The third episode of the podcast “The Coach: Empowering Champions with Disabilities” featured Professor Dr. Omar Hindawi, who outlined the critical competencies required of coaches working with persons with disabilities. He underscored the importance of knowledge in areas such as classification, sport adaptation, and individualized communication. Yet, he argued that technical expertise must be complemented by authentic passion and a strong belief in the capacity of athletes with disabilities—rejecting pity and stereotypes.
“Working with persons with disabilities must come from a place of confidence in their abilities, not a focus on what they lack,” stated Dr. Hindawi. “Our job as coaches is to find the functional part and build upon it.”
The episode also addressed persistent structural challenges in the field. Dr. Hindawi cited the prohibitive cost of adaptive equipment—such as sport-specific wheelchairs—and the lack of qualified personnel and accessible facilities. He advocated for practical, field-based coaching education and the expansion of public awareness efforts to support access to sport for persons with disabilities, including through improved transport and infrastructure.
Drawing from his national context, Dr. Hindawi shared that Jordan has won six Paralympic medals, a reflection of coordinated national efforts and community engagement. These successes, he noted, should serve as a foundation for further growth and investment in the sector.
Closing the interview, Dr. Hindawi emphasized that coaching in this area is not just a professional endeavor—it is a humanitarian responsibility. “We are not just coaching—we are making a real difference in people’s lives. That is the essence of sport.”
The full interview is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKhISgJRnfU
