CAIRO: Improving sporting opportunities in Egypt for the mentally disabled is an important way to achieve greater inclusion and wider acceptance of mentally disabled individuals. Sport clubs and festivals have increased participation and raised awareness of the disabilities, but these changes are only a small success story in a complex and polarized issue. Khaled Abdel Raouf, Senior Specialist at Sports Rehabilitation for People with Disabilities in the National Council for Youth, told Bikyamasr.com that “sport has a role in communities to change attitudes and perceptions of society and issues going beyond the known benefits of sport.” He believes that sport can build confidence, change behavioural patterns, aid in recognition of abstract concepts, and provide the opportunity for creativity and innovation. Crucially, it can also demonstrate the ability of the disabled, which may help to change society's predominantly negative perception of them. Raouf believes that helping the families and communities to become more understanding is of utmost importance. Interacting with the wider society is critical in eliminating the stigma surrounding mental disabilities. “[There] was a fear from able parents to work side by side the disabled,” Raouf said. “After the organisation of festivals, society and communities started to see tangible results and [a] physical way of communicating with the disabled.” Raouf has been involved with numerous initiatives promoting sport participation in Egypt, particularly among children with Autism. These initiatives include festivals of organised competitions and races for disabled children and their families, as well as the establishment of special needs teams within sports clubs. According to Raouf, “there has been a change from communities seeing activity for the disabled themselves, not just hearing [about it]. Social change had a great impact inside sports clubs.” These initiatives must reach a wider array of individuals to fully succeed but doing so relies on support from other actors. “[We are] able to find sponsors easily” Raouf added, “but not in underprivileged areas.” Government support is a key element of the quest for wider inclusion. Yet Raouf believes they are lacking in interest and says that most of the help comes from major clubs and high school classes. There must be an active effort to increase the integration of the mentally disabled into Egyptian society through festivals, sports teams and role models. It is through greater understanding of mental disabilities that excluded groups can be accepted more readily into society. Raouf argued, “you cannot change perceptions of society just by talking to them.” BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/cgqYU Tags: Disabled, Illness, Inclusion, Sport Section: Culture, Editor's choice, Egypt, Health, Latest News, Sport
