Abu Dhabi 2019 Media COMMUNIQUE
Issue 2 | 18 January 2019
Introduction:
Welcome to the second edition of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019
Media Communiqué.
There are just 55 days to go until the most unified World Games in the history of the Special
Olympics movement kicks off in the UAE on 14 March. With more than 7,500 athletes
competing in 24 sports, it promises to be an unforgettable week for every single athlete,
coach, family member, volunteer, organizer, partner and spectator.
This week’s edition is packed with up-to-date news including the recent Walk Unified event
in Dubai and the latest global leaders and world-famous stars spotted wearing the World
Games wristband, as well as profiling a few of the athletes from around the globe who are
gearing up to compete.
Media Communiques will be issued on a weekly basis in the run-up to the World Games and
we look forward to sharing the latest news and information with you as we count down to the
start of this exciting sports competition and Cultural Olympiad in March.
Contents:
INTRODUCTION
LATEST NEWS
THE YEAR OF TOLERANCE
ATTENDING THE GAMES
MEET THE DETERMINED
STORIES IN 360O
MEDIA FACILITIES
…AND FINALLY
Latest News:
LATEST WALK UNIFIED EVENT HELD IN DUBAI
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Supreme Committee for
the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Hundreds of volunteers, athletes and residents came together to walk side by side with
people of determination at Dubai's Al Khawaneej Park in a demonstration of unity and
solidarity.
Walk Unified is a flagship community initiative of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of
the World Games. The event aims to break down barriers between people with and without
intellectual disabilities and encourage healthy lifestyles.
Dubai will stage three of the 24 sports competitions during the World Games, as well as
being involved in the nationwide Host Town program and Law Enforcement Torch Run. The
walk presented a unique opportunity for the city’s visitors and residents to show their support
and learn more about the Special Olympics movement ahead of the World Games.
SPORTS STARS MOHAMED SALAH AND GARY PLAYER CHAMPION SPECIAL
OLYMPICS MOVEMENT
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, with Mohamed
Salah
Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah and golfing legend Gary Player are the latest
high-profile figures to show their support by wearing the official Special Olympics World
Games Abu Dhabi 2019 wristbands.
The pair join a growing list of UAE royal family members, celebrities, sportspeople, and
political figures across the globe to wear the wristband ahead of the global event. These
include His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and
Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Pakistan’s Prime Minister,
Imran Khan.
The newly-crowned African Player of the Year was spotted wearing the wristband when he
stopped over in Dubai after being presented the ‘Outstanding Arab Athlete’ award at the 10th
anniversary of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award.
Nine-time major winner, Gary Player, also wore the wristband at the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Open
tournament in Abu Dhabi.
Carly Booth, Scottish professional golfer
Also showing her support to People of Determination at the same event was Scottish golfer,
Carly Booth, proudly showing off her wristband.
The Year of Tolerance:
The UAE Government has declared 2019 as the Year of Tolerance, adding even more
significance to the World Games. Having earned a reputation as being one of the safest and
most culturally diverse countries, the UAE is keen to show to the world exactly why.
Identified as a flagship event during the Year of Tolerance and a significant platform for
creating positive social change, the World Games will play a key role in spreading this
message globally.
Another significant event to take place this year is Pope Francis’ visit to Abu Dhabi from 3 – 5
February. It will be the first visit by a pontiff in the Middle East and 120,000 people are
expected to attend a mass, emphasizing the importance of inter-faith relations with the
Vatican.
Attending the Games:
DIVISIONING EXPLAINED
One of the fundamental differences between Special Olympics competitions and those of
other sports organizations is that athletes of all ability levels are encouraged to participate,
and every athlete is recognized for his or her performance. Athletes are divided into
competitions that place them against people of similar abilities – a process that is known as
‘divisioning’.
Divisioning allows all athletes participating in any Special Olympics Games the opportunity to
compete on an equal playing field. It is a fundamental rule, which matches athletes up with
others of the same gender, around the same age, and most importantly of the same
competitive ability.
