By Muhammed Aladdin
For the first time in its long history, the Special Olympics is set to take place in the Arab World. On the 14th of March, Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the UAE, will host the 2019’s Special Olympics World Games.
With a record-breaking 192 countries, 7,500 athletes, the breathtaking sporting spectacle is set to empower those with disabilities, redefine boundaries, and shatter expectations. The Crown Prince Court has spearheaded the mission to win the hosting bid in an effort to promote positive social change for people with disabilities and open a new chapter for a more inclusive society.
Three thousand coaches will be in Abu Dhabi to assist the athletes, in addition to 20,000 volunteers to cater to the needs of more than half a million attendees.
Throughout the games, athletes are set to compete in a wide array of sports including badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, football, cycling, judo, swimming, weight lifting, kayaking, table tennis, gymnastics, and more. Organizers behind 2019’s Special Olympics are preparing for an inclusive, empowering edition.
The Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem Al-Hashimy, has stated that a new world record has been set as the Abu Dhabi Special Olympics which will represent 192 nations. Thus, making it the most integrating games in all of history.
The UAE has been at the forefront of empowering and encouraging people of disabilities throughout the region. Officials hope that the games will improve the lives of those with intellectual disabilities and provide job opportunities for people all over the Emirates.
The UAE has launched several programs to help the young athletes prepare for their journey. The Healthy Athletes Program is designed to improve each athlete’s ability to train for the upcoming games in March. The program offers free health tests, screenings, services, and educational programs.
More than 155,000 health professionals and student volunteers have been trained on how to deal with special needs people and provide to them the best care possible. Also, several informative awareness programs help athletes prepare their diets, workouts, and more.
The government will also work on improving the transportation system to make it more convenient for people with special needs. The UAE is gaining international recognition and respect for its unifying measures. Hopefully, this will be the most unified and inclusive Special Olympic Games in history.
“Empowering, supporting, and encouraging Special Olympics athletes is a key part of the UAE’s vision of building a more inclusive and unified society,” said Dr. Amna Al-Mazmi, Director of Policy and Strategy at the Executive Council in Dubai.
WE SAID THIS: This is not the first time the UAE helped better the lives of its people with special needs. Check out All Dubai International Schools and Colleges to Include Special Needs Children by 2020.