KUWAIT: Kuwait Special Olympics launched the Motor Activities Training Program (MATP) on Saturday, which aims at training the coaches of the motor activities of the Special Olympics under the supervision of the International Special Olympics for the MENA region, which involves 50 trainees from 11 countries, including the GCC. Kuwait’s Special Olympics Director Rehab Bouresli spoke about the active role of the Kuwait Special Olympics in the region and internationally, especially in the field of the development of the training field, besides improving the trainers skills in order to enhance the sports.

She said that there are 40 athletes of various motor activities in addition to 13 swimmers, adding that this is the first time that a health checkup will be conducted on the sidelines of this event, through which “we seek to develop the skills of trainers and athletes with severe mental and movement disabilities.” The program will contribute to the qualification of more training cadres and the development of their abilities.

National Director of the Special Olympics Kuwait Rehab Bouresli

Special Olympics International Motor Activity Program Director Dr Niamh Morton.

Head of Sports and Training Sector for Special Olympics International for the Middle East and North Africa Region, Dr Imad Mohieldin

Participants are pictured during the regional training course for the preparation of Special Olympics Motor Activity Training Program (MATP) trainers. – Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

It is aimed at implementing the goals of the Special Olympics and strengthening its status as the largest humanitarian sports event in the world to enable the mentally challenged in society through sports, health care, and integration with the initiative programs. Tomooh Club’s cadres and Kuwait Special Olympics seek to place the name of Kuwait in prominence in all arenas.

Meanwhile, Director of the Motor Activities of the International Special Olympics, Dr. Niamh Morton from Ireland, said the program seeks to qualify trainers to become the nucleus and to train more people in the region both in theory and practice. She said Kuwait has a special interest in caring for the disabled and assists more athletes for international events, and she commended Kuwait for providing all facilities in order to allow the disabled to participate in all aspects of life, particularly sport.

Head of the sports and training center at the International Special Olympics for the MENA region, Dr. Imad Mohieldin, said the MATP is one of the most important events in the region as it cares for a special group, improves their skills, and turns them into champions. The program is aimed at gathering a larger number of trainers in order to qualify them to produce more champions. Official Spokesman of Special Olympics in the MENA region from Oman, Mujahid Al-Sarhani, said Kuwait is among the countries that cares for sports and athletes and actively works on integrating the disabled in various activities.