Those who have helped disabled athletes have been recognised for their efforts, writes Abeer Anwar Under the auspices of Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashed Al-Maktoum, Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa (MENA) organised a tribute to 35 MENA officials in recognition of their extensive efforts to help mentally disabled athletes. The gala, held on 24 March in the United Arab Emirates, marked the 35th anniversary of the Special Olympics (SOI) movement plus the inauguration of the MENA regional communications and partnership development office in Dubai. Realising the significance of the SO MENA role in the growth and development of the movement around the world and in appreciation of the personalities recognised, Timothy Shriver, chairman of Special Olympics International, presided over the awards ceremony. "I was thrilled to be part of this initiative in showing appreciation to those who have played a remarkable role, shown interest in and exerted great efforts to help the mentally disabled," Shriver said. "It is through efforts of these dignitaries that the Special Olympics movement has been able to gain acceleration and development. I thank each and every one for his efforts. "The MENA region has always been one of the best in the world and this gala assures its success story." "We are happy to have an opportunity to say 'thank you' to all the people that helped and gave a hand in making our region, the MENA, one of the best in the world," Ayman Abdel-Wahab, MENA managing director, said. "We've been able to establish solid programmes in various countries of the MENA region. This would have been impossible without the help given by such people." "Revenue from the gala will go to providing the necessary physical, psychological and social support and health care to our athletes," said Ghada Abdel-Khalek, SO MENA communications and public relations manager. The performance of renowned Egyptian pianist and composer Omar Khayrat was the culmination of the gala. Khayrat, who was accompanied by 20 musicians, had generously agreed to perform for free in support of SO athletes around the region. SO MENAs 20 national programmes are chaired by royalty, first ladies and top state officials across the region. Recognised during the event for their achievements, they include Saudi Prince Walid Bin Talal, Amr Moussa, secretary-general of the Arab League and André Emile Lahoud, first lady of Lebanon. "I appreciate my selection together with other distinguished individuals including Arab princes and first ladies who have dedicated their time and effort to their nations humanitarian activities, in particular SO and the mentally disabled," Lahoud's statement said. Among the Egyptian recipients were Suzanne Mubarak, Alieddin Hilal, minister of youth, Ibrahim Nafie, chairman of the Arab Press Syndicate and editor-in-chief of Al-Ahram, Ismail Osman, chairman of SO Egypt and Magda Moussa, president of SO Egypt. The SO movement, created in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of former US President John Kennedy, has 1.25 million athletes who are active members of 200 programmes in more than 150 countries. SO aims to double this number by the year 2005. To meet this challenging goal and to upgrade the level of services offered to its members, the organisation has been decentralised and its premises moved from Washington DC to be closer to where SO's services are needed.
