In March 2019, Tala Al-Ramahi stood in Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Sports Stadium alongside thousands of fans and athletes from around the world to witness the opening ceremony of the first Special Olympics World Games ever held in the Middle East and North Africa.
As a Day One member of the UAE’s Bid Committee, this moment was a vision and dream come to life. Tala and the UAE team set an ambitious goal: to welcome a delegation from every nation on earth to the most inclusive Special Olympics World Games ever. The event ultimately attracted more than half a million spectators and 20,000 volunteers—including 314 athletes, coaches and delegates from the United States.
A shared vision for a world without discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities continues to drive Tala’s work today. Hear more from Tala on special moments working with US and Special Olympics partners.
