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United Arab Emirates

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Press Releases

New Zealand Special Olympics Athletes Show Solidarity Amid Grief at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

In the wake of the deadly shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, athletes from Special Olympics New Zealand and Special Olympics United Arab Emirates, along with leaders of Special Olympics, gathered at the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
2 Min Read
Inclusion in UAE
50 Game Changers

Inclusion in UAE

People with intellectual disabilities are changing hearts and minds in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
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Inclusion Works

Saleh Al Marri

Saleh is a United Arab Emirates athlete leader who is excited to welcome athletes from around the globe for the first Special Olympics World Games in the Middle East!
Michael and Jonah Hambleton standing with their arms around one another both with credentials around their necks.
Athletes

UAE Athlete Takes Gold at Most Inclusive Triathlon Ever

Micah Hambleton, 16, from the United Arab Emirates, won a gold medal in the Special Olympics Division 1 category at the Daman World Triathlon Abu Dhabi 2019.
1 Min Read
Law Enforcement Torch Run logo in blue, red, and white with the Special Olympics logo.
In the News

Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg Starts 4 March!

Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon created the first Torch Run in 1981 and founded Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.
11 Min Read
Briton outside under a tree smiling and looking up.
Athletes

Meet the World Games Athletes: Briton Conor Conway

Briton Conor Conway has lived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for three years and will represent his adopted home at the World Games.
1 Min Read
Clara on the court with a tennis racket swinging at the ball.
Athletes

Meet the World Games Athletes: Clara Lehmkuhl

Clara is one of only three people with Down Syndrome in the world officially certified as a Zumba instructor.
1 Min Read
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah poses for a selfie with two Special Olympics Abu Dhabi athletes.
In the News

UAE Leaders Participate in Walk Unified

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, led hundreds of people from across the UAE in a Walk Unified event.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics leaders and representatives in a group photo in Africa. A Unified Sports banners is in the background, a country flag is in the foreground.
Community Impact

11 Sub-Saharan African Countries to Participate in 2019 World Games

The Local Organizing Committee of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 has announced the 11 Sub-Saharan African nations participating in the World Games held on 14-19 March 2019.
1 Min Read
Unified athlete poses on his bicycle ahead of the starting line. Other cyclists are in the background.
Athletes

UAE National Cycling Team Participates in 'Cycle Unified'

Cyclists of all ages, abilities and fitness levels turned up at Yas Marina Circuit on October 28th for the latest edition of ‘Cycle Unified’ and rode alongside members of the UAE National Cycling Team.
1 Min Read
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