The Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Region (MENA) Unified Champion Schools (UCS) Hub event, titled Excellence in Action: Expanding UCS across the MENA region, was held from 23 October to 26 October 2024, which brought together a dynamic group of participants from across the region, aiming to strengthen and expand the UCS program. The event was hosted at the prestigious American University in Cairo (AUC), where over three days, participants engaged in impactful discussions and workshops focused on inclusion, youth empowerment, and the growth of UCS initiatives.
Special Olympics Programs represented at the event included Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Mauritania, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia. Special Olympics MENA UCS Ambassadors, youth leaders, Special Olympics International representatives, volunteers, and program and staff all gathered to share insights and best practices, with the ultimate goal of fostering inclusion through sports and education across the region.
The agenda was packed with diverse sessions aimed at enhancing the UCS experience and empowering participants to take the program to new heights in their respective countries. Key topics included the importance of the UCS program, strategies for engaging youth with and without intellectual disabilities, and methods for involving siblings and educators in unified activities. Participants explored innovative ways to expand the program and ensure its sustainability, sharing their successes and challenges with one another.
Among the highlights of the event were panel discussions that focused on leveraging the power of social media storytelling to promote inclusion and the impact of UCS work. Attendees participated in interactive sessions that demonstrated the critical role of youth leaders in building inclusive environments in schools. Special emphasis was placed on teacher training, helping educators understand the value of Unified Sports in fostering a sense of belonging for all students. Additionally, participants explored how to develop partnerships with local schools, governments, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to support and grow the UCS movement.
The event also featured the Opening Ceremony for the first-ever Special Olympics MENA Unified Champion Schools competition, a milestone that signaled the region’s commitment to enhancing inclusion in schools through sports.
As the event came to an end, participants left with renewed energy and a clear direction for expanding UCS in their respective programs. The exchange of ideas, success stories, and innovative strategies during the event fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose among all attendees. There was a collective commitment to continue driving inclusion through sports and education, ensuring that young people across the region have access to opportunities that promote acceptance and understanding.
