Dubai To Host Three Sports Competitions For Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019
Hamdan Sports Complex announced as the venue for Swimming, Dubai Police Academy to host Athletics, and Open Water Swimming to take place at La Mer
The emirate of Dubai Dubai will host three Special Olympics sports during Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, which takes place between March 14-21 next year.
Complementing eight world-class venues in the UAE capital, where the majority of the 24 officially sanctioned Olympic-style sports will be held, Dubai's state-of-the-art Hamdan Sports Complex will host the World Games swimming competitions while the highly-anticipated athletics competitions will be held at Dubai Police Academy.
In addition, swimmers in the Open Water competition will have the opportunity to race in the Arabian Gulf off the shores of La Mer, an urban beachfront lifestyle destination in Dubai.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE's Armed Forces, Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 is an integral part of local, national and regional plans to expand opportunities for people of determination in line with Abu Dhabi and the UAE's shared vision of a unified and inclusive society.
A nationwide celebration of inclusion, Special Olympics World Games events take place across the seven emirates. The Host Town program, the largest cultural exchange to take place in the Middle East, will see 7,500 athletes from across the globe hosted in towns all around the UAE while the Law Enforcement Torch Run will make its journey throughout the nation in the lead-up to the Games.
Hosting three Games sports competitions in Dubai will provide athletes in the two largest single participatory sports an opportunity to experience the world-class facilities and sport expertise of Dubai while further increasing awareness and engaging the Special Olympics movement among UAE residents. This will enable even more people to cheer on the athletes and witness their achievements.
Dr Amna Al Mazmi, Director of Policy & Strategy - Social Development, the Executive Council in Dubai and representative of the Dubai Host Town Committee: said: "Empowering, supporting and encouraging People of Determination and Special Olympics athletes is a key part of the UAE's vision of building a more inclusive and unified society. Hosting Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 shows that the UAE is making great strides towards achieving this important goal.
"As part of the UAE's national vision and its preparations for Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, Dubai is partnering with Abu Dhabi to host Special Olympics athletes from 53 countries during the host town program and official torch run activities.
"Dubai will also host three different sporting competitions during the World Games, including indoor pool swimming events, athletics competitions and open water swimming.
"Everyone from Special Olympics athletes to members of the public will enjoy a unique experience in Dubai that combines sports, heritage and entertainment activities.
"These activities will have a positive impact on Dubai and the entire UAE community by promoting and boosting social inclusion among the population."Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Managing Director at Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, added: "As the UAE prepares to host the largest sports and humanitarian event in the world in 2019, the support of all seven emirates is crucial in driving forward our national message of unity and tolerance.
"Special Olympics is a movement that is dedicated to long-term positive change for those with intellectual disabilities, a vision shared by this nation that is firmly committed to empowering people of determination. We believe that providing more opportunities to witness the extraordinary skill and courage of Special Olympics athletes is vitally important to creating a more inclusive society for all."
With more than 7,500 athletes from over 192 nations competing, Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will be the largest sports and humanitarian event in the world next year and will set the benchmark for the most 'unified' Games in the 50-year history of Special Olympic. It promises to be an unforgettable experience for people with intellectual disabilities and those without.
