In 1968, Special Olympics invited the world to let go of limiting views, prejudices and misconceptions about people with intellectual disabilities and embrace the idea that they can be respected, valued, contributing members of society.

Today, the Special Olympics movement includes almost 2.25 million athletes who train and compete in 26 sports through more than 200 Programs in more than 150 countries around the world.

Support

Despite that growth, the Special Olympics movement touches just a small percentage of the estimated 190 million people around the world with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics is committed to achieve 3 million athletes by the end of 2010. Whereas the number of athletes in Middle East/ North Africa (MENA) region is expected to reach 160 thousand athlete at the end of 2010. There is no charge to Special Olympics athletes to participate in the movement. Individual donors, corporate partners and many others make it possible for Special Olympics offer children and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy through participation in the program.

Special Olympics has launched Invest in a Life, a Web site that invites people around the world to act to dramatically improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. With more than 170 million people worldwide with intellectual disabilities waiting to discover their potential, Invest in a Life asks the question: Do you have it within yourself to provide that opportunity?

Special Olympics — One of the 100 Best Charities

In 2001 and 2002, Special Olympics was named to "The Worth 100," Worth magazine "annual list* of America's top charities [that] identifies the nonprofit groups that have made the biggest impact with your donation bucks. Reporter Reshma Memon Yaqub noted, "...we are confident that the charities on this list will spend your money wisely and will do their best to change some of the grim facts of today's world that we all face."

We in the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region are heavily counting on corporate, organizations and individual donations in order to develop Special Olympics in the region and offer better services to improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

For any donations or support, contact Special Olympics MENA Communications and Partnership Development Office:

Eng. Ayman A. Wahab, Regional Managing Director

Address: 35 Gezieret El Arab St., Mohandeseen, Giza, Egypt

Tel.: +20 2 3455510/2

Fax: +20 2 3455514

E-mail: awahab@specialolympics.org