Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi kicks off with a splash Audio 05:33 Audio 05:33 Team from Haiti competing in this year's Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi SOWG19 By: Andy May 7 min We’re heading now to the United Arab Emirates, where the Special Olympics World Games are being held.And as correspondent Andy May explains from Abu Dhabi, a record number of countries are taking part.Click the 'play' button above to listen.<doc-sep>Positive patriotism wins gold at Abu Dhabi Special Olympics Dr. Razan Baker For some nationalism is not a word that has good connotations. But when I see nationalism on the sport’s field, I view that word differently. Sporting stars displaying pride to play for their country, their patriotism motivating them to score points for their team, are positives we can identify and engage with when watching sport. The Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 being held in the UAE capital provide a perfect example of this. The tournament motto is “Meet the Determined,” and the ability and determination from the more than 7,000 athletes taking part are clear for all to see. The great thing was that there was a women’s team from Saudi Arabia for the first time and I made sure I was there to cheer them on. I was really overwhelmed to see our female athletes and people from all around the world in one place for the same purpose, cheering for their countries. The pride of participating in such an event is amazing and everyone — from students, employees, and volunteers — can join in. There are several things I have taken away from the Special Olympics. First, the event promoted the positive face of nationalism, cheering on for your country in a fun and peaceful way. Second, it is also a great way to encourage the young to get into sport and try to lead an active and healthy life — exposure is the key, and watching and cheering is definitely part of that. Third, watching “the determined” be active despite any obstacles they may have in life also sends a motivational message to us all, to use what you have and maintain a healthy lifestyle. If they can do it, so can everyone else. Sporting stars displaying pride to play for their country, their patriotism motivating them to score points for their team, are positives we can identify and engage with when watching sport. Dr. Razan Baker From my many travels across the world I have seen how the host countries of the big sporting events always tend to welcome school children to the stadium. Countries such as China, the UK and Egypt welcome excited boys and girls to the arenas. I believe the younger they attend, the earlier they begin to love sport and start having sporting idols and role models. I hope parents and schools encourage children to attend together, cheer together and have fun together through sport. Nationalism and patriotism is initially seen in sport through the actions of the athletes — they become ambassadors of their countries. When you wear your country’s flag on your jersey it comes with big responsibility. You no longer represent yourself alone, you also represent your nation and that is a feeling of pride not everyone gets to experience. Every act of the athlete counts, and they want it to count positively. Those who do a good job become good role models for their country, highly popular and respected. This respect is not limited to the sporting arena — Saudi Arabian footballing legend Sami Al-Jaber becoming a goodwill ambassador few years ago is a good example of this. The Special Olympics, and other global sporting events like it, illustrate that there are many ways to be involved in sport and represent your country. You can be there as an athlete, an administrator, a coach, a spectator or a volunteer. There are 20,000 volunteers in Abu Dhabi, funding the trip and stay themselves, keen to enable the athletes to have the best experience possible. They create a cultural exchange, proud of their countries but also keen to engage with other nationalities and in doing so support the athletes. That is what I call a noble image of nationalism and positive patriotism. Dr. Razan Baker is a member of the board of directors at the Saudi Bowling Federation, a specialist in corporate social responsibility in sports, and a sports columnist and journalist. Twitter: @RazanBaker Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point-of-view<doc-sep>By Wam A crowd of thousands, including people of determination, Heads of State, dignitaries, VIPs, celebrities, members of the community, families and fans packed into the stadium to watch an incredible live show that weaved together the heritage of the Emirates, the spirit of the Special Olympics, the goals of the Abu Dhabi World Games and the vision of the UAE. Tim Shriver, Chairman of the Special Olympics, thanked Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the UAE's supportive leadership as well as its people. He also thanked the Games volunteers, families, coaches, sponsors, officials, health care, education and sports leaders as well as the Crown Prince Court – Abu Dhabi and the Local Organising Committee. Shriver began his speech by telling the audience that the Special Olympics movement may be 50 years old but "we’re only just getting started". He asked the audience to join him, his family, Mary Davis and the Special Olympics international board of directors in thanking the founder of the Games – his mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Shriver described his mother as a steel-willed woman who was razor-sharp smart and a world-class competitor who had a heart that would not tolerate discrimination. The Chairman of the Special Olympics said Kennedy Shriver would have been overjoyed to see the turnout today in Abu Dhabi. But, he said, her greatest joy would have been to know that each one present at the stadium was a founder too. He said each one was a "founder" every time they met a brother or a sister who had been excluded, every time they reached across boundaries to play together, every time they resolved to make the world a little more just and inclusive. "You are a founder of the new Special Olympics," he said. Shriver said the Games’ 50th anniversary goal was to do nothing less than to unleash a revolution of inclusion that introduces a new type of freedom into the history of humankind. He said the Special Olympics movement was dedicated to nothing less than changing the hearts and minds of every human being on earth, to teaching every human being how to see with the eyes of love and with those eyes, to see that are not made to be divided. "We are made to be whole. And we are not made to be despised or rejected. We are made to matter!" Shriver said. He added that we were not made to sit on the sidelines of life. Instead, we are made to train, to be on the team, to compete, and to win! "We come to set humanity free from the chains of judgement and exclusion and show the way to the freedom that unifies the world," he said. Centuries ago, the religion of Islam, dedicated to the one, all-powerful, all merciful, all compassionate God, was born here, Shriver said. Then, the sacred words were written: "We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Descendants and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction !" Shriver urged the audience to listen to these words - "We make no distinction!". He described it as a message from times immemorial but one that was also a message for times yet to come. Shriver said the Special Olympics athletes had come here to tell the world that they were today’s prophets of "no distinction." He said there was no ‘us’ and ‘them’. No "othering" of those who are different. Just ‘us’, each one free, each one belonging to the great web of life. Addressing the athletes directly, Shriver said that all those who love you were watching. "So now, think of your ancestors, your grandparents, your friends not here," he said. Shriver said his thoughts were going to the millions of Special Olympics athletes and their families who were sending the competitors their love from all over the world. "I think of the founders of the UAE who imagined a nation of tolerance. I think of so many lonely and forgotten brothers and sisters who dream of a night like tonight." Shriver said he believed they were all here in this moment. He said the energies of love, crossing time and space, arising from pain and separation, fuelled by souls starving for beauty and goodness and life, were a force more powerful than the greatest military, more valuable than any jewel. Shriver described the energy of love as the pearl of great price and said the athletes had this. Addressing the athletes, he said that when they arrive at their marks, they should know one thing: that in freedom they had already awakened the world, in bravery they had already changed the course of history, and in love, they had already won the gold medal of life. Attending the opening as well were H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region; Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of Federal National Council, FNC; H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region; H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Sorour bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council; H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court; H.H. Sheikh Omar bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care & Special Needs, ZHO; and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the National Olympic Committee.<doc-sep>On March 14, as the Special Olympics World Games begins in Abu Dhabi, more than 7,000 athletes from more than 170 countries will be gearing up to compete in summer disciplines, including soccer, athletics, basketball, equestrian and many more. The World Games showcases the abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities and aims to promote acceptance and inclusion through sports. Find out how to watch events below and keep up with ESPN's coverage of the event below. March 30: Best of Special Olympics World Games: Watch on ABC at 3 p.m. ET Mallory Morris has been running since birth: Born premature as the lead quintuplet, the Special Olympics track star from Kansas hopes to be first again at the World Games in Abu Dhabi. Read Every day is Thanksgiving for Mallory Morris: For one Special Olympics track and field star, the list of challenges pales in comparison with the list of things she's grateful for. Read Special Olympics athletes prepare for World Games: Omar Al Shami and many other Special Olympics athletes look to showcase their skills in the upcoming World Games in Abu Dhabi. Watch The bond that broke down barriers for Robert Moore: As a young child, Robert Moore could not walk or talk. But a connection with horses -- and a loving home -- opened up his world, and now he is at the Special Olympics World Games representing the U.S. in equestrian sports. Read A life-changing connection for Robert Moore: Diagnosed with autism at a young age, Special Olympics equestrian Robert Moore found comfort and healing while riding horses. Watch Great Britain's Kiera Byland lives for bicycle racing: The distance Great Britain's Kiera Byland has come on a bicycle pales in comparison to the distance she has come off of it. Watch To belong, the opening to the Special Olympics World Games: Gwendoline Christie welcomes the world to the United Arab Emirates for a global celebration of acceptance of inclusion achieved through athletic competition. Watch Competing in Abu Dhabi a dream come true for Harmon: For 37-year-old Jon Harmon, the bowling alley has always been "his place," and he will be taking his talents to the upcoming World Games. Watch Myers excited to represent United States at World Games: Competing in power lifting, Josh Myers will be representing the United States in the upcoming World Games. Watch The friendship that changed Erin Green's life forever: Born profoundly deaf, Special Olympics swimmer Erin Green doesn't trust anyone but her coach to guide her during important races. And that trust extends outside of the pool, too. Read An angel found her wings: Abandoned as a baby, Michelle "Angel" Athenas has an innate ability to survive, and now she's thriving as a Special Olympics powerlifter -- with the gold medals to prove it. Watch Special Olympics coach Mary Roberts is all in:For Mary Roberts, the Arizona Unified basketball team is a second family -- and the athletes she coaches agree. "She's like a second mother," says Jeffrey Anthony, a Unified basketball player. Watch A new way of life for Khadija Sy: When Senegal's Khadija Sy discovered Special Olympics, it changed her life. "She's confident, she has friends, she's doing what she wants," says her mother. Watch New Zealand honors terror victims at Special Olympics World Games: Over the weekend, the Special Olympics World Games paid tribute to