Athletes head for capital as Mena regional games serve as warm-up for Special Olympics 2019
More than 1,200 international athletes will head to Abu Dhabi for the Special Olympics Mena Regional Games in March next year, it was announced yesterday.
The event is for competitors with special needs and disabilities. Abu Dhabi will also host the Special Olympics World Games in 2019.
“We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of athletes from across the world to participate in the Mena Regional Games 2018,” said Mohamed Al Junaibi, chairman of the higher committee of the Special Olympics World Games.
“This will be the UAE’s first opportunity to spread our message of inclusivity, tolerance and philanthropy. The Mena Regional Games are just the beginning for us as we look to empower our athletes and people of all abilities and disabilities across the UAE and the region.”
Apart from the region’s athletes, invitations will be extended to competitors from Canada, Russia, Monaco, Belgium, Austria, Taiwan, Macau, Hong Kong, China, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Samoa, Bangladesh, Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso.
Events include athletics, swimming, badminton, basketball, bocce, bowls, cycling, horse riding, football, gymnastics, handball, powerlifting, table tennis, tennis, roller skating and volleyball.
Organisers said 184 Emirati athletes with learning or cognitive disabilities were preparing to compete across the 16 disciplines. Registration opens this month and will close on November 15.
Last year, the Special Olympics board of directors in Washington unanimously chose Abu Dhabi to host the 2019 games.
184 Emirati athletes are preparing to compete across the 16 disciplines