Middle East/North Africa

Special Olympics United Arab Emirates athlete Chaica Al Qassimi speaks on a panel at the UN titled, “1 Billion Voices: Making the Invisible Visible: The Power of Sports and Expressive Arts,” about her story of the power of inclusion in sport.

On Monday, June 10th, Special Olympics International, in partnership with the United Nations Division for Inclusive Social Development of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the Permanent Mission of Ecuador to the United Nations will host a panel discussion at the United Nations in conjunction with the 12th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Over 100 law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes, the Guardians of the Flame, carried the Flame of Hope, throughout all seven of the United Arab Emirates before safely delivering it to the Opening Ceremony in Abu Dhabi.

In honor of International Dance Day, we look back on the Dance Sport Challenge that took place during the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.

Special Olympics World Games 2019 in Abu Dhabi brought together 7,500 athletes and unified partners to compete at their highest ability and break down barriers to full inclusion.

You can find them at events, in offices and all over social media! Special Olympics volunteers are the motor fueling the movement.

It was a moment to remember for Saudi Arabia as the women’s Bocce team took home its first-ever medal at Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.

Khadija isn’t just competing at Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, she is breaking barriers.

It was a moment to remember for Saudi Arabia as the women’s Bocce team took home its first-ever medal at Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.

By Special Olympic athlete, Chaica Al Qassimi, a Technical Officer, Judo, Special Olympics UAE team.