Special Olympics Morocco Celebrates 32 Medals at the 10th Special Olympics MENA Regional Games 2026

Cairo, Egypt 17/09 au 22/09 | 2026

A celebration of sport, inclusion and achievement

The 10th Special Olympics Middle East & North Africa (MENA) Regional Games 2026 brought together athletes, coaches, families, volunteers, leaders and supporters from across the region in Cairo, Egypt, for a memorable celebration of sport and inclusion.

For Special Olympics Morocco, the Games were filled with moments of determination, joy and pride — from the arrival of the delegation and first training sessions, to the Opening Ceremony, competitions and celebrations alongside delegations from across the region.

32 medals for Team Morocco

Moroccan athletes competed across Equestrian, Powerlifting, Artistic Gymnastics and Rhythmic Gymnastics, demonstrating remarkable dedication, courage and sportsmanship throughout the Games.

 Equestrian

• Wassim Boukari — 3 Gold
• Jyhane Jeddou — 1 Gold, 2 Bronze
• Fatim Z. Srija — 2 Gold, 1 Silver
• Rachid Zaher — 2 Silver, 1 Bronze

 Powerlifting

• Yassin Zhumi — 1 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze
• Mouna Hamza — 3 Gold, 1 Silver

 Artistic Gymnastics

• Youssef Alaafyani — 2 Gold
• Ilyas Lahdoudi — 1 Silver, 1 Bronze

 Rhythmic Gymnastics

• Yousra Debbagh — 1 Gold, 3 Silver
• Dounia Laagal — 3 Gold, 2 Silver

Behind every medal is a story of hard work, perseverance and determination. Every performance also reflects the opportunity sport provides for athletes with intellectual disabilities to develop their skills, build confidence and experience the joy of competition.

Beyond the competition: young people leading inclusion

The Moroccan delegation’s participation extended beyond the sporting arenas.

Bakr Abdennour and Badr, representing Morocco as Youth Leaders, took part in the Regional Youth Leadership Summit, joining young leaders from across the MENA region.

The Summit provided an opportunity for participants to exchange experiences, develop leadership skills and contribute their ideas to the future of the Special Olympics movement.

Their participation highlights the important role of young people in advancing inclusion — as athletes, leaders, advocates and active members of their communities.

A delegation united by the spirit of inclusion

The Games were about more than medals and results.

They were about the friendships formed between delegations, the encouragement shared between athletes, the celebrations after every performance and the sense of belonging experienced throughout the Games.

For Special Olympics Morocco, Cairo was another opportunity to see the values of the Special Olympics movement in action: inclusion, respect, determination, friendship and belonging.

A special presence supporting our athletes

Special Olympics Morocco was also honoured by the presence of its Goodwill Ambassador, Hicham El Guerrouj, who joined and supported the Moroccan delegation during the Games.

His presence, encouragement and time spent alongside our athletes contributed to the atmosphere of pride and motivation surrounding Team Morocco.

Thank you to our regional partners

Special Olympics Morocco extends its sincere thanks to Special Olympics Middle East & North Africa and the Special Olympics Egypt team for their warm welcome, hospitality and dedication throughout the Games.

Their efforts helped create a positive environment where athletes could compete, connect and celebrate together.

As Team Morocco returns home, the delegation carries with it 32 medals, unforgettable memories, new friendships and an even stronger belief in the power of inclusion through sport.

Congratulations to all our athletes, coaches, families, volunteers, Youth Leaders and delegation members who contributed to this memorable experience.

Well done, Team Morocco!