Dina driver of change in her community
ABU DHABI: Dina Galal beamed with pride and smile on her face as her efforts as part of the workforce for the Special Olympics World Games was appreciated on the eve of the event. Her mother, Fatma Sakr, acknowledged the role of Special Olympics in giving Dina a ‘normal’ life and help her carve her own identity.
Dina, 49, who hails from Egypt, is also launching her book, ‘Dina Speaking about her herself,’ during the showpiece event, in which she charts out her journey and gives hope to millions of people with intellectual disability.
“When she was born in 1970 we were devastated. We had no clue how to deal with such a child. There was little knowledge about intellectual disability and all we thought was that she would not live long,” Fatma reveals.
“Special Olympics members took her under their wings and transformed her life. She was put in a special school and was encouraged to take up sport. She chose shot put. She has participated in Special Olympics Games and won many medals. It is her determination and good care that she has come up so well in life.”
Dina, also a global messenger of the Special Olympics, said, “I wanted to write my story and inspire others.”
As Dina showed her book, Maryam Ahmad Thyab watched with delight sitting on the dais during the opening press conference of the World Games on Wednesday. As a global messenger and spokesperson of the Games, 19-year-old Maryam from Kuwait spreads awareness, promotes inclusion, and drive change in her community.
The global messengers are the face of the movement. They attend events throughout the world, giving speeches, interacting with potential donors and partners, and support the development of the athlete.
Maryam first got involved with Special Olympics in 2018, when she participated in the 9th Special Olympics Middle East North Africa Regional Games. She played a key role in preparations for the World Games here.
Asked what would be her message to the participants, Maryam said, “They are heroes themselves. There is nothing that they cannot achieve.”
Even, the first question was asked by the World Games’ team of ‘special’ correspondents. The trio of Bilal Hafeez, Brendyn Monsorate and Christopher Swaminathan has been trained to cover the Games. Popularly known as the ‘BBC’ by their initials, they have been interviewing athletes and coaches in the build up to the Games.
This is not all. The local organizing committee has ensured that people with intellectual disabilities are part of the Games in every possible way, be it working behind the scenes or participating. A group called ‘The Makers’ has been appointed to be the creative driving force behind the Opening Ceremony performances. Also more than a dozen ‘people with determination’ are part of the LOC team working in various roles including finance, IT, marketing to ensure that the message of hope is all-encompassing.