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100-day countdown begins for Special Olympics

Abu Dhabi - A record 192 countries will participate in next year's Abu Dhabi event

A raft of new developments were announced on Tuesday at a major summit held to mark 100 days to go until Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.

As excitement builds in the closing stages of preparations for the World Games, an additional 22 nations confirmed their participation, bringing the total number to a record 192 countries participating in next year's Abu Dhabi event.

The findings from the first ever study looking at the perceptions of people living in the Mena region towards people of determination were also previewed at the World Games Unified Summit, hosted by the Local Organising Committee.

It showed high levels of awareness of government disability initiatives across Mena countries, with the UAE leading the way in people's positive attitudes towards inclusion and the integration of People with Determination.

The Summit marked the beginning of the official 100-day countdown to Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 being held 14-21 March 2019.

The event featured speakers including Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of State and CEO of Adnoc Group, Mohammed Abdulla Al Junaibi, Chairman of the Higher Committee of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, and Shamma bint Suhail bin Faris Al Mazrui, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs, as well as representatives from Special Olympics International, Special Olympics Mena, and the Local Organising Committee for Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.

The event previewed details of the Host Town Programme - the largest cultural exchange in the Middle East - and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

The 320 athletes that make up the full Special Olympics UAE team were also presented together for the first time at the Summit.

Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Junaibi, Chairman of the Higher Committee for Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, said: "Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi will be the largest sports and humanitarian event in the world in 2019. It is clear that excitement is building across the UAE, and across the world, as preparations for this major event reach their closing stages.

"Today's summit was an opportunity to see the depth and breadth of the work going on across the UAE to prepare for the World Games, bringing in partners from across all areas of society to celebrate the sporting achievements of people of determination and deliver our shared vision of a more unified and inclusive society."

Held at The Westin Abu Dhabi, the full-day Summit covered topics including the 50-year history of Special Olympics and its influence in the Mena region. There was also a preview of the official Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 app, which will feature augmented reality, real time Games information and features to support People of Determination.