Shahenda Sherif

The Special Olympics and the United Arab Emirates - established within three years of each other - were both founded on the premise that inclusive qualities such as tolerance, unity, and goodwill not only empower individuals to succeed, but yield productive communities that improve society as a whole. In keeping with these national values, the UAE’s capital – Abu Dhabi – intends to stage the most unified World Games in the history of the Special Olympics. With its diverse population and a tradition of warm hospitality, the people of Abu Dhabi demonstrate, every day, the spirit at the heart of the Special Olympics: We respect people from all walks of life and abilities, and our citizens and residents are generous with both their time and resources. We also have the ideal setting for the Special Olympics, a globally-central location, with modern facilities and infrastructure that will ensure the success of the games. We intend to be the most unified host for the most unified games ever held. People with intellectual disabilities will be involved in all facets of the Games, providing every spectator, guest and fan an inclusive and transformational experience with Special Olympics athletes. We see these games as more than a world-class sporting event. They are a catalyst – to improve lives, to reach our collective full potential, and to create greater social inclusion for people with and without intellectual disabilities both here in the UAE, in the region and globally. The UAE will come together to welcome the world to Abu Dhabi for the Special Olympics. Our clear ambition will be for these games to redefine the Special Olympics World Games for future generations. Abu Dhabi 2019 is making a commitment to invest, communicate & spread awareness, to create a lasting legacy of social inclusion and integration locally and across the region—reaching a population of over 350 million people across the Middle East.