Tunisia Opens First Phase of 10th Special Olympics MENA Games

The city of Sousse in Tunisia hosted on Thursday evening the opening ceremony of the first phase of the 10th Special Olympics Regional Games for the Middle East and North Africa, dedicated to beach sports, with wide participation from officials and delegations representing countries across the region.

The Governor of Sousse officially inaugurated the event during a vibrant ceremony that featured a range of artistic and cultural performances showcasing Tunisia’s rich heritage. The event drew strong engagement and appreciation from attendees, who welcomed the festive atmosphere.

Bahrain was represented at the opening ceremony by Ali Al Maqeed, Secretary-General of the Bahrain Paralympic Committee and member of the Special Olympics Regional Advisory Board, along with members of the Bahraini delegation participating in the Games.

Competition is scheduled to begin on Friday, featuring beach volleyball and open-water swimming events. Triathlon competitions will follow on Saturday, with participating delegations expressing optimism about delivering strong performances that reflect their preparations for the regional sporting event.

The Bahraini Special Olympics delegation is aiming for positive results and a dignified representation of the Kingdom, highlighting the continued development of Special Olympics sports and ongoing support for athletes with intellectual disabilities.