Countdown to the Special Olympics
More than 7,500 people of determination from 192 countries will take part, writes Shireena Al Nowais
The eyes of the world were on Abu Dhabi last night as CNN broadcast from Wahat Al Karama, 100 days out from the start of the Special Olympics.
The countdown to the Abu Dhabi Special Olympics began yesterday, with only 100 days left until the start of the sporting extravaganza.
More than 7,500 athletes from a record-breaking 192 countries are expected to take part in the Games in March next year.
Ministers planning the event hope to redefine the boundaries of what is possible for those living with intellectual disabilities. About 3,000 coaching staff will be on hand to assist the athletes, while 20,000 volunteers take charge of the close to half a million spectators expected.
“Next March, the UAE will proudly host the special Olympics for the first time ever in the Middle East,” said Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State.
“We will be bringing together close to 8,000 people, Special Olympics athletes from around the world, for a week of sports, entertainment and unity. These games will empower those with intellectual disabilities, or, as we know them here in the UAE, people of determination.
“Their courage will encourage the values of unity and inclusion that defines the Special Olympics message and mirrors the values of the UAE.”
The Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will take place from March 14 to 21.
Organisers intend to recruit thousands of volunteers to assist with the event and create a “lasting legacy”.
Authorities hope the Games will also act as a catalyst to job creation and help improve the lives of those with disabilities.
In particular, officials plan to improve existing transport networks to help people with mobility problems and to boost training programmes to assist with their care.
“These games will demonstrate how much can be achieved against the toughest odds,” Dr Al Jaber said. “They will strengthen our commitment to create a more fair world – a world where people of all abilities are treated with respect, accepted and, above all, celebrated.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that the games have a long-term, lasting impact.”
At a launch event for the start of the countdown yesterday, relatives and friends of the 320-member UAE team gave the athletes a standing ovation.
Athletes chanted “UAE, UAE” before singing the national anthem as parents and officials joined in. The squad will compete in a variety of sports including badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, football, cycling, judo, kayaking and swimming.
There will also be events in weightlifting, sailing, table tennis and gymnastics.
Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, has been at the forefront of programmes designed to help people with disabilities.
Ms Al Hashimy announced the record number of competing nations, which surpassed 172 when the event was last held two years ago in Austria.
“The UAE continues to be at the forefront of expanding inclusion and opportunity for people of determination through the region,” she said.
“So it is with great pleasure that I can announce that Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will set a 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.”
To ensure fans do not miss out on any of the action across 24 sporting venues, an app will be launched.
Officials said it would be full of athlete profiles, event schedules, ceremony timings and travel information to ensure spectators get the most from the Games.
“Empowering, supporting and encouraging Special Olympics athletes is a key part of the UAE’s vision of building a more inclusive and unified society,” said Dr Amna Al Mazmi, director of policy and strategy at the Executive Council in Dubai.
“Hosting Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 shows that the UAE is making great strides towards achieving this important goal.
“Dubai will also host three different sporting competitions during the World Games, including indoor pool swimming events, athletics competitions and open-water swimming.
The Games will strengthen our commitment to create a more fair world, where people of all abilities are treated with respect DR SULTAN AL JABER Minister of State