Introducing UCS Ambassadors: Championing Inclusion and Empowering Youth Leaders in MENA

A groundbreaking new initiative has launched in the Special Olympics MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region: the Unified Champion Schools (UCS) Ambassadors program. This first-of-its-kind project brings the voices of youth to the forefront, offering them a platform to lead, inspire, and create more inclusive communities through the transformative power of sports. As ambassadors, selected youth leaders from across the region will work collaboratively to foster respect and unity, driving forward the mission of Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools.

The UCS Ambassadors initiative is designed to empower young leaders across the MENA region, spotlighting their efforts to promote inclusion and respect through sports. Each ambassador will represent the values of UCS by serving on a committee of like-minded peers, working on activities that emphasize unity, teamwork, and the power of diverse perspectives. Through both virtual and in-person activities, ambassadors will connect with youth leaders from other programs in the region, strengthening bonds between other youth engaged in UCS while ensuring that the impact of our UCS work is highlighted and resonates with existing and new stakeholders within and outside of Special Olympics MENA.

This initiative is more than just a leadership opportunity; it's a platform for personal and professional growth, a network for youth dedicated to social change, and a way to elevate the visibility of inclusive communities. UCS Ambassadors will not only develop skills but also gain unique access to Special Olympics programs at local, regional, and global levels. By engaging with youth from different backgrounds, they’ll build relationships and cultivate mutual understanding—essential components for creating inclusive communities.

The UCS Ambassadors will serve a two-year term, from September 2024 through August 2026. Over this period, ambassadors will actively contribute to regional Unified Champion Schools events, help shape the direction of UCS initiatives, and offer continuous feedback to Special Olympics MENA, ensuring that youth voices are central to the program’s evolution.

Meet two of our inspiring UCS Ambassadors: Yasmine Hassan and Farah Wael, passionate advocates for inclusive spaces. Their journeys are a testament to the power of sports, dedication, and a shared vision of creating inclusive communities for all. Let’s dive into their stories and discover how they’re making an impact!

Yasmine Hassan, a 20-year-old student in her second year at the College of Languages and World Studies at the Arab University for Science and Technology in Cairo, has been competing in Special Olympics Egypt swimming championships since she was just ten years old. Her dedication and talent have earned her over 80 medals, including three golds at the 2018 Special Olympics Regional Games in Abu Dhabi.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Yasmine has also taken on leadership roles within Special Olympics. In 2021 – 2022, she served as a member of the Athletes’ Input Council and attended both the first and second National Leadership Youth Summits, as well as the 2024 Global Virtual Youth & Educator Summit. As a Health Messenger, Yasmine’s commitment goes beyond sports; she’s involved in various health and technology training programs that empower her to be an advocate for health and wellness within her community.

Since joining Special Olympics Egypt in January 2020, Farah, a 25-year-old Youth leader, has immersed herself in activities that promote inclusion and inspire youth to dream big. Her experiences at events like the 2020 Pan African Olympic Games and the 2023 Global Youth Leadership Summit in Berlin have solidified her passion for building inclusive spaces. Growing up in a unified school, Farah witnessed the transformative power of inclusion firsthand, where individuals with different abilities were seen, valued, and celebrated.

Through her advocacy, Farah has worked on impactful projects like the Scale Project with Yasmine, raising awareness about unified sports in schools. Her journey has even taken her to television, where she collaborated with Lujain to encourage youth to embrace inclusivity and chase their dreams. These experiences have inspired Farah to continue her advocacy, working tirelessly to ensure everyone, regardless of ability, feels included.

Both Yasmine and Farah exemplify the mission of UCS by actively promoting unity, respect, and inclusion in their communities. Their collaborative projects, like the Scale Project, serve as powerful platforms to spread awareness about the importance of inclusive sports and how they can bring people together. As UCS Ambassadors, they are leading by example, showing the world the positive change that inclusive communities can create.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow Yasmine and Farah on their journey as UCS Ambassadors, championing inclusivity in sports and beyond!

Today, we’re thrilled to introduce two remarkable young leaders from Morocco, Malak Tilaoui and Douae Bendouya. As new Unified Champion Schools Ambassadors, Malak and Douae bring unique experiences, talents, and enthusiasm to the mission of creating inclusive, supportive communities. Their dedication to UCS values and passion for empowering others set them apart as inspiring role models, and their journeys are sure to motivate others to join the UCS movement.

At just 13, soon turning 14, Malak Tilaoui is already making an impact in her community of Marrakech, Morocco. A student at Elaraki International School, Malak has been an active participant in UCS events over the past year. Her involvement goes beyond mere participation; she has taken on the responsibility of organizing sports activities for children at UCS, bringing joy and excitement to the younger participants.

One of Malak’s favorite experiences was organizing football games at her school’s campus, Elaraki Izdihar, and exploring creative arts like hand-painting, where children joyfully painted trees, houses, and skies. Watching the children’s delight as they engaged in these activities was a highlight for her and reinforced her appreciation for the innovative ideas UCS brings to life. As a UCS Ambassador, Malak is eager to increase local involvement by connecting with schools and families, showing them the positive impact UCS activities have on building inclusive communities. Her passion and hands-on experience make her a perfect advocate for inclusion, and she hopes to inspire even more youth to join the movement.

Hailing from Morocco’s capital city, Rabat, 17-year-old Douae Bendouya is a dedicated advocate for inclusion and an active member of the AMSAT Association, supporting those with Down syndrome. Douae’s interests are as varied as they are inspiring—she’s passionate about sports, loves to cook, and is a talented theatre actress. With her skills in public speaking and her experience in managing a sports team, Douae brings valuable leadership qualities to her role as a UCS Ambassador.

Douae’s background in theater has gifted her with the confidence to speak to large audiences, and her enthusiasm for UCS comes from her belief that everyone, regardless of their abilities, deserves to be included in sports and community activities. As an ambassador, she’s ready to use her skills to inspire young people in her community to engage in inclusive activities and to demonstrate the value of teamwork, respect, and unity. Douae sees her role as an opportunity to create positive change, motivating others to join the UCS journey.

As UCS Ambassadors, Malak and Douae are committed to fostering inclusive spaces where all youth feel valued and empowered. Together, they aim to connect with others in their communities, advocating for more participation in UCS activities, especially for young people with different abilities. Their combined efforts are set to create stronger, more unified communities, reflecting the true spirit of UCS.

Introducing two inspiring youth leaders from the United Arab Emirates, Almezin Mohamed and Aisha Al Shehhi, who are making waves in their communities as Unified Champion Schools Ambassadors. With a shared commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, Almezin and Aisha bring unique experiences and a deep passion for advocating for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Their journeys with UCS have not only impacted their lives but have also equipped them to lead others toward a more inclusive future.

Almezin Mohamed: From Introvert to Advocate:Seventeen-year-old Almezin Mohamed’s journey with the Unified Champion Schools Program began in ninth grade during the planning of the “Integration Festival—Spread the Word of Integration” and the “We Are All Aisha's Heart Festival” in 2021. This experience sparked Almezin’s involvement, leading her to join the Unified Robotics and Badminton teams. Through UCS, Almezin found herself transformed from a shy, introverted individual into a social, confident leader. Her newfound friendships and activities at school have strengthened not only her connections with peers but also her relationship with family.

As a UCS Ambassador, Almezin is passionate about raising awareness of the challenges faced by people with intellectual disabilities and promoting a more inclusive society. Her advocacy efforts focus on:

• Increased Awareness: Almezin aims to educate the public and stakeholders about the importance of inclusivity, shedding light on the valuable contributions of people with intellectual disabilities.
• Advocacy for Change: She actively supports policies and practices that improve accessibility and inclusivity, pushing for local programs to adopt more supportive measures.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Almezin hopes to mentor students and staff within UCS, inspiring deeper engagement in fostering a culture of inclusion and respect.

Fifteen-year-old Aisha Al Shehhi, an eleventh-grade student at Aisha Bint Abi Bakr School in Abu Dhabi, first experienced the magic of Special Olympics in ninth grade. During a school Union Day event, Aisha joined Almezin for a morning radio presentation, which included reciting a poem for the UCS team. This moment, along with the strong sense of unity among her peers, deepened her passion for UCS. Supported by her teacher, Aisha was soon nominated as a Unified partner alongside Almezin. Together, they planned teams, organized monthly meetings, and led events like National Day, Flag Day, and various school activities. They also spearheaded the formation of unified sports teams, including football, badminton, and robotics, promoting an inclusive spirit at school.

As a UCS Ambassador, Aisha envisions a world where everyone is welcomed and celebrated. Aisha’s role as a UCS Ambassador centers around building a stronger, more inclusive community and inspiring positive change throughout the region.

Together, Almezin and Aisha exemplify the values of UCS, using their experiences and voices to advocate for inclusive environments and positive change. Through awareness-building, policy advocacy, and community engagement, they are dedicated to creating a world where everyone, regardless of ability, is respected and celebrated.