Special Olympic World Games in Abu Dhabi – Its Symbolic Importance & Objectives

In March 2019 Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) hosted the Special Olympic World Games ‘Abu Dhabi 2019’ where around 7,000 athletes with special needs participated from 192 countries.

Georgian team actively took part in this global sport event and as the result Georgian athletes competing in table tennis and athletics (run) won in total 6 medals (2 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze). On this occasion, we would like to express our sincere congratulations to the Government of Georgia, Georgian people and sportsmen on such an outstanding achievement and wish them further accomplishments in sport.

Hosting this international event by the UAE as the country of tolerance, assures the symbolic meaning and noble goals of this Olympic, which was organized with participation of 21 000 Emirati and UAE resident volunteers.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE’s Armed Forces expressed his deep interest on this occasion as it was an opportunity for the UAE to share to the world its values and principles, which stated by His Highness as following: “The values of tolerance, harmony and coexistence are essential basis of life in the UAE and this global event gives the chance to 7000 participants of the Special Olympic World Games to embrace the Emirati cultural heritage.”

The remarkable opening ceremony at Zayed Sports City was attended by 40 000 spectators and millions of viewers watched it through the media means. It was an opportunity to spread the solidarity and partnership principles among humanity through the cultural and entertaining activities, which raised the awareness of the audience and enhanced relationships. That is what the world urgently needs nowadays.

I would like to mention to the readers that the first International Special Olympics Summer Games were held in Chicago, Illinois, US, in 1968, while the first International Special Olympics Winter Games were held in February 1977 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, US.

Thankfully, this event and human connection delighted everyone.

By H.H. Essa AlNoaimi - the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates in Georgia