Qatar 2022, the meeting between Morgan Freeman and Ghanim Al-Muftah

The first is a very famous actor. Morgan Freeman was Nelson Mandela and the president of the United States in cinema and came to be God. His voice is unmistakable and is the one that guides the opening ceremony of the Qatar 2022 soccer world cup. The second is called Ghanim Al-Muftah and he is not that well-known face outside of Qatar, even if he is a famous youtuber. But together they are an iconic image. The young Ghanim is affected by a very rare syndrome that has prevented the growth of his lower limbs, but has become a symbol of redemption by continuing to play sports and even attending university.

Born in 2002 with the Caudal regression syndrome you want to graduate in political science and pursue a diplomatic career. Already involved with the UN, he is headed by foundations that work in support of those affected by rare diseasesGharissa Ice Cream, Association of Ghanim and Ghanim AlMuftah Foundation.

He hasn’t given up on sports like diving, skateboarding, climbing. The choice as a testimonial wants to underline the theme of inclusiveness which is with tolerance in the words of Morgan Freeman: «With mutual respect we can live together. With tolerance and respect we can live under one roof».

Qatar 2022 was preceded by great controversies: from corruption to the failure to respect the rights of workers and the community Lgbtqi+. The ceremony wants to show something else starting from the reception. «The world is welcome to the World Cup. People of all nationalities and beliefs are welcome in Qatar,” says the emir. One sequence is dedicated to tolerance, with songs and dances in traditional costumes, the jerseys of the participating teams, the mascots and the music of previous world championships. The Qatar 2022 mascot is called La’eeb, a sort of flying keffiyeh with eyes, eyebrows and mouth. The World Cup anthem is sung by Jeon Jung-kook, ex Bts, Hayya hayya, We are better together. The song is produced by the Moroccan RedOne, with the participation of the American Trinidad Cardona, the Nigerian Davido and the Qatari singer Aisha.

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