Jawhar Nabil, the Minister of Youth and Sports, and Dr. Maya Morsi, the Minister of Social Solidarity and Vice Chair of the "Capable with Differences" Fund, attended the press conference announcing the details of Egypt's hosting of the second phase of the 10th Regional Games for the Special Olympics International for the Middle East and North Africa, "Cairo 2026," under the slogan "Performance Sports."
The conference took place at the Youth Innovation and Learning Center in Zamalek, with the presence of Ayman Abdel Wahab, the Regional President of the Special Olympics International for the Middle East and North Africa, and Hani Mahmoud, the President of the Egyptian Special Olympics, along with several leaders of the Special Olympics, representatives of participating and supporting organizations, and members of the Egyptian Special Olympics teams participating in the games.
The second phase of the Regional Games will see the participation of 12 countries, along with 173 male and female athletes and delegation heads, as well as 42 individuals participating in the athlete preparation conference for persons with disabilities, in an event that combines sports competition with empowerment and community integration.
Special Olympics Reflects the State's Commitment to Empowering Persons with Disabilities
Jawhar Nabil emphasized that Egypt's hosting of the 10th Regional Games for the Special Olympics represents a great honor and a significant responsibility, reflecting the Egyptian state's commitment to supporting and empowering persons with disabilities and providing them with opportunities to participate in various fields, especially sports.
He explained that Egypt is preparing to welcome champions from different countries in the region, with the ministry keen to provide all means of success for the tournament, from reception and organization to the conclusion of competitions, ensuring that the event reflects Egypt's esteemed status.
The Minister of Youth and Sports pointed out that hosting the games is not limited to the sports aspect alone but carries a humanitarian and social message affirming that every individual has abilities and aspirations and deserves the opportunity, stressing that sports is one of the most important tools for achieving integration and establishing values of equality and equal opportunities.
President Sisi's Support for Persons with Disabilities is an Inspiring Model
He also noted that the support provided by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to persons with disabilities represents an inspiring example of empowerment, highlighting the political leadership's commitment to supporting our children with disabilities and their participation in various events.
For her part, Dr. Maya Morsi expressed her happiness at Egypt hosting the second phase of the 10th Regional Games for the Special Olympics, confirming that the event is part of the state's efforts to prioritize issues concerning persons with disabilities in social and developmental work.
She stated that the participation of persons with disabilities in society should be based on rights, empowerment, and participation, not merely on the concept of care, noting that sports provides them with a real space to showcase their abilities, enhancing self-confidence, independence, and community integration.
The Minister of Social Solidarity affirmed that the participation of 12 countries, 173 athletes, and delegation heads, along with 42 participants in the athlete preparation conference, reflects confidence in Egypt's ability to organize regional events that carry both sports and humanitarian value, and underscores the importance of cooperation between state institutions, civil society, and sports entities and support funds.
She stressed that the Ministry of Social Solidarity is making every effort to ensure the success of the tournament, by sponsoring the second phase of the games in collaboration with the "Capable with Differences" Fund and the Fund for Supporting Projects of Civil Associations and Institutions, confirming continued support for the Egyptian Special Olympics and expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Ayman Abdel Wahab, the Regional President of the Special Olympics International for the Middle East and North Africa, affirmed that the 10th Regional Games represent an important milestone in the journey of the Special Olympics in the region, especially in light of the developments in the competitions in their new format.
Egypt's Pivotal Role in Supporting the Special Olympics
He pointed out that Cairo's hosting of this phase confirms Egypt's pivotal role in supporting the Special Olympics movement, clarifying that the games have become more than just sports competitions; they have become a platform that combines sports, empowerment, leadership, experience exchange, and enhancing cooperation among Special Olympics programs in the region.
