Al-Ahram Weekly On-line 12 - 18 October 2000 Issue No. 503
Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875

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Learning a thing or two

By Abeer Anwar

As the Summer Olympics were winding down -- much to the relief of all Egyptians in and out of Sydney -- another group of athletes was preparing for its own Olympics. But this upcoming test is stern because Egypt's disabled athletes are not just disadvantaged physically and mentally. All handicapped players are confined to the Maadi Olympic Centre. They do not travel abroad to compete with the cream of international players to hone their skills. They are not given half as much air time as their more famous compatriots. And they are hardly household names. But for many years, including three consecutive Paralympics, they have defied their limitations, consistently performing far better than any Egyptian athlete fortunate enough to be of sound mind and body. And they promise to continue the trend in Sydney. History shows that their pledge, unlike the vows made by Egyptian athletes and federations before every Olympics for the healthy, is credible.

The 46-member team flew to Sydney on Tuesday, a week before the Paralympics begin. The early start has as much to do with getting used to the weather and the time difference as with eagerness. "The nine-hour time difference between Egypt and Australia could botch up our plans so we have to go early to get used to the weather and get over jet-lag," said Hossam Mustafa, delegation manager.

Hilal, centre, gives the delegation one last pep talk photo: Yossry Aql

Egypt is entering track and field, weightlifting for men and women, (we are the world champions and world record holders), wheelchair volleyball and swimming. "Our athletes will collect at least 30 medals, including eight gold," Nabil Salem, head of the Egyptian Disabled Federation and deputy president of the International Paralympic Committee, says confidently but without a tone of overconfidence. "Our weightlifters are title holders and all the athletes are chosen on the basis of whether they can win a medal." That's why, Salem added, table tennis players are not going to Australia. "They qualified for Sydney but we know they will achieve nothing."

At a press conference, Egyptian Minister of Youth Alieddin Hilal gave the athletes a pep talk before their departure, and what better way than to compare what happened in Sydney with what he expects to happen soon in the same city. "I am depressed by the results of the Egyptians in the Sydney Olympics but I am depending on you," Hilal said. "I know you will do your best and allow me the opportunity to receive you at Cairo airport," an act the minister did not do for the Olympians.

"We are trying our best to spread disabled sports throughout the country," he added. "And we are studying a plan to better the situation of the disabled and give them a better life."

Hilal promised to give Paralympians as much prize money as those who participated in the Olympics if they return victorious. He should be ready to open the coffers wide.

 

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