This type of competition-level matching makes Special Olympics events even more exciting
and meaningful for both athletes and spectators by ensuring competitions are fair and
empowering.
How it works:
• Before each competition, a time, score or skill assessment is submitted for each athlete
or team. For judged or other events that are not timed or measured — such as football,
gymnastics and badminton — there is a series of short games between athletes or
teams. There can also be an assessment of each athlete or team’s ability by a
committee.
• The divisions are then set up based on the information on each athlete’s skill level so
that each set of competitors is closely matched.
• Each division should include a minimum of 3 athletes or teams and a maximum of 8
athletes or teams.
• There should be no more than a 15 per cent difference between the most highly skilled
athlete or team – and the lowest skilled athlete or team in each division.
Divisioning schedule at World Games Abu Dhabi 2019:
12 + 13 March
13 March
15 March
15 + 16 March
17 + 18 March
Meet the Determined
‘Meet the Determined’ is our message to the world, inviting audiences to attend or watch the
Games, whilst celebrating the courage and talent of Special Olympics athletes.
The campaign highlights the extraordinary talent of participating Special Olympics
athletes. The athletes participating in the campaign will give a voice to People of
Determination in the UAE and around the world.
‘Meet the Determined’ celebrates the abilities of People of Determination and aims to
change perceptions of intellectual disabilities by highlighting the stories of courage and
determination of Special Olympics athletes.
#MeetTheDetermined
SARA FELEMBAN, SPECIAL OLYMPICS SAUDI ARABIA, BOCCE TEAM
Sara is one of 14 female athletes who will be competing in the upcoming World Games for
Saudi Arabia. The 17-year-old will participate in Bocce, a sport she only recently picked up.
Sara, who was born with Down syndrome, graduated from the Jeddah Help Center as part of
its early intervention program. She was top of her class and has already won many medals
in bowling, swimming and track events.
The teenager lives in Jeddah with her parents and sisters, whom she describes as her best
friends. She is very excited to travel to the UAE for the World Games.
Sara describes her relationship with sports as being like the close friendship and bond she
shares with her sister, Lara. “Bocce and bowling are sisters,” says Sara. “Bocce and bowling
are like Sara and Lara, they are very close to each other.”
AQUILES HEREDIA, SPECIAL OLYMPICS VENEZUELA, AQUATICS TEAM
Aquiles is an accomplished, motivated athlete who, despite being born with cerebral palsy,
has grown to be a powerful swimmer. Aquiles’ disability affects his lower limbs and torso and
he uses a wheelchair to get around.
He uses his strong arms to help him float and to reach peak performance in the pool. The
talkative and friendly 34-year-old has been a Special Olympics athlete since 2001 and loves
telling people about his swimming.
"I have been able to show the world that, although I have a physical and intellectual
disability, there are no barriers,” said Aquiles, adding: “The sky is the limit!"
RUAUMOKO PUKEPUKE, SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEW ZEALAND, BASKETBALL TEAM
The Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will be Ruaumoko’s first-ever World
Games, and the 22-year-old hopes to do his family - and everyone in his rural hometown on
New Zealand's North Island - proud.
His love of basketball comes from his mum, Lorraine, who is New Zealand’s Special
Olympics basketball coach. The Special Olympics is a real family affair for Ruaumoko, who
is of Maori heritage, as his two cousins, Tuau and Hinewai, are also involved in local teams.
Ruaumoko has been gaining in skills and confidence ever since he first stepped onto a
basketball court. When he's not training, he works at a program for younger children with
special needs in New Zealand.
Stories in 360O
Digital storytelling studio, CreatorUp, an official partner of World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, is
producing story-driven immersive content that provides audiences across the globe with the
chance to “Meet the Determined” in a truly unique and unprecedented manner.
VR content created by CreatorUp will provide the community behind Special Olympics with
the technology and creative resources to share their stories and create a living, breathing
and vibrant legacy.
