RAK Ruler says UAE is a country of tolerance, compassion and peace, which is reflected in the hosting of the historic event, with the aim of reinforcing the humanitarian values that were established in the UAE by Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan … reports Asian Lite News.
H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, praised the UAE’s hosting of the Special Olympics World Games, Abu Dhabi 2019, which is the largest humanitarian sporting event in the world, under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates.
Sheikh Saud added that the UAE is a country of tolerance, compassion and peace, which is reflected in the hosting of the historic event, with the aim of reinforcing the humanitarian values that were established in the UAE by Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Sheikh Saud made this statement while inaugurating the Special Olympics memorial in Al Murjan Island, to highlight the role of people of determination in the community, on the occasion of the Special Olympics and as part of the participation of Ras Al Khaimah in the “Special Olympics Hosting Town Program.”
The Host Town program offers the opportunity to the delegations to enjoy Emirati hospitality, customs and traditions. It also creates public awareness of intellectual disabilities and promotes the Special Olympics spirit all over the UAE. Additionally, it helps familiarise athletes with their new environments before starting competitions through sports, cultural, artistic and community events. The Host Town Program will provide Special Olympics athletes with a chance to experience the Emirati culture and hospitality while in turn providing every citizen of the UAE a life-changing and memorable experience with Special Olympics athletes.
Sheikh Saud welcomed the delegations participating in the programme, which was organised with the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah and Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Executive Council, under the slogan, “These are the People of Determination.”
The event was attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Petroleum Authority, Sheikh Saqr bin Saud Al Qassimi, and Mary Davis,Special Olympics CEO, as well as officials from local departments and institutions, and the participating delegations from South Africa, Estonia, Mongolia, Greece, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Luxembourg and Kazakhstan.
Davis expressed her appreciation for the UAE’s efforts to host the event while noting that the atmosphere in the country in exceptional, and reflects its support for people of determination, their empowerment and their involvement in community activities.
The UAE will welcome more than 7,500 athletes from over 190 nations for Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 between 14th and 21st March. They will compete in 24 officially sanctioned Olympic-style sports in what will be the first World Games to be held in the Middle East.
