UAE Sports Federations have weighed in with their full support behind the upcoming Special Olympics IX MENA Games 2018 and World Games 2019 in Abu Dhabi.
In the presence of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the UAE’s federations are set to ensure the two events are a big success in the country.
Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will see the biggest humanitarian sporting event in the world coming to the capital and the Middle East region for the first time.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony was held at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council on Thursday, in the presence of H.E. Major General Mohammed Khalfan Matar Al Romaithi, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police and President of the General Authority of Sport, H.E. Mohammed Abdullah Al Junaibi, Chairman of the High Committee of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, as well as senior executives from various sports federations, government institutions and a number of dignitaries.
Commentating after the ceremony, Mohammed Khalfan Matar Al Romaithi, said: “We are blessed to be part of this great nation, guided by our wise leadership who constantly encourage us to promote the values of unity, compassion and inclusiveness amongst all members of society. This signing today comes in line with our dedication to humanitarian action, driven by the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan for the UAE to play a leading role in spreading peace and harmony around the world.”
He added: “Abu Dhabi hosting this international humanitarian event will undoubtedly empower both the sports sectors in the country and our talented athletes of determination, as it will showcase their talents and skills and highlight the importance of their seamless integration into society.”
The MoU outlines the grounds for effective co-operation between UAE Sports Federations and the Special Olympics, which will include providing services for all sports of Special Olympics, including technical staff and referees; as well as providing full care for athletes coming to Abu Dhabi from 33 different countries for the MENA IX Games and more than 7,000 participants from 170 countries who will attend Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 in March next year.
H.E. Mohammed Abdullah Al Junaibi, thanked H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Major General Mohammed Khalfan Matar Al Romaithi, Abu Dhabi Sports Council directors and Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the chairmen of sports federations and government institutions for their support of the Games and People of Determination.
“The strategic planning efforts along with the expertise added by the sport federations to the Games will contribute to the rise in levels of excellence from the UAE to reach global levels and became a platform to follow,” H.E. Mohammed Abdullah Al Junaibi said.
He added: “Special Olympics MENA and World Games are the most effective elements in a series of initiatives that Abu Dhabi and the UAE are planning as part of their commitment towards providing more opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and enhancing their integration in society across the emirate, the state and the region as a whole.”
Special Olympics IX MENA Games 2018 will take place between March 14-21 and over 1,200 athletes of all abilities will descend upon Abu Dhabi to take part in the Games, which will be the first major sporting event ahead of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.
Athletes will take part in 16 different sports that will be hosted in eight different venues including ADNEC, Zayed Sports City, Yas Marina Circuit, NYUAD, Officer’s Club, Mubadala IPIC Arena, Al Jazira Sports Club and Al Forsan Club.
Special Olympics IX MENA Games and Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 are a part of the UAE’s National Vision 2021 that highlights full integration of people of determination into everyday society.
The Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will be the most ‘unified’ games in history and promise to offer an inclusive experience for those with and without intellectual disabilities.
