Flag of 2019 Special Olympics World Games handed over to UAE

GRAZ, AUSTRIA / WAM

HH Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Sport Council, received the Special Olympics World Games flag – during the closing ceremony of the World Winter Games, in the Austrian city of Graz. The UAE will host the Special Olympics World Games in 2019.
Present at the ceremony were Dr Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and CEO of ADNOC Group, headline sponsor of Special Olympics 2019, Mohammed Abdullah Al Junaibi, Chairman of the Higher Committee to Host the Special. Olympics in Abu Dhabi, Arif Al Awani, Secretary General of Abu Dhabi Sport Council, Dr Maha Barakat, Director General of Health Authority – Abu Dhabi and other officials.
The official count-down for the Special Olympics, to be held in Abu Dhabi on March 14-21, 2019. The official logo of Special Olympics World Games is inspired by palm leaves weaving, symbolising the unity and coherence of the Special Olympics.
The UAE delegation performed a spectacular show during the closing ceremony in Graz, highlighting the genuine Emirati traditions. Thousands of spectators at the Stadium Graz enjoyed the show.
“It is a great honour to received the flag on behalf of the UAE and to officially announce the count-down for the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi,” Sheikh Nahyan said.
He also said that the UAE is committed to principles of sport excellence and is looking forward to welcoming thousands of athletes from all over the world.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber said ADNOC was proud to sponsor the event, which reflects UAE’s vision for perpetuating care for all segments of community, including people with disabilities, emanating from principles upheld by the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Meanwhile, the iconic Burj Khalifa, was lit up with the logo of Special Olympics 2019.