Watch their first ‘behind the scenes’ film now and check back for updates as the team visits
the UK, USA, China, India, and more destinations on the road to the Games!
Stay tuned for three 360° films looking at the build up to the first ever Games to be held in
the Middle East that will be published on World Games Abu Dhabi 2019’s YouTube and
Facebook platforms in the coming 50 days:
• “Meet the Determined: 50 Years of Special Olympics”
“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in my attempt.” - Special Olympics Athlete
Oath
The Special Olympics organization is a global phenomenon that is in operation 365 days a
year. When Eunice Kennedy Shriver started the organization, it was because she saw the
potential of the power of sport to be a catalyst for change. Since then, the organization has
endeavored to realize that dream and has impacted millions of lives around the world. We
will tell the story of the people who are currently championing the efforts of Special Olympics
and what drives them to dedicate their lives to this cause. What has been the global impact
of the Special Olympics movement? And how can people get involved?
• “Meet the Determined: UAE Now”
Abu Dhabi has spent years preparing to host Special Olympics World Games. The entire
city, and the country, has established itself not only as a leader in the region but on a global
scale. A vibrant economy, a cosmopolitan population, and a future-oriented culture have
created an unequalled candidate to host the Games. Discover Abu Dhabi in all its
authenticity. How has the government taken a leadership role in providing resources for
People of Determination? What can people expect when they attend the Games? What are
the incredible cultural and entertainment activities available to competitors and fans alike?
• “Meet the Determined: Athletes at Home”
CreatorUp we will travel to cities around the world to tell the stories of athletes, their families
and the community programs built around intellectual disabilities and the Special Olympics
events that are happening 365 days a year. How have these impacted their lives? Who has
been their inspiration? What makes them so determined? What can we all learn from this?
Media Facilities
Main Media Centre
The Main Media Centre (MMC) for the World Games will be located at ADNEC, the venue
where 11 sports are taking place. Facilities and services for credentialed media include:
Media Work Room with 80 positions, WIFI and power, a help desk for general
inquiries, printer, results & schedules.
Operating hours:
o March 10-14, 21 – 09:00-18:00
o March 15-20 – 07:00-23:00
Media Credentialing Office for credential pick-up, distribution of bibs, VAPPs
(Vehicle Access Parking Permit), and Opening & Closing Ceremony tickets.
Operating hours:
o March 10-14, 21 – 09:00-18:00
o March 15-20 – 08:00-20:00
Media Lounge with complimentary tea & coffee, water, Coca-Cola products, snacks,
and hot finger foods during competition and divisioning days.
Press Conference room including camera platform, English-Arabic interpretation
Parking
There are a limited number of complimentary parking spaces dedicated for media. Please
contact [email protected] to apply for a free VAPP, valid for all venues.
Stay Connected with Etisalat
International media credentialed with Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 are
eligible to receive a free SIM card and preferred mobile rates through our Official Partner
Etisalat. With the free SIM card, media may purchase a 14-day combo pack for just 75 AED.
The Special Olympics promo offer also entitles you to a free Careem ride with 100 AED and
several other offers. International media may avail themselves of this offer beginning March
12 at ADNEC when presenting their Special Olympics media credential and passport. The
offer is subject to availability.
…And Finally
Another global sporting event kicked off this week – the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, a
European Tour golf tournament, is being held from 16 – 19 January at Abu Dhabi Golf Club
and features the greatest champions in the world.
Members of the Special Olympics UAE golf team will have the opportunity to learn from
some of golf’s biggest players at a special clinic organized alongside the tournament.
The UAE has become a sports hub for major global sporting events in recent years,
including the Mubadala World Tennis Championship and the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix –
both held in the last two months.
The hosting of the World Games is the next step in showcasing the UAE’s capabilities in
hosting large-scale events, as it becomes the first host nation of a World Games in the
Middle East.