HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed receives Special Olympics flag

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, accompanied by Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern, met with the UAE team of 32 athletes who participated in several competitions during the Special Olympics World Winter Games.

His Highness expressed his appreciation to Chancellor Kern and his country that succeeded in hosting this international event, adding that this success will continue and develop as the UAE will host the Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2019, while wishing everyone success in this important international sporting event.

"Today is a day of blessing, as the championship is moving from a European country to our precious nation, and our sons, who I met today, are our investment regardless of their potential. They are our investment and sons, we cherish them," said His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

He stressed that Abu Dhabi will work hard to host a major international sporting event, to promote the prominent international reputation of the UAE in the field of organising major events. He highlighted that the UAE is extremely interested in this event and it aims to create an exceptional international venue for people with disabilities in sports.

He added that he is confident of the capabilities of the UAE people to place additional and important efforts for the progress of these games.

His Highness called upon the Supreme Organising Committee to advance their preparations with high spirits and co-operation between all institutions to achieve the desired results.

Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) were signed between the Supreme Organising Committee of the games, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, ADNOC, and Etihad Airways, as the main sponsors for the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2019 in Abu Dhabi.

As part of ADNOC’s sponsorship of the event, the company’s headquarters will allocate special services and offices for the Special Olympics personnel, and they will work closely with organising officials and authorities to make the event a success.

Etihad Airways will provide transportation for athletes, organisers, trainers, public figures, guests and media personnel to the event, with the support of Hala Abu Dhabi, a destination management company, and Etihad Cargo. The company will also work with the Special Olympics Team to provide the highest standards of exceptional hospitality.

During the coming months, Etihad Airways will develop and support the game’s participation programmes, which include a wide range of initiatives, before the launch of the event.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and CEO of the ADNOC Group, said, "We are proud that ADNOC is an official sponsor to contribute in supporting the hosting of the Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi. This event will provide an opportunity for athletes from the people of determination to prove the powers of their ambition, determination, optimism and commitment for excellence to the entire world. The devotion, commitment and passion of those Olympic competitors are in line with the commitment of ADNOC, to develop young talents and promote the culture of excellence, with an emphasis on achieving results and exceeding expectations."

He added that hosting this important sporting event in Abu Dhabi confirms the social vision of the UAE, as the wise leadership is continuing the path of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to care for all the segments of the society, including the people of determination, by encouraging, supporting and providing them with a platform that encourages them to use their capacities and positive energies.

Mohamed Mubarak bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Chairman of Etihad Airways, expressed his happiness that Abu Dhabi will host this event, becoming the first city in the Middle East to host the Special Olympics World Summer Games.

He added that the values of tolerance, diversity and youth empowerment will promote the partnership with the Olympic Games, while noting that Etihad Airways is delighted to welcome thousands of athletes, trainers and supporters who will fly on its planes and enjoy their experience of traditional Arab hospitality and the company’s international services.

Mohammed Abdullah Al Junaibi, Chairman of the Supreme Committee of the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi, said that the partnership with national institutions and the co-operation to hold this international event is considered another success for our national institutions and for everyone, due to their support for the events that contribute in promoting the reputation and position of the UAE.

He highlighted the fact that the co-operation with ADNOC and Etihad Airways will contribute to organising the event under the best international standards while providing an opportunity to communicate with a larger number of people, to promote the UAE’s mission that consists of solidarity, tolerance and giving.

Hazem

WAM/Tariq