7500 athletes will be competing in 24 Olympic style sports over the next seven days
India has the second largest contingent to be represented at the Special Olympics Games 2019; 387 athletes, staff and coaches from India are participating in the SpecialOlympics
DUBAI
Special Olympics World Games 2019 began at Abu Dhabi in the UAE on Thursday evening. The event has already made history by welcoming a record-breaking 200 nations at the Games.
The Indian contingent, second largest after the host UAE marched proudly holding the tricolour. Being held in the Middle East for the first time, 7,500 athletes will take part in 24 Olympic-style sports over seven days.
Nine world-class venues in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will accommodate 500,000 spectators, 1,500 officials will referee the Games, while 3,000 coaches will assist the athletes. For the first time, 200 nations are being represented at the World Games -195 participating and 5 observing. A large number of women athletes is also competing at the games.
The Indian Contingent is the second largest after the host UAE. The athletes of determination will not only be competing for gold, but will also be shattering perceptions and will redefine what it means to be truly determined.
كلمة صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن زايد آل نهيان والإعلان رسمياً عن انطلاق الأولمبياد الخاص الألعاب العالمية أبوظبي 2019. #ها_هم_أصحاب_الهمم @WorldGamesAD pic.twitter.com/HoPqtSr0ep
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 14, 2019