The Judo Hall at the National Teams Training Center in Maadi witnessed the launch of the National Judo Competition for the Egyptian Special Olympics, with the participation of 55 athletes—35 male and 20 female—from various governorates across the country. These athletes represent 15 officially registered sports entities within the Special Olympics. Under the technical supervision of 18 specialized coaches, the competition was organized according to the highest technical and organizational standards.

High-Level Official Attendance and Strengthened Sports Support
The opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures in the sports arena, including Mr. Amr Mohy El-Din El-Tahawy, Deputy National Director of the Egyptian Special Olympics, Major General Tarek Ezz El-Din, Board Member of the Egyptian Judo Federation, and Prof. Dr. Sherif Hanohom, Head of the Technical Competitions Committee. Their presence confirms the strong institutional support for this sport.

The official opening ceremony was conducted with great organization, starting with a parade of flags and participating bodies, followed by the national anthem and the athletes’ oath, taken by champion Mostafa Mohamed Kamal from the New Helwan Youth Development Center. The torch was carried by athlete Yasmin Mohamed Hassan from the same center, with symbolic participation by player Omar Mohamed Briri from Al-Ribat Club in Port Said, culminating the ceremony with a spirit of sportsmanship and celebration.

The Importance of the Competition in Supporting Social and Sports Inclusion
Mr. Amr El-Tahawy emphasized in his speech the role of judo in promoting values of self-respect, respect for others, and self-discipline. He affirmed that the sport represents a practical model for the mission pursued by the Special Olympics, where competition extends beyond sports to include personality development, confidence building, and social empowerment for athletes with special abilities.

He also noted that this competition is part of a national plan aiming at preparing athletes well for upcoming regional and international challenges, stressing the importance of continuity and ongoing development in Special Olympics programs.

Intense Competition and High Sporting Spirit
The finals witnessed strong and enthusiastic competition, where athletes impressed the audience with their outstanding performance, supported emotionally by coaches and families who closely followed the matches. The competition reflected the athletes’ commitment to high sportsmanship values and team spirit, reinforcing judo’s position as a developmental sport playing a key role in improving participants’ quality of life.

Crowning Champions and Honoring Sportsmanship
The event concluded with a grand awards ceremony, where medals and ranking badges were distributed amid a festive atmosphere filled with joy and pride for the achievements. Officials emphasized that these celebrations are not merely to honor sports accomplishments but also serve as a message of support and appreciation for athletes who represent a living example of challenge and perseverance within society.

Future Aspirations and Broader Horizons for Sports for People with Special Needs
Organizers affirmed that future events will expand, offering more opportunities for athletes with special needs to enhance their social and sports integration and develop their skills to achieve ambitions at local and global levels. Plans were also announced to increase the number of competitions and specialized training programs in collaboration with various sports bodies.

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