NEW DELHI, 19th February 2019: Abu Dhabi is geared up to host the first ever Special Olympics World Games 2019 from 14-21 March 2019. Meet the determined minds in the vibrant, innovative city of Abu Dhabi as 7500 inspiring special Olympics athletes from 129 nations will arrive in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the most unified games ever held.

Abu Dhabi is hosting the most unified World Games in the 50-year history of special Olympics. People with intellectual disabilities will be involved in all the facets of the games, ensuring every spectator, guest and fan benefits from a more inclusive, interactive experience with special Olympics athletes.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahayan, Special Olympics World Games 2019 is an integral part of the 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.

Coach: 3,000

Sports: 24

Volunteers: 20,000

Honoured guests: 3,000

Officials: 1500

Families: 6000

Spectator: 5,00,000

All seven Emirates will host delegations from around the world, giving athletes, coaches and families a warm hospitable welcome. Each Emirate will provide delegations with an experience of Emirati culture and traditions, including educational, cultural and sports activities.

In the days leading to the games, the special Olympics ‘Flame of Hope’ will tour all seven Emirates of the UAE before completing its journey in Abu Dhabi arriving at the opening ceremony for the World Games. A special Olympics tradition since 1981, law enforcement officers carry the flame, which symbolizes courage and celebration of diversity, uniting communities around the globe.

Special Olympics is a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion, where every single person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability. Today, there are 4.9 million athletes with intellectual disabilities involved in Special Olympics worldwide.

For further information on Special Olympics World Games 2019, please find the link for the factsheet. http://tracrepmail.in/002/AbuDhabi_Fact_Sheet-Games_Overview_ENG-Jan2019.pdf

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE AND TOURISM - ABU DHABI
The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction that enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The Department manages the emirate's tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The Department of Culture and Tourism supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate's heritage. A key role played by the Department is to create synergy in the destination's development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.

Quran manuscript dating from 800 to 1000 AD, will be exhibited at Louvre Abu Dhabi as a private loan from the Zayed National Museum collection. The Blue Quran is characterised by its gilded letters, written in Kufic script on rare blue-dyed parchment. The valuable materials used indicate that it would have been commissioned by a wealthy patron.