the victims of the mass shooting at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in New Zealand. Read A conversation with the 'First Family' of Special Olympics: Robin Roberts sits down with the five children of Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Watch The journey to Abu Dhabi for one Special Olympics powerlifter in photos: When Sylvester Vermillion started powerlifting five years ago, he discovered that he was stronger than he thought he was -- and at the Special Olympics World Games, he's going to show the world that strength. Read Special Olympics competitors rose up in Abu Dhabi: More than 7,500 athletes competed this week at Special Olympics World Games. They have showed the world what is possible through hard work, strength, perseverance and courage. Watch Daimi Aza Rodriquez, the gymnast with potential: The early years were difficult for Puerto Rican Daimi Aza Rodriquez. But she found focus though Special Olympics. Watch A dream come true for Nette Tuominen: For Nette Tuominen, the journey from her home in Finland to the grand stage of the 2019 Special Olympics World Games took 13 years of hard work. And now it's all paying off. Watch A blind photographer's road to the Special Olympics World Games: A stroke left Special Olympics athlete David Jensen legally blind. Now he has just finished up shooting photos at the World Games in Abu Dhabi, his largest sports competition yet. Read Jensen supporting Special Olympics from behind a camera: After a stroke left him legally blind at age 11, David Jensen picked up a camera. Now he's just finished up a stint as an official photographer at the Special Olympics World Games. Watch Saying goodbye to the United Arab Emirates: Gwendoline Christie, with an assist from P!nk, looks back at a memorable week of moments and emotions from the Special Olympics World Games. Watch<doc-sep>
Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi: All you need to know The world's largest humanitarian sporting event hosted in the Mena region for the first time. First time in the region The Special Olympics World Games 2019 is being hosted in Abu Dhabi, making it the first time the competition is hosted in the Middle East and North Africa region since its founding 50 years ago. Special Olympics is the world's largest humanitarian sporting event and a global movement which focuses on the empowerment of People of Determination with intellectual disabilities through the power of sport. UAE: A beacon of inclusiveness > UAE provides year-round sports training and athletic competitions in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This gives them opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community > This initiative enabled the UAE athletes to compete in the Special Olympics MENA Games and the upcoming World Games > Since the 1990s, Special Olympics UAE has participated in 12 MENA and World Games and has more than 5,000 registered athletes and unified partners, in addition to more than 300 coaches > In 2017, UAE athletes competed in more than 70 events > Over the years, Special Olympics UAE has taken part in - and hosted - numerous significant events, internationally and regionally Community horizons need to be improved Study Regional Perceptions and ?Determined Aspirations Conducted across UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, Morocco and Egypt Aim To provide an understanding of the regional public perceptions of people with intellectual disabilities and an understanding of the lives, aspirations and challenges of people with intellectual disabilities themselves. Sports on offer > Athletics > Badminton > Basketball > Beach Volleyball > Bocce > Bowling > Cycling > Equestrian > Football > Golf > Gymnastics (artistic) > Gymnastics (rhythmic) > Handball > Judo > Kayaking > Open Water ?Swimming > Powerlifting > Roller Skating > Sailing > Swimming > Table Tennis > Tennis > Volleyball Raising awareness The Local Organising Committee of the Special Olympics World Games 2019 rolled out an extensive community engagement programme to raise awareness, educate and inspire the public with the Special Olympics movement, and encourage tolerance in the community about people with intellectual disabilities. > Adopt a nation It engages students with Special Olympics by promoting the study of the values and cultures of the nations competing in World Games 2019. The initiative is designed to engage the whole school, as well as the children who are typically sporty. > Fans in the stands It invites entities, schools and partners to attend the Games as a mean of encouragement to the athlete. The schools attend the Games based on the dates associated with their adopted nations competing on the day for support. > Unified champions In the spirit of inclusion, celebrities in the entertainment industry and world of sports from around the globe become ambassadors to raise awareness to the important work of Special Olympics. > Unified sports Unified Sports joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. It was inspired by a simple principle: Training and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding. > Walk unified It aims to bring people together and inspire healthy lifestyles. The UAE has a broader goal to integrate people with intellectual disabilities into social initiatives and walk unified does just that. Top Findings 1 Sentiments towards people with intellectual disabilities are largely positive through the community's empathy, but this does not translate into action. 2 A need to broaden community horizons on the potential opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities away from a "special education system". 3 There is an opportunity for empowering people with intellectual disabilities to improve interpersonal skills and ability to handle difficult situations. 4 Formal education is stronger in the GCC, however, a gap exists in non-Gulf countries in terms of education infrastructure. 5 Gulf countries are paving the way for a more receptive work environment for people with intellectual disabilities. 6 Health facilities are not seen as a major obstacle but there is still room for improvement especially in GCC countries. 7 Inclusion in sports is supported in theory, but in reality it is usually limited in and only within the intellectual disability community. 8 Sports are associated not only with social inclusion, but also with physical well-being and the enhancement of self-esteem.