Dubai: The flag symbolising the Special Olympics World Summer Games has officially been handed over to the United Arab Emirates