The Special Olympics World Games rrives in Abu Dhabi in fewer than 100 days – and organisers promise it will be bigger and better than ever.
The sporting spectacle descends on the city from March 14 to 21, with a record number of countries participating.
It’s the first time the event has been held in the Middle East in the 50-year history of the Special Olympics movement, which since day one has strived to offer sporting opportunities to people with intellectual disabilities.
Some 7,500 athletes from 192 nations will battle it out for glory in March, with Abu Dhabi sports fans there to support them every step of the way.
And with the 100-day countdown having already begun, organisers are vowing to make it an occasion for the UAE capital to remember.
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashemi, minister of state for international co-operation says: “The UAE continues to be at the forefront of expanding inclusion and opportunity for people of determination throughout the region. So it is with great pleasure that I can announce that Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will set a new record for the number of participating countries, with 192 nations represented.
“This will truly be the most unified World Games in the history of Special Olympics.”
The World Games is the latest major sporting event to be held in the capital as it increases its reputation as a world-class host.
It was announced on December 4 that 22 new nations have signed up for the upcoming sporting celebration, taking the total number participating to its highest ever at 192.
And each nation’s top athletes will be hoping to take home gold medals across 24 officially sanctioned Olympic-style sports, including athletics, cycling and various equestrian disciplines.
H.E. Mohammed Bin Abdulla Al Junaibi, chairman of the higher committee for Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, says: “Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi will be the largest sports and humanitarian event in the world in 2019.
“It is clear that excitement is building across the UAE, and across the world, as preparations for this major event reach their closing stages.
“[It’s brilliant] to see the depth and breadth of the work going on across the UAE to prepare for the World Games, bringing in partners from across all areas of society to celebrate the sporting achievements of people of determination and deliver our vision of a more unified and inclusive society.”
Free. Various venues. March 14-21, 2019. www.abudhabi2019.org.
