Abu Dhabi to host 2019 World Summer Games

The Special Olympics International Board of Directors on Wednesday held a meeting in Washington, D.C., hosted by Georgetown University, where they were pleased to award their flagship event and world’s largest humanitarian and sporting event of 2019, the Special Olympics World Games, to Abu Dhabi.

The Special Olympics International Board of Directors unanimously voted to award the World Games to Abu Dhabi based on a comprehensive bid proposal, a site visit by a Board Committee, and the country’s vision to create inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities throughout the UAE, the region and the world.

A press conference detailing the event will follow at a later date in Abu Dhabi.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, announced Abu Dhabi’s victory on Wednesday in a tweet: “UAE’s hosting of the 2019 Special Olympic World Games reflects the world’s confidence in UAE’s capabilities, youth & humanitarian image.”

” I congratulate UAE President, Emiratis & athletes on UAE’s winning the bid to host the 2019 Special Olympic World Games”— أخبار محمد بن زايد (@MBZNews) November 16, 2016

“UAE’s hosting of the 2019 Special Olympic World Games reflects the world’s confidence in UAE’s capabilities, youth & humanitarian image”— أخبار محمد بن زايد (@MBZNews) November 16, 2016

“We welcome the world’s best athletes to the UAE, congratulate Special Olympics leadership on promoting inclusion & tolerance through sport”— أخبار محمد بن زايد (@MBZNews) November 16, 2016

“I’d like thank special needs athletes for their achievements & distinguished record,which boosted our winning bid of hosting World Games”— أخبار محمد بن زايد (@MBZNews) November 16, 2016

“Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi is revolutionary for our movement and for the Middle East region,” said Timothy Shriver, Special Olympics Chairman.

“There’s no better or more profound location than Abu Dhabi to invite the world to come together in celebration of sport, in celebration of people of all kinds, and to demonstrate to the world that the lines of division can be erased. We are thrilled to be the first Olympics Games in the Middle East region of the world.”

Abu Dhabi to host 2019 World Summer Games

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