Omar Al Shami proudly represented his country, ‘ِat Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 and World Games Berlin 2023, and achieved gold medals in swimming competitions

By : Iyead Khalil 

Omar Al Shami is a young Emirati man with Down syndrome  who overcame every obstacle, big and small, to prove his exceptional abilities and unwavering ambition He knows no impossible  "the impossible is a word to be found only in the dictionary of fools” as told -Napoleon Bonaparte  From a young age, he began learning from his surroundings. When he started swimming, his dream was to emulate the world-renowned swimmer Michael Phelps. However, after persevering in his training and experiencing the thrill of victory, he resolved to prove himself as Omar Al Shami, always striving to be the best and to represent his beloved country, the UAE, in the best possible way

 A Journey of Achievements 

He is an Emirati swimmer with a disability and a pioneer in the field of social inclusion. His journey is a testament to inspiring stories of athletic achievement and community leadership.

• A Journey of Achievements Regarding his outstanding athletic accomplishments, Omar says: “I represented the UAE at the Special Olympics World Games held in Abu Dhabi in 2019, where I won a gold and a bronze medal. This followed my gold and silver medals at the 2018 Regional Games.”

Over 50 medals

He said : Throughout my career, I have won over 50 medals through my participation in local, regional, and international competitions. Among the most important are a gold medal at the 2023 World Games in Berlin, where the competition was very strong and my participation was exceptional. I won first place in the new challenge of the 200-meter freestyle. I also won two gold medals at the 2022 Malta Games: one in the 50-meter freestyle and one in the 50-meter breaststroke.

Regarding his training,

Regarding his training, he began swimming at the age of 5 as a form of therapy and integration, and joined regular training at the age of 8. His participation in various competitions and activities brought him joy and self-confidence, proving that his extra chromosome is a strength in his life and personality, not a weakness. He currently trains about four times a week and participates in intensive training camps of up to six sessions per week before competitions

Journey of support and early integration

Meanwhile his journey of support and early integration, his father, Mr. Sharif Al-Shami, tells us: “The family relied on early integration into society and public schools from a young age, and treated him the same way they treated his three sisters. His family rejected the advice that he couldn't learn more than one language, and he ended up mastering both Arabic and English fluently. This achievement confirms that targeted family support can break down expected barriers, a fact corroborated by studies that unanimously agree that family support has a significant and effective impact on developing acquired language skills

University Education

He completed his high school studies at Abu Dhabi International School (AIS), which accommodated him from elementary through graduation and supported him in various aspects. Afterwards, he entered the Higher Colleges of Technology to study media, as his love for communicating with people helps him succeed in his mission. He was recently selected to attend a workshop with CNN for three weeks, which greatly enhanced his communication skills. It is worth mentioning that Omar currently holds the position of a member of the Board of Trustees of the Special Olympics UAE.

Leadership and Representation Beyond the Swimming Pool

On the other hand Omar's contributions extend far beyond the sporting arena. He plays a vital leadership role:He was elected Vice President of the Regional Athletes Leaders Council for the Middle East and North Africa, representing athletes' voices to the global organization. Additionally, he is a " Health Massager " promoting swimming and fitness, working with the Special Olympics Unified Schools program, and speaking at major events

An Inspiring Life Philosophy

Omar summarizes his personal philosophy by saying, I want to be the Omar Al-Shami." This statement reflects his ambition to be a unique role model who inspires others with the values of perseverance and excellence, a philosophy reinforced by his family environment, which sees him as someone who "has an extra chromosome that makes him work harder than all of us

Sports as an Essential Part of Therapy

• Sports as an Essential Part of Therapy: They considered sports, especially swimming, to be one of the most important aspects of therapy for Down syndrome.• Continuous Follow-up and Support: They provided him with all the support and care he needed to achieve his ambitions. Regarding the complementary roles of each parent within this framework, the following roles stand out:

 Theorist and strategist

• Theorist and strategist: He formulated the family's philosophy based on inclusion and not focusing on "inequality."Sports manager: He decided to start therapeutic swimming at the age of 5, then transitioned to regular training at the Abu Dhabi Club for People of Determination at the age of 8.

Logistics supporter: He provided him with specialized coaches and developed an intensive training program for him (4-6 sessions per week).•

The philosophy of upbringing and legacy: Omar's father, Mr. Sherif Al Shami, summarizes the family's philosophy by saying, "He has an extra chromosome that makes him work harder than all of us." This positive outlook, which focuses on abilities rather than limitations, is what allowed Omar to become not only a swimming champion, but also an influential leader, a university student, and an inspiring innovator.

The Mother

Omar's mother dedicated her life to raising Omar and was like a mother and manager to him. The contribution to Omar's success is not only from his immediate family but also extends to the extended family and everyone around Omar. This success is a chain, and all the links in this chain must be strong and cohesive. I also hope to express thanks on behalf of Omar's father to the leadership of the United Arab Emirates for their unlimited support for people of determination

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