By Abeer Anwar Special Olympics International (SOI) has honoured Saudi Prince Al-Walid Bin Talal, chairman of the Kingdom Holding Company (KHC), in commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of SOI, Abeer Anwar reports. The award, in the shape of the three medals (gold, silver, and bronze) awarded to SOI champions, was presented to Prince Al-Walid at KHC headquarters by the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Managing Director Ayman Abdel-Wahab. It is the highest honour accorded by SOI and is reserved for heads of state, royalty and those who make significant contributions towards supporting the physically and mentally challenged. "Prince Al-Walid is a good example of a role model in the Arab and Islamic world," Abdel-Wahab said in explaining the reasons behind Prince Al-Walid's selection. "Secondly is the prince's constant humanitarian efforts in supporting people with special needs across the globe." "All the humanitarian efforts in Saudi Arabia and abroad come from a sense of responsibility towards humanity," Prince Walid said, expressing a desire to "help alleviate the suffering of people around the world including those with special needs". He added that supporting those with special needs was a way of thanking God and urged every capable person to do the same. "I admire the physically and mentally challenged for making an extra effort to achieve their goals." Following the ceremony, which was attended by the head of the Saudi Special Olympics Nasser Al-Saleh, Abdel-Wahab said Prince Al-Walid had shown an extreme sense of duty towards those with special needs, and that he had promised to support them not only in sports but in many other areas. Said Abdel-Wahab: "SOI cannot survive without the support of dedicated individuals like Prince Al-Walid."
