NEWARK, Del., Sept. 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- To mark the
occasion of the upcoming Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi
2019, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Ambassador to the United States Yousef Al
Otaiba today visited Special Olympics athletes and their
coaches at Special Olympics USA's
Training Camp at the University of
Delaware. Over 300 athletes, coaches and support staff are
expected to represent the US during Special Olympics World Games,
which will be held in Abu Dhabi,
UAE, this coming March 14-21, 2019.
It will be the first ever Special Olympics World Games held in the
Middle East region.
During the visit, Ambassador Al
Otaiba joined members of Special Olympics USA's basketball and table tennis teams in
drills and other activities. He also wished the athletes "good
luck" at the upcoming World Games.
In discussions with Special Olympics officials, Ambassador
Al Otaiba emphasized the UAE's
commitment to supporting people with intellectual disabilities, and
commended Special Olympics for its work to encourage inclusion and
acceptance.
"The UAE is honored to host the Special Olympics World Games
next year," said Ambassador Al
Otaiba. "In line with the UAE government's efforts to
promote greater understanding, inclusion and respect for people of
determination, there is no better time than now for the World Games
to take place in Abu Dhabi. And
there is no better partner than Special Olympics, a remarkable
worldwide movement that expands opportunities and transforms lives
through sports."
Athletes from around the US traveled to Delaware this week to meet their teammates and
train at University of Delaware
facilities. The weeklong training camp is the only time the entire
delegation will be together prior to send-off in March.
Participants will continue their training with tactics and skills
learned during the week, working remotely with their Special
Olympics USA coaches and locally
with state Special Olympics staff.
"Special Olympics USA is
grateful for the support of Ambassador Al
Otaiba and the UAE Embassy, not only during Training Camp,
but in lead-up to World Games," said Head of Delegation Chris Hahn.
"The Games serve as a valuable opportunity to not only spread our
mission, but also as an opportunity to educate participants and
fans about an area of the world they may never have otherwise
experienced."
Seven thousand athletes from more than 170 countries will
compete across 24 sports at the Special Olympics World Games Abu
Dhabi, and 500,000 spectators are expected to attend the Games. It
will be the largest humanitarian and sporting event of
2019.
About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is a global inclusion movement using sport,
health, education and leadership programs every day around the
world to end discrimination against and empower people with
intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1968, and celebrating
its 50th Anniversary this year, the Special Olympics movement has
grown to more than 6 million athletes and Unified Sports partners
in more than 170 countries. With the support of more than 1
million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers 32
Olympic-type sports and over 100,000 games and
competitions throughout the year. Special Olympics is
supported by individuals, foundations and partners, including Bank
of America, the Christmas Records Trust, The Coca-Cola Company,
ESPN, Essilor Vision Foundation, the Golisano Foundation, the Law
Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, Lions Clubs
International, Microsoft, Safilo Group, Stavros Niarchos
Foundation, TOYOTA, United Airlines, and The Walt Disney
Company. Click here for a full list of partners. Engage with
us
on: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and our
blog on Medium. Learn more at www.SpecialOlympics.org.
Media Contacts
Embassy of the United Arab
Emirates
Media@uaeembassy-usa.org
Alexandra McMillin, Special
Olympics USA
amcmillin@soill.org
312-502-7954
View original content to download
multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uae-ambassador-yousef-al-otaiba-visits-special-olympics-usa-training-camp-300715044.html
SOURCE Embassy of the United Arab
Emirates