Ghanim Al Muftah leading GCC motorcyclists on the Corniche Road yesterday. Pic: Baher Amin/ The Peninsula
Paying tribute to 13-year-old incredible Qatari boy, as many as 600 amateur and professional bikers from GCC countries yesterday followed the very personification of courage and confidence – Ghanim Al Muftah – on the Corniche Road.
Ghanim, a 13-year-old Qatari boy, was born with Caudal Regression Syndrome, a rare disorder which impairs the development of the lower spine. He hopes to become a future Paralympian. Ghanim, means ‘winner’ in Arabic, and this boy has surprised people around the world with his courage and perseverance.
The event was organised by Batabit Qatar in collaboration with The Chiefs MCC and Al Adaam MCC. Not only bikers representing various motorcycle clubs of Qatar were there to pay homage to the boy with special needs, but also around 200 bikers from other GCC countries joined the rally to salute the boy for his unflagging determination and enthusiasm. The rally culminated at Doha Marriott Hotel. It was a spectacular sight as hundreds of bikers in their two-wheelers and three-wheelers followed Muftah along the sea. “It is really good to see bikers from the region gathered here to pay tributes to a boy-with-determination. Normally, bikers from the region come in for special rallies but it is for the first time that the entire community of bikers has gathered here to honour Muftah,” said Ahmed, a local biker.
Ghanim is a popular local hero with over one million followers on Instagram. Therefore, hundreds of residents representing various segments of society were also present at the hotel to applaud the miracle-boy. Representatives of various non-government organisations working on children with special needs also attended the event and speakers after the rally praised Muftah for his determination.
Talking to The Peninsula, Elias Dbeis, another veteran biker, said that Muftah’s story was full of inspiration for everyone particularly for those who are afraid of life. “He never gave up in life and that is the real spirit needed to win,” he added.
Before Doha 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships, the Organising Committee had launched the “My Incredible Story” series to showcase the obstacles, challenges and journeys of inspirational individuals. Ghanim was also featured in the film series as youth ambassador.
Ghanim in “My Incredible Story” says: “Through my Instagram account, where I have almost one million followers, I want to say that everyone has a right to dream and has ambitions that they can achieve. Social media is a window to the world.
"It helps us get our message out there faster and we have to use it in a positive and useful way," he added.
Ghanim has established his own charities, runs a sports-club and has also set up his own ice cream shop.
Last year, he also won a Youth Award at the "Arab Social Media Summit" award for the popularity of his Instagram account, which he uses to tell his story to the world.
