Al Bireh- PRCS and the Special Olympics held on the afternoon of the 25th of November 2010 a huge ceremony to honor athletes who took part in the Special Arab Olympics held in Syria at the end of September and in early October, obtaining 48 medals in various competitions. The ceremony was attended by athletes, their families, PRCS President Dr. Younis Al Khatib, President of the Palestinian Special Olympics Dr. Jamal Moheissen, Undersecretary of the Sports and Youths Ministry Dr. Moussa Abu Zeid and Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs Mr. Mohamad Abu Hmeid.
Journalist Mahmoud Al Saqqa spoke about the achievements of Palestinian athletes in Syria, where West Bank and the Gaza Strip contestants obtained 48 medals in track and field sports, handball, football, table tennis, badminton, bocce, swimming, weightlifting and cycling competitions.
In his speech, Dr. Al Khatib praised efforts made by all parties towards this unprecedented Palestinian achievement, emphasizing the 23 medals won by PRCS athletes. “PRCS shall continue to support and sponsor the Special Olympics and all events related to it to ensure further success by Palestinian athletes both in Arab and in international competitions”, he said.
Dr. Moheissen said that the success achieved in Damascus can be attributed to a number of positive developments relating to the Special Olympics including eight new programs with the participation of a large number of exceptional athletes and coaches. “The Special Olympics fully believes that sports play a major role in boosting self confidence among persons with special needs: sports build their capacities and positively impact their lives as well as their families”, he added. He praised efforts made by the Ministry of Sports and Youths in support of the Special Olympics, as well as the unlimited support provided by PRCS’s various branches and sections in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip to Special Olympics athletes, coaches and events.
Dr. Abu Zeid said that the Palestinian Special Olympics is a key Palestinian national institution caring for a category of Palestinians that needs attention and can help build a beautiful and exceptional Palestine. “Special Olympics is a national humanitarian and ethical endeavor which must be supported and developed on both the personal and the institutional levels” he added.
At the end of the ceremony, Special Olympics crests were handed to Dr. Al Khatib and Dr. Abu Zeid in honor of their efforts. Dr. Muheissen and Dr. Abu Zeid then distributed diplomas and gifts to athletes, coaches and members of the Palestinian delegation who took part in the competitions in Syria obtaining 15 gold medals, 15 silver medals and 8 bronze medals.
It is to be noted that PRCS athletes from branches in Jericho, Nablus, Bani Naim and Khan Younis obtained a total of 23 medals in track and field sports, swimming, cycling, bocce, table tennis and badminton competitions.
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