FLAME OF HOPE LANDS IN UAE
Iliana Symeonidou, Special Olympics athlete, lights the Flame of Hope torch during the ceremony in Athens, Greece, which took place ahead of the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi. The torch lighting took place at the Zappeion Palace in Athens, Greece on Wednesday. The flame reached Abu Dhabi yesterday, ahead of the Games which kick off on March 14.
abu dhabi — Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, received the Flame of Hope torch of the Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
The Torch will be carried throughout all seven emirates, starting from Ras Al Khaimah, in the 10-day Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg before concluding its journey at the Opening Ceremony of the World Games on March 14
Hessa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, was also present at the airport.
The Flame of Hope torch was presented to Sheikh Nahyan.
On Wednesday, The Flame of Hope torch was lighted at a ceremony of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 that took place at the Zappeion Palace in Athens, Greece, the birthplace of the Olympics.
The Special Olympics World Games will take place in Abu Dhabi from March 14 – 21.
Special Olympics athletes, who will participate at World Games, were present at the ceremony.
Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Managing Director at Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, said: “The Special Olympics Flame of Hope has become a globally-recognised symbol for inclusion, courage and diversity.
“In two weeks’ time, when the World Games officially begin, we will celebrate determination at sports arenas and playing fields across the UAE. It is our hope that these World Games will create real long-term change and a future where every person is valued, accepted, and have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.”
Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 is the largest sports and social inclusion event in the world, this year featuring 7,500 athletes from more than 190 nations who will compete in 24 Olympic-style sports across nine venues in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.