Abu Dhabi to host 2019 Special Olympics

abu dhabi — Abu Dhabi will host the 2019 Special Olympics World Games, making it the region’s first sporting event for athletes with special needs and disabilities. The move is a major boost for the UAE’s vision to create inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities.

The Special Olympics international board of directors unanimously voted to award the world games to Abu Dhabi based on a comprehensive bid proposal and a site visit by a board committee.

“Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi is revolutionary for our movement and for the Middle East region,” said Timothy Shriver, Special Olympics Chairman. “There’s no better or more profound location

than Abu Dhabi to invite the world to come together in celebration of sport.”

UAE leaders took to twitter to share their joy at the announcement.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, tweeted: “Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the... games for athletes with intellectual disabilities from around 170 countries is a source of inspiration and pride.

“The support bestowed by my brother (His Highness) Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces) to this special Olympic Games and to millions of affiliate sportsmen expresses his humane personality.”

Congratulating the UAE and athletes, Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed tweeted: “We welcome the world’s best athletes to the UAE, congratulate Special Olympics leadership on promoting inclusion and tolerance through sport.”

reporters@khaleejtimes.com

Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the games for athletes with intellectual disabilities from around 170 countries is a source of inspiration and pride.”

We welcome the world’s best athletes to the UAE, congratulate Special Olympics leadership on promoting inclusion and tolerance through sport.”