Participants pose for a group photo at the end of the program.

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 11: The regional training course for preparing trainers for the Special Olympics Motor Activity Training Program (MATP), organized by the Kuwaiti Special Olympics under the supervision of Special Olympics International and the Special Olympics for the Middle East and North Africa region, concluded recently with the participation of 50 trainers from GCC and Arab countries.

Rehab Bursali, National Director of the Kuwaiti Special Olympics, confirmed that the practical applications during the course yielded tangible, positive results that lay the foundation for future efforts to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities, particularly those with severe disabilities.

Bursali explained that Kuwait’s course hosting reflects the nation’s commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest theories and practices related to motor activities for individuals with disabilities. She expressed her gratitude for all the efforts that contributed to the course’s success, which aligned with Kuwait's dedication to supporting and caring for people with disabilities.

She further noted that the course included theoretical and practical components, with the latter taking place at the Youth Sports Club swimming pool in Ahmadi under the auspices of the Care for the Disabled Association in Sabahiya. This association also hosted the first-ever medical examinations for those with severe and multiple disabilities, including eye and hearing tests, with the participation of students from Al-Risala School’s Special Needs Department and the Care for the Disabled Association.

Kuwaiti Special Olympics President, Hana Al-Zawawi, expressed her gratitude to the lecturers from Special Olympics International and the Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa region, as well as the participating trainers from Arab and GCC countries and Kuwait, for their dedication to ensuring the course's success.

Al-Zawawi highlighted that this edition of the course marked the first time medical examinations were conducted for individuals with severe and multiple disabilities. She thanked the Ministry of Health, the Royal Initiative, the Care for the Disabled Association (Al-Ahmadi branch), the Youth Sports Club, Nemo Academy, and Al-Risala School.

She also praised the contributions of Kuwaiti youth volunteers, both male and female, as well as the technical and administrative staff of the Ambition Sports Club for Mental Disabilities, and all the state ministries that played a role in organizing the event in a manner that reflects Kuwait’s commitment to excellence.

In conclusion, Sherif El-Fouly, Head of the Games and Competitions Sector at Special Olympics International for the Middle East and North Africa, commended the course’s organization and the breadth of topics covered. He highlighted the importance of applying the motor activities program materials and conducting athlete evaluations.