, coaches, families, volunteers, partners, and the working team.
He added, "We are proud of every athlete who participated because each one of you taught us the meaning of determination and true joy... the medal is important, but what matters most is that we all emerged from the games as friends and one family."
The ceremony honored the heads of participating delegations and volunteers in recognition of their role in the success of the games, and the Special Olympics International flag for the Middle East and North Africa was handed over, marking the end of the tenth edition of the regional games.
The celebration concluded with the announcement of the games' closure and the extinguishing of the flame, amid artistic and musical performances, in a scene that reflects the spirit that accompanied Cairo 2026 from the arrival of the delegations to the final moments.
