Special Olympics World Games head to UAE
March 1, 2019
More than 7,500 Special Olympics athletes from more than 190 nations and across 24 sports are making final preparations to participate in the Special Olympics World Games (“World Games”) taking place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), March 14 through 21. These will be the first World Games held in the Middle East/North Africa region.
World Games are the largest sports and social inclusion event on the planet—demonstrating to the world that people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are the greatest teachers and leaders of inclusion.
“Special Olympics World Games are a snapshot of the world of full inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities yet to be achieved—and an invitation to everyone to join our athletes as they lead an all-out effort for more inclusion and to end the fear of difference everywhere,” said Dr. Timothy Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics and Beyond Sport Ambassador.
Along with thousands of athletes, coaches, fans and family, World Games will welcome international leaders from government, entertainment, education, health and business. The 2019 Games will be the largest in the organization's 50-year history.
Special Olympics athletes will compete in 24 Olympic-style sports in nine venues across Abu Dhabi and Dubai: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Bocce, Bowling, Cycling, Equestrian, Football, Golf, Gymnastics - Artistic, Gymnastics - Rhythmic, Handball, Judo, Kayaking, Open Water Swimming, Powerlifting, Roller Skating, Sailing, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Triathlon and Volleyball.
World Games will also play host to other events designed to advance inclusion: The Global Youth Leadership Summit will bring together young people working on innovative inclusion projects. The Global Inclusive Health Forum will focus on the importance of public health workers.
Other highlights include: the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, bringing together hundreds of law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes from around the world; the Stand-up for Inclusion concert; and the much-anticipated Inclusive Arts exhibition. Attendees can expect a vista of Unified play activities—bringing together people with and without intellectual disabilities.
Beyond Sport partners are also playing a role in the World Games. ESPN, working with host broadcaster Abu Dhabi Media, will provide multiple live feeds each day on ESPN3, delivering more than 25 hours of live coverage across venues and competitions. And, WWE is using its global platforms including WWE Network, TV and pay-per-view broadcasts, live events, and digital and social media to generate awareness and support.
Special Olympics, a client of our sister agency, thinkBeyond, is a global inclusion movement using sport, health, education and leadership programs every day around the world to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities.