Teen with Down syndrome makes a big splash to prove doctor wrong
A family’s labour of love has challenged the incorrect assessment of a doctor who ruled out any chance of a future for a child with Down syndrome.
Years ago when a doctor explained her son’s condition to her, Rula Al Shami reeled in shock at his insensitive remarks.
“The doctor told me that he would not do anything in life. He said at 10 years, he would be like a two-year-old. At that time, we had very little idea about Down syndrome. But we had faith in our hearts and minds,” said Ms Al Shami about her 15-year-old son Omer, now a promising talent in the UAE swimming squad.
Then began a mother’s persistent efforts backed by strong family support. Omer’s parents and grandparents read up and researched material to find out how they could help him.
As a child he was enrolled in a regular nursery and then a mainstream school. Speech therapy classes helped him to enunciate better. Omer was also enrolled in swimming class when he was five.
“We read a lot and we kept asking questions. I once thought he would never smile. But he is just like his three sisters.
“We deal with him as we deal with them,” his mother said.
The teenager methodically listed his wide variety of interests. “I like swimming. I like to win. I like acting. I like acting because it feels exciting,” said Omer, a pupil at Abu Dhabi International Private School. “I want to be a businessman. I want to be a swimming champ. I hope for first prize in swimming. I also like basketball, football, reading, drama.”
He has won medals for the UAE in national and regional Special Olympic games held in the country.
After he returns from school at 2.30pm, he completes his homework and heads to the gym or for swimming class. He swims at the weekend as well.
His parents encourage him to find his own path and Omer often informs them of events he wants to participate in at school and outside school.
“He has a strong personality and self-confidence. He likes to participate in many things. He likes to make speeches on the stage,” his proud mother said.
Part of the 180-member UAE squad for the Mena Special Olympics, Omer will be a force to contend with if he keeps training, said his coach Jamal Nasser. “He swims with the correct technique and he will increase his speed and power,” Mr Nasser said.
The two-week training camp is a new concept for his mother, who was with him in Al Ain leading up to the Games.
“It is tough training for him and all this is new for me also. Omer is like a school. I’m learning every day,” Ms Al Shami said.
One of the objectives of the Special Olympics is for athletes to find confidence and fulfilment through the power of sport. It also aims to inspire the public to open their hearts to a wider world of talent and potential.
Ms Al Shami’s hope is that this message will spread across the country and the region.
Raising Omer has been an education for the family. Through the Special Olympics, his mother hopes the country will understand the gifts of people with special needs.
“He is different from others and not because of Down syndrome. He is different because he can do so many activities. The most important thing that is special are his abilities,” she said.
“These children want a chance to let their ability show. They should be encouraged.”