Abu Dhabi – 18th of march: Over 1000 athletes from 32 countries paraded in a dazzling show of color and lights of the Special Olympics IX MENA Games.
Special Olympics are a global organization that serves athletes with intellectual disabilities working with hundreds of thousands of volunteers and coaches each year. The MENA Games are a prelude to the Special Olympics World Games taking place in Abu Dhabi in March 2019.
Special Olympics global ambassador and famous Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy led the whole parade. Following the colorful parade in the temporary build arena, Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver welcomed the attendees and “the best athletes in the world” in an inspiring speech.
Following on from him was HE Shamma Al Mazrui who spoke with passion and elegance about how the MENA Games embody Father Zayed’s vision of unity, tolerance, and coexistence; and that these very values are indeed the values of the UAE and its people.
The Special Olympics flag, symbolizing acceptance, hope and unity, was hoisted by members of the UAE’s unified basketball teams, which then led to the Oath Ceremony. Two UAE representatives each, from the athletes, coaches, and judges swore the oaths of the Games.
HH Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan then officially opened the games, and the Olympic Flame was dramatically carried live into the stadium. Passed around the stadium, from athlete to athlete, it made its way to the cauldron, where it was lit with great ceremony, including a grand fireworks display.