Briton Conor Conway has lived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for three years and will represent his adopted home at the World Games. He has been winning the hearts of people across the UAE with his sunny personality and determined attitude after appearing in local media recently.
Conor, who has Down syndrome, is among a handful of non-Emirati athletes who will compete for the UAE when he dives into the 1,500m open-water swim event.
The 16-year-old attends Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Boys in Abu Dhabi and has made many friends among the school's mostly Emirati pupils.
The talented teenager is eager to do his school, family and the UAE proud at the World Games where he will face off against swimmers from all over the world.
His proud dad, John, who is also principal at Sheikh Zayed Private Academy, is confident Conor's participation at the World Games will help to break down barriers and change people's ideas of what Special Olympics athletes can achieve.