ATHLETES WELCOMED ‘TO THE WILLPOWER NATION, THE UAE’
Youth Minister greets world’s Special Olympics teams with message of unity and determination
Hundreds of athletes from 31 countries paraded in a dazzling show of colour and light for opening ceremony of the Special Olympics IX Mena Games last night.
The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre was filled with cheers and applause for competitors who travelled thousands of kilometres to be in the emirate for its first hosting of the Games.
But the night began with a moment of silence to honour bocce player Shaikha Al Naqbi, 38, who died yesterday morning at the team’s camp in Al Ain.
Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, then welcomed the athletes, who have learning and cognitive disabilities, and stressed that people of all abilities must be united as one.
“To be united not only as emirates, but as one people within the Emirates,” Ms Al Mazrui said.
“That’s the united in the United Arab Emirates. A United nation. United with and for one another. United is our namesake. A unified generation who are inclusive, holistic and uplifting.”
Ms Al Mazrui also stressed the willpower it takes to overcome adversity.
“Welcome to the willpower nation – welcome to the United Arab Emirates,” she said.
The venue was alight with the glowing wrist bands of more than 2,000 spectators who gathered to welcome 1,200 athletes.
Egyptian athletes paraded in pharaoh costumes and participants from Ivory Coast danced through the courtyard during the traditional welcoming ceremony.
By far the largest team was the UAE, which received a standing ovation from the crowd.
“The Special Olympics carries the torch of a divine mission that not only empowers athletes with intellectual disabilities to play, it empowers the character of an athlete and the entire ecosystem, their hope and belief, their bravery and determination to become all that they can be,” Ms Al Mazrui said.
“Empowerment and determination are the pillars of this young nation. The quest to continuously improve and pursue greatness is in our DNA.
“What’s so special to us about the Special Olympics is that it doesn’t end with the games next week. The Games are merely a launching point into the next dream.
“Parents shared their athletes’ dreams to be here at the Games.
“And they also shared their dreams beyond the Games, of becoming writers, filmmakers, newscasters and sports casters. And we all said yes.”
The Games precede next year’s Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi, mark 50 years since the launch of the Special Olympics and are being held in the Year of Zayed.
Timothy Shriver, chairman of the Special Olympics, said everyone attending the Games were members of its unique movement.
“Welcome to the sports performed by the best athletes in the world. And welcome to the countdown,” Mr Shriver said.
It’s just four months until we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our great movement and just one year until the world comes to Abu Dhabi.
“You are the first movers, the pioneers, the game changers who will make the next year great. Thank you.”
He said the Games were a test for all, athletes and organisers.
“This is a test of your incredible efforts, your vision, your professional excellence, and your capacity to create the most transformative sporting event in history. You will ace it.
“To all the people of the UAE, this is a test of your readiness to open your hearts and choose to include in health, in schools, in sports and in all walks of life and to build an inclusive nation. You will ace it.
“To all the sponsors and volunteers and officials and coaches, this is a test of your desire to join with our athletes in playing unified and living unified too. You will ace it.
“And to all the athletes and families: This is a test of your skill and your courage too; of your training and your heart. This is a test of whether you can give everything you’ve got in sport and prove to the world that everyone’s got a lot to give. You will ace it.
“And make no mistake, athletes, you are the world’s ambassadors of justice and joy. You can unify our communities. You have the power to show us how to overcome the fear of difference that’s tearing the world apart today. You are the world’s teachers of how to include. You are the leaders of the most important revolution in the world today – the revolution that is inclusion.”
During the Games, the Healthy Athletes Programme provides free health screenings and consultation for athletes and team members.
A Family Workshop will deliver a series of discussions and support sessions for the families of Special Olympic athletes.
It will also host a Youth Summit for people, including athletes, partners, and young people who want to learn more about the Special Olympics movement and the value of inclusion.
The Mena Games are open to everyone and are free to attend.