Special Olympics MENA Athlete Leadership Congress 2024: Empowering Inclusion and Leadership

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From November 27 – 30, 2024, the Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Athlete Leadership Congress (RALC) made history in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as the first leadership-focused Special Olympics event hosted in the Kingdom. Supported by Bank of America, Special Olympics Saudi Arabia, and King Abdulaziz University, the Congress highlighted the region’s commitment to advancing inclusion and empowering athletes as leaders.

The Congress opened with a powerful ceremony. Hamoud Al Shammery, SO Saudi Arabia athlete leader, set the tone: “This Congress is a testament to how athletes can lead and inspire global change.” SO Saudi Arabia National Director Abdel Rahman Al Qurishi emphasized, “Hosting RALC is a milestone for Saudi Arabia, demonstrating our dedication to fostering inclusion across all communities.”

Eng. Ayman Abdel Wahab, SOMENA President, celebrated the launch of the 2024 – 2027 RALC, which includes 50% female representation and athletes from nine programs, saying, “The voices of athlete leaders are shaping the future of inclusion in the MENA region.”

The first day of the Congress featured an engaging and interactive discussion led by Eng. Ayman Abdel Wahab with RALC members, creating a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration. This pivotal session allowed members to share ideas, express their perspectives, and explore key themes essential to advancing the mission of Special Olympics. Discussions centered on strategies for achieving long-term sustainability, strengthening partnerships with stakeholders, and addressing gaps in understanding to promote greater awareness and inclusion. Additionally, plans for future regional games and events were discussed, focusing on expanding participation, enhancing visibility, and fostering inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This session marked a moment of connection and reflection, emphasizing shared purpose and strategic direction, while laying the groundwork for impactful future initiatives.

As part of the Regional Athlete Leadership Council (RALC) 2024 in Jeddah, the first panel, moderated by Mr. Amr Khashoggi, Chairman of Qaderoon, brought together influential voices to discuss advancing women’s roles in sports and leadership. Panelists included Eng. Ayman Abdel Wahab, President of SOMENA; Ms. Adwa Al Arifi, Assistant Minister for Sports Affairs; Dr. Maha Al-Juffali, President of SO Saudi Arabia; and Ms. Lina Al Maeena, Chairperson of Jeddah United.

This transformative session focused on:

• Breaking Barriers: Highlighting the need for equality in sports and leadership.
• Milestones in Empowerment: Eng. Ayman celebrated achievements such as 50% female representation in the Regional Athlete Leadership Council and the growing involvement of women in regional games.
• Inspiring Progress: Ms. Adwa reflected on Saudi Arabia’s journey, from sending its first female delegation to the 2019 Special Olympics World Games to achieving over 50% female participation at the 2023 Berlin Games.
• Changing Perceptions: Dr. Maha shared how female athletes’ successes have reshaped family and community attitudes.
• Encouraging Participation: Ms. Lina emphasized how initiatives like Jeddah United have driven women’s participation in sports from 13% to 50%.

This panel underscored the region’s dedication to fostering inclusion, advancing gender equality, and empowering women to lead and thrive.

The second panel of the RALC 2024, moderated by Hiba Ghurab, athlete leader from SO Saudi Arabia, and Ms. Lujain Omran, media entrepreneur, highlighted personal journeys of resilience and empowerment. Panelists included Saria Nassif, Captain of the Saudi Women’s Volleyball Team; Majd Al Hindawi, President of RALC; and Dr. Doaa Zahran, family and social consultant.
This session explored:

• Family Support: Saria shared how her family’s encouragement helped her overcome societal challenges, inspiring other women to take on leadership and sports roles.
• Equality as a Right: Majd made a powerful statement: “There is no difference between males and females. Equality is not optional, it is an essential right”. Women deserve equal opportunities in every field, and it is crucial to break barriers to ensure their full participation and success. Majd emphasized the importance of creating inclusive environments that empower women to take leadership roles, participate in sports, and contribute equally to all sectors. She highlighted that gender should never be a barrier to opportunities and called for collective action to challenge societal norms, remove obstacles, and provide equal access to opportunities, support, and platforms for women. Her words resonated strongly, emphasizing the importance of equality, inclusion, and opportunity for all.
• The Role of Media: Dr. Doaa discussed how media can promote gender equality by reshaping public perceptions, featuring positive role models, and advocating for inclusive policies.

The session concluded with Hiba’s inspiring words: “With the right opportunities and support, women can achieve the extraordinary.” The discussion reinforced the importance of inclusion, equality, and building support networks to empower women as leaders and change-makers.

These panels showcased the region’s unwavering commitment to empowering women in sports and leadership, reflecting the progress and vision of inclusion in the MENA region.

The Congress featured a series of interactive training sessions designed to empower athletes with essential leadership skills. Topics included team building and problem-solving, where participants engaged in group challenges and brainstorming exercises to enhance collaboration and trust. The communications and storytelling session emphasized the power of personal narratives, teaching athletes how to craft impactful stories to inspire others and advocate for inclusion. A critical session on technology and online safety equipped participants with tools to recognize online bullying, avoid scams, and protect their digital identities. The leadership skills training focused on goal-setting, time management, creative thinking, and active listening, ensuring athletes were prepared to lead with confidence and purpose. These dynamic and engaging sessions provided participants with practical skills to amplify their voices and drive change in their roles as athlete leaders.

On the final day of the Congress, RALC members participated in refresher Health Messenger training to strengthen their roles as health advocates.

The first session focused on mental health, teaching participants stress management, emotional expression, and coping strategies to promote resilience and awareness. The second session highlighted nutrition and balanced diets, providing practical tips for making informed food choices and adopting healthy habits.

These sessions empowered athlete leaders to advocate for mental and physical well-being within their communities, reinforcing their vital role in promoting inclusion and healthy lifestyles.

The Congress coincided with the Special Olympics Saudi Arabia National Games, where 130 athletes competed in basketball, bocce, and table tennis. The RALC Members got the chance to attend both the National Games & the Healthy Athlete screenings furthering the mission of inclusion through health advocacy.

One of the most exciting new initiatives introduced during the Congress was the Talent Show, proposed by Huda Karam, RALC member from Special Olympics UAE. This innovative idea aims to provide a platform for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to showcase their creativity, diversity, and artistic talents beyond the sports field.

The RALC 2024 underscored the transformative power of athlete-driven leadership and inclusion. With inspiring discussions, impactful training, and a renewed focus on equality, the Congress set a new standard for empowerment in the MENA region. Eng. Ayman Abdel Wahab concluded, “Athletes are not just participants—they are leaders of change, shaping a future where inclusion knows no boundaries.”

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