Abu Dhabi: Emirati performers were put into the global sporting spotlight as the UAE capital officially began the countdown to hosting the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.
They took to the stage as this year’s Special Olympics Winter Games came to a conclusion in Austria — putting on a show that featured the UAE nationals from different segments of society, including Special Olympics United Arab Emirates athletes who competed at the World Games days before.
The performance, watched by a packed UPS Stadium in the Austrian city of Graz and by millions live on television featured a live performance from popular Emirati singer Hamad Al Ameri and used a traditional Bedouin desert setting to tell the story of how Abu Dhabi will use the Games to promote key values such as respect and inclusion for all in society.
As the show drew to a close, the Abu Dhabi delegation then revealed the logo for the Special Olympics World Games 2019. The logo, which was inspired by the Emirati tradition of palm frond weaving (Khoos) is a metaphor for the unifying power of the Games, and demonstrates how Abu Dhabi will create a spirit of inclusion and unity between all members of society.
The UAE delegation, including Shaikh Nahyan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Chairman and CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, the first sponsor for the 2019 World Games were all in attendance as the countdown began to the event in Abu Dhabi from March 14-21, 2019.
The flag handover represented one of the key moments of the Closing ceremony. Guests and viewers tuning in were treated to a visual extravaganza that highlighted the culture of current host Austria, as well as an array of entertainment centred around the values and cultural themes of the UAE.
The Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 Local Organising Committee also hosted a special reception for 300 people in Graz, which included an array of high-profile celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hussein Fahmy, and Special Olympics International Board Member and NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo, in addition to delegation representatives from more than 100 countries competing at the World Games. The event was used as an opportunity to invite the world to Abu Dhabi — from international dignitaries and celebrities to athletes and their families, and spectators from all walks of life.
With the handover now complete, it signals 24 months until approximately 7,000 athletes from 170 nations descend on Abu Dhabi for more than two weeks of competition. Male and female athletes with intellectual disabilities from numerous cultures and backgrounds will compete alongside each other in a worldwide competition that showcases their sporting abilities in 22 sports, including gymnastics, basketball, cycling, figure skating, football and golf.
Shaikh Nahyan said: “On behalf of the UAE, I am delighted to receive the flag that officially marks the countdown to the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. It is a great honour to be the first nation in the Middle East to be awarded this event. We are committed to the principles of sporting excellence for all members of our community and we look forward to welcoming the thousands of athletes from around the world to the United Arab Emirates. Our nation is built around the core values of tolerance and inclusion and becoming the host nation of the Special Olympics World Games underpins those values.
Mohammad Al Junaibi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi World Games Higher Committee said: “This ceremony is an official indication to show the whole world the authenticity of the UAE’s ambition and philanthropy and how we are positive in thinking and implementing.
The Special Olympics and the UAE, which were established within three years of each other, were both founded on the premise that inclusive qualities such as tolerance, unity, and goodwill not only empower individuals to succeed, but yield productive communities that improve society as a whole.
Dr Timothy Shriver, Chairman of the Special Olympics added: “I am honoured to pass the Special Olympics flag to our next host of the 2019 Special Olympics World Games — Abu Dhabi! Hosting the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi is a historic moment not only in Special Olympics, but in sport.”
The Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will feature 22 sports, including Football, Swimming, Cycling, Athletics, Equestrian and Powerlifting.
The Abu Dhabi segment of the closing ceremony will be broadcast throughout the Mother of the Nation Festival at Abu Dhabi Corniche from March 26 — April 4 at 6.15pm, daily.
To find out more about the Abu Dhabi Special Olympics World Summer Games please visit — http://www.abudhabi2019.org and http://www.specialolympics.org.
