Division Phase Kicks Off at 10th Regional Games for Special Olympics in Sousse

Sousse – Ahly Online – The division phase and skill assessments have officially commenced today in Sousse, Tunisia, as part of the 10th Regional Games for the Special Olympics of the Middle East and North Africa. This event features delegations representing various countries in the region competing in beach sports, including open water swimming, triathlon, and beach volleyball.

Dr. Sherif El-Fouli, Head of Sports and Competitions Sector at the Special Olympics International for the Middle East and North Africa, emphasized that the division phase is a crucial step towards ensuring a fair and exceptional sporting experience for all athletes. He praised the commitment and discipline displayed by the participating delegations since their arrival in Sousse, highlighting the spirit of cooperation and camaraderie among all participants.

Dr. Emad Mohy El-Din, Head of Sports and Training Sector at the Special Olympics International for the Middle East and North Africa, noted that the beach sports included in this event provide an important opportunity to showcase athletes’ abilities and enhance their competitive experiences. He pointed out that the coming days will reflect the extent of preparations undertaken by participating delegations and the significant efforts made by organizing committees to ensure the success of this important regional event.

The division process is one of the fundamental pillars of the Special Olympics framework, aimed at categorizing athletes based on their abilities, skill levels, age, and gender. This ensures fair competition among all participants, aligning with the philosophy of the Special Olympics that aims to provide every athlete with an opportunity to compete against peers of similar levels.

Yesterday, participating delegations arrived in Sousse amidst a warm welcome and organized reception. Technical meetings for coaches and heads of delegations continued to review schedules and regulations related to competitions in preparation for the official events commencing in the coming days.

Notably, this stage of the games includes participation from 11 Special Olympics programs across the Middle East and North Africa, with a total of 228 participants comprising 142 male and female athletes as well as 52 coaches. They will compete in three beach sports: open water swimming, triathlon, and unified beach volleyball. This marks the first phase of the 10th Regional Games aimed at expanding opportunities for athletic participation and enhancing competitive continuity for athletes.