Omar El Ailah has just returned from one of the best experiences of his life. At 29 years old, he has participated for the first time in the Special Olympics Games, where more than 7,500 athletes from 177 different countries have competed in disciplines such as athletics, basketball, badminton, swimming or football, among others.
The international organisation Special Olympics created this event for the first time in 1968 with the aim of enhancing the social skills of people with disabilities, as well as developing their personal confidence through sport . It has already been held for 15 years. The latest one took place at the famous Zayed Sports City stadium , in the heart of Abu Dhabi, where Omar had the opportunity to compete in unified 11-a-side football and learn what he is capable of achieving if he sets his mind to it. He has always been passionate about football; but he had never experienced anything like it, he had never even imagined it.
The Spanish unified 11-a-side football team has won the silver kuwait phone number data medal , a medal that means much more to Omar. The Spanish delegation, represented by 104 athletes and 30 coaches from 10 autonomous communities, has had excellent results, as it closes its medal table with 16 golds, 23 silvers and 21 bronzes .
How were you selected?
A former coach from my centre, the Juan de Austria Occupational Centre in Madrid, told me that there was an opportunity for me to take part in the Abu Dhabi games. He asked me if I wanted to go and I immediately told my parents. I remember that I couldn't sleep that night because I was so excited. I was euphoric.
Have you always played football? Did you ever imagine living an experience like this?
I was born in Palestine and from a very young age I played football in the street with my friends. My dream has always been to play football, but the truth is that I had never imagined experiencing something like this. It was a real surprise to know that I had been selected to live this experience.
