Today.. Special Olympics MENA Regional Games “Cairo 2026” Begin 🏆
The 10th Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa Regional Games “Cairo 2026” began on Sunday morning in Egypt and will run from September 17 to 23 under the theme “Sports of Performance,” bringing together athletes and delegations from across the region.
Today’s schedule features the finals of several events, including English riding, women’s artistic gymnastics, and bench press competitions for boys and girls, with athletes competing in an environment designed to showcase their abilities and sporting potential.
Three Venues Host Today’s Competitions 🏇
The equestrian competitions are being held at the Equestrian Club in Gezira, while the El-Nady Club is hosting the women’s artistic gymnastics events.
Meanwhile, the National Teams Hall at the Olympic Center in Maadi is hosting the powerlifting competitions, as part of the current phase of the regional games.
The competitions will continue on Monday and Tuesday, before the closing ceremony is held on Tuesday, September 22. The participating delegations are scheduled to leave Cairo on Wednesday, September 23.
“Cairo 2026” Opening Ceremony 🎉
The regional games officially opened on Saturday evening with a ceremony held at the Dr. Hassan Mostafa Sports Hall in 6th of October City, attended by officials, Special Olympics leaders and representatives of participating and supporting organizations.
The opening ceremony was attended by Youth and Sports Minister Gohar Nabil, Zeina Tawakkol, Executive Director of the “Capable Differently” Fund and representative of the Minister of Social Solidarity, along with Eng. Ayman Abdel Wahab, Regional President of Special Olympics International for the Middle East and North Africa, and Eng. Hany Mahmoud, President of Special Olympics Egypt.
A number of Special Olympics officials, representatives of participating institutions and organizations, as well as the delegations and national teams taking part in the games, also attended the ceremony.
13 Countries and 173 Athletes in the Second Phase 🌍
The second phase of the regional games features participation from 13 countries, along with 173 athletes, officials and heads of delegations. In addition, 42 participants are taking part in a conference focused on preparing athletes with disabilities.
The event combines sporting competition with a broader focus on empowerment and social inclusion, providing athletes with opportunities to demonstrate their abilities and compete in organized sporting events alongside participants from across the region.
“Sports of Performance” Highlights the Development of the Games
The “Cairo 2026” competitions are being held under the theme “Sports of Performance,” reflecting the development of Special Olympics competitions and providing athletes with greater opportunities to demonstrate their skills in an organized competitive setting involving participants from across the Middle East and North Africa.
The coming days are expected to feature further competitions across several sports before the 10th edition officially concludes in Cairo.
