People with special needs face unique challenges in their daily lives, but many refuse to let these obstacles stand in the way of their success. They push themselves to achieve their goals and prove to themselves and others that they are capable of greatness. They work hard to develop skills that allow them to pursue careers and hobbies they are passionate about, and they do not let their disabilities define them.

A Lebanese paralympic athlete with “Dandy-Walker” syndrome is participating in the Special Olympics World Summer Games 

A Lebanese paralympic athlete, Elissa Harik, the 29-year-old has a “Dandy-Walker” syndrome, a rare congenital defect that affects the brain. Harik proved that anything is possible with determination and hard work. Even though she is a person with special needs, this did not prevent her from reaching her goal. She is gearing up to represent Lebanon at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games that will take place this month in Berlin.

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The achievements of Elissa Harik

Harik won her first gold medal in 2013 in the Lebanese Championship for People with Special Needs. In 2014, she participated in the Special Olympics Games for the Middle East and North Africa in Egypt and won the gold medal. The Lebanese athlete ranked fifth in the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2015 in Los Angeles and first in the Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa 2018 in Abu Dhabi. Her most recent gold medal came at the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi, and she now trains three times a week ahead of the upcoming Special Olympics.

 

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