In a proud moment for inclusive sports in Egypt, female athletes from the Special Olympics Egypt equestrian team have been celebrated by the Ministry of Social Solidarity and the Ministry of Youth and Sports following their triumphant performance at the Regional Equestrian Games held in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
The team returned home with an impressive eight medals: three gold, two silver, and three bronze—a reflection of the dedication, talent, and resilience of the athletes, particularly the young women who played a vital role in Egypt’s success on the international stage.
Spotlight on Egypt’s Female Equestrian Stars
Among the standout performers were Alaa Abdel Aziz and Aya Sheltout, both of whom achieved multiple podium finishes in highly competitive events such as dressage, English riding, and trail class.
- Alaa Abdel Aziz captured gold in dressage, and secured two bronze medals in English riding and trail.
- Aya Sheltout also demonstrated excellence by winning gold in English riding, silver in dressage, and achieving a strong fourth-place in trail.
Their performance not only contributed to Egypt’s medal tally but also highlighted the increasing prominence and capability of female athletes with disabilities in international sports arenas.
Joint Recognition by Ministries of Solidarity and Sports
In a joint ceremony, Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity, and Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, honored the athletes and celebrated their achievement in raising Egypt’s flag high. The event underscored the government’s commitment to empowering persons with disabilities, especially women, through sports and community initiatives.
Dr. Morsy emphasized the importance of expanding access to inclusive sports across the country, aligning with the mission of the Qaderoon Bekhtelaf Fund—a national initiative aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities. Dr. Sobhy commended the athletes’ dedication and reaffirmed continued collaboration to promote equal opportunities in sports.
Egypt’s Full Delegation and the Power of Community
The celebration was attended by key figures in the inclusive sports ecosystem, including:
- Engineer Hany Mahmoud, Chairman of Special Olympics Egypt
- Dr. Zeina Tokel, Executive Director of the Qaderoon Bekhtelaf Fund
- Dr. Basem Tehami, National Director of Special Olympics Egypt and head of the delegation
- Senior advisors and ministry officials
Also present were the athletes’ coaches, family members, and support teams, creating a heartfelt celebration that emphasized national pride and collective effort.
Inclusive Sports and Gender Empowerment
This success story is a testament to Egypt’s growing investment in adaptive sports and gender-inclusive athletic development. The triumph of female athletes in such a prestigious regional competition reflects broader progress in promoting gender equality and social inclusion, consistent with the goals of Egypt Vision 2030.
The partnership between government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and sports federations is proving to be a powerful driver for change—one that is not only producing medals but also transforming lives.
