Damascus, (SANA) – The competitions of the 7th Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa (SOMENA) Regional Games concluded on Friday, with Syrian participants claiming the most medals with a total of 219 medals.
The seven-day event was hosted by Syria with the participation of 22 Arab countries and Iran.
Syrian athletes won 91 gold medals, 80 silver medals, and 48 bronze medals in the following games:
Badminton: 6 gold, 5 silver, 1 bronze.Bocce: 6 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze.Tennis: 8 gold, 8 silver, 3 bronze.Equestrian: 4 gold, 7 silvers, 4 bronze.Bowling: 3 gold, 2 silver, 4 bronze.Basketball, 2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze.Weightlifting: 29 gold, 15 silver, 4 bronze.Bicycles: 6 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze.Athletics: 8 gold, 18 silver, 13 bronze.Roller skating: 5 gold, 6 silver, 3 bronze.Football: 2 gold.Handball: 2 gold.Table tennis: 2 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze.Floor Hockey: 1 gold.Swimming: 7 gold, 12 silver, 10 bronze.
1,497 medals were awarded during the Regional Games; with 514 gold, 496 silver and 487 bronze medals going to 1480 athletes who competed in 15 sports.
Five regional conferences were also held during the event.
In statements to SANA, Arab journalists and coaches of teams participating in the Regional Games said that winning and losing wasn't an issue in this event, the essence of which was the admiration shown for the disabled and the programs held on the sideline.
They said that the Regional Games isn't a sporting and social event with a resounding humane message, stressing that the event's main goal isn't about winning but rather giving the disabled a chance to participate in public life and promoting disabled sports.
They also noted that the Special Olympics aim at helping participants to express themselves confidently and clearly and build an independent character, in addition to connections among the disabled in other countries and exchanging expertise.
They pointed out that the accompanying activities helped uncover other talents such as singing and drawing, underlining the Regional Games role in correcting the social viewpoint towards the disabled and affirming that in this event, everyone is a winner.
H. Sabbagh
