Abu Dhabi - The Special Olympics international board of directors unanimously voted to award the world games to Abu Dhabi.
Published: Wed 16 Nov 2016, 11:00 PM
Updated: Thu 17 Nov 2016, 9:04 AM
Abu Dhabi will host the 2019 Special Olympics World Games, making it the region's first sporting event for athletes with special needs and disabilities. The move is a major boost for the UAE's vision to create inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities.
The Special Olympics international board of directors unanimously voted to award the world games to Abu Dhabi based on a comprehensive bid proposal and a site visit by a board committee.
"Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi is revolutionary for our movement and for the Middle East region," said Timothy Shriver, Special Olympics Chairman. "There's no better or more profound location than Abu Dhabi to invite the world to come together in celebration of sport, in celebration of people of all kinds, and to demonstrate to the world that the lines of division can be erased.
We are thrilled to be the first Olympics Games in the Middle East region of the world."
UAE leaders took to twitter to share their joy at the announcement. His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, tweeted: "Abu Dhabi's hosting of the... games for athletes with intellectual disabilities from around 170 countries is a source of inspiration and pride.
"The support bestowed by my brother (His Highness) Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces) to this special Olympic Games and to millions of affiliate sportsmen expresses his humane personality that supports the sports spirit of challenge."
Congratulating the UAE and athletes, Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed tweeted: "We welcome the world's best athletes to the UAE, congratulate Special Olympics leadership on promoting inclusion and tolerance through sport.
"UAE's hosting of the 2019 Special Olympic World Games reflects the world's confidence in UAE's capabilities, youth and humanitarian image."
Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, also tweeted his congratulations. "This embodies the ambition and determination of the athletes with special needs who are able to challenge their disability."
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
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