Expanding Unified Champions Schools across the Middle East and North Africa

Special Olympics for the Middle East and North Africa region (enamel) Champions Unified Schools (UCS) Titled Central Event Excellence at Work: Expanding UCS Held across the MENA region from 23 October to 26 October 2023, the conference brought together a dynamic group of participants from across the region, with the aim of strengthening and expanding the UCS programme. The event was hosted at the prestigious American University in Cairo, where participants participated over three days in impactful discussions and workshops focused on inclusion, youth empowerment, and the growth of university initiatives.

Special Olympics programs represented at the event included Algeria , Bahrain , Egypt , Kuwait , Mauritania , Oman , Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Tunisia . Special Olympics MENA UCS Ambassadors, youth leaders, Special Olympics International representatives, volunteers, programs and staff came together to share ideas and best practices, with the ultimate goal of promoting inclusion through sport and education across the region.

The agenda was packed with diverse sessions aimed at enhancing the UCS experience and enabling participants to take the program to new heights in their countries. Key topics included the importance of the UCS program, strategies for engaging youth with and without intellectual disabilities, and ways to involve siblings and teachers in unified activities. Participants explored innovative ways to expand the program and ensure its sustainability, and shared their successes and challenges with each other.

Among the highlights of the event were panel discussions focused on leveraging the power of social media storytelling to enhance the inclusion and impact of UCS’ work. The attendees participated in interactive sessions that demonstrated the crucial role of young leaders in building inclusive environments in schools. Special emphasis was placed on teacher training, helping teachers understand the value of Unified Sports In enhancing the sense of belonging among all students. Additionally, participants explored how to develop partnerships with local schools, governments, and NGOs to support and grow the UCS movement.

The event also included the opening ceremony of the Middle East and North Africa Special Olympics Unified Schools of Champions competition, a landmark event that signals the region’s commitment to promoting inclusion in schools through sports.

As the event concluded, participants left with renewed energy and a clear direction for expanding UCS into their programs. The exchange of ideas, success stories and innovative strategies during the event fostered a sense of unity and common purpose among all attendees. There was a collective commitment to continue promoting inclusion through sport and education, and to ensure that young people across the region have access to opportunities that promote acceptance and understanding.