Empowering Mentors: The First SOMENA Athlete Leaders Mentors Training in Abu Dhabi

From December 16 – 17, 2024, Abu Dhabi hosted the First Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa (SOMENA) Athlete Leaders Mentors Training, a groundbreaking event designed to empower mentors from eight regional programs with the tools, skills, and strategies to support Special Olympics Athlete Leaders. This inaugural training, supported by Bank of America, Special Olympics United Arab Emirates (SO UAE), and local partners like Al Dar and Khalifa University, marked a pivotal moment in the journey toward a more inclusive mentorship network.

This two-day event brought together mentors, experienced Athlete Leaders, and family members to explore topics critical to fostering meaningful mentor-athlete relationships and equipping participants with actionable strategies for success. With sessions tailored to address the unique needs of mentors, the event reinforced the importance of collaboration, communication, and commitment.
The training commenced with an inspiring opening ceremony featuring remarks from key figures. Huda Al Blooshi, SO UAE athlete leader and RALC member, set the stage, highlighting the vital role mentors play in empowering and supporting athletes.

Ali Bin Summaida, a leader from SO UAE, welcomed attendees and emphasized the event’s value as a platform for knowledge-sharing, skill-building, and connection. He led an engaging icebreaker activity to create a collaborative and energetic atmosphere among participants.

The training sessions, developed based on insights from pre-training surveys, focused on equipping mentors with knowledge and tools to enhance their relationships with athlete leaders. Below are the key highlights:

1. Defining the Qualities of an Effective Mentor
This session focused on the fundamental attributes and responsibilities of mentors:

• Qualities: Empathy, patience, active listening, adaptability, and encouragement.
• Responsibilities: Supporting, guiding, and empowering athlete leaders while fostering their independence and confidence.
• Boundaries: Maintaining professionalism and ethical relationships to ensure mutual respect and productivity.

2. Understanding Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Mentors explored the characteristics of various intellectual and developmental disabilities, learning how these can impact communication, learning, and daily activities. The session emphasized practical strategies for creating inclusive and supportive environments for athlete leaders with IDD.

3. Building Constructive Relationships with Families
A standout session featured insights from Rola Naeem and Saif Bin Sumidaa, parents of athlete leaders. The discussion revolved around:

• Understanding the critical role families play in athlete development.
• Establishing open communication and collaborative support.
• Aligning mentors, families, and athlete leaders to create a cohesive support network.

4. Effective Communication with Athlete Leaders
This session emphasized:

• Active listening and adapting communication styles to meet the unique needs of athlete leaders.
• Using positive language to build confidence and provide constructive feedback.
• Celebrating milestones and maintaining regular check-ins.

5. Follow-Up and Evaluation
Mentors learned to:

• Monitor progress through consistent evaluations and discussions.
• Offer constructive feedback to ensure continuous growth and development.

The post-training survey revealed overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 100% of mentors expressing satisfaction with the sessions. Highlights included:

• Skill Development: Mentors reported gaining new skills, exceeding their expectations, and feeling better equipped to navigate their roles.
• Engagement with Families: The family session was praised for providing valuable insights into creating strong mentor-family partnerships.
• Interest in Future Training: Mentors expressed enthusiasm for additional in-person and virtual training opportunities, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning.

Mentors also identified key qualities for success in their roles, including flexibility, communication, active listening, and encouraging independence.

The training marked a significant step forward by preparing experienced athlete leaders to take on mentorship roles. This initiative reflects the growing emphasis on creating a sustainable leadership pipeline within Special Olympics. Mentors and trainers highlighted the importance of role-play exercises in future sessions to enhance preparedness.

The event fostered an environment of collaboration, with mentors sharing their experiences and best practices. This exchange of knowledge is expected to cascade to local programs, creating a ripple effect that strengthens mentorship networks across the region.

The First SOMENA Athlete Leaders Mentors Training was a resounding success, setting a strong foundation for future initiatives. By focusing on collaboration, communication, and commitment, the training empowered mentors to inspire and support athlete leaders in achieving their full potential.

This historic event marks the beginning of a new chapter in mentorship, reinforcing Special Olympics' mission to foster inclusion, leadership, and growth. With the momentum generated in Abu Dhabi, the future for athlete leaders and mentors in the SOMENA region looks brighter than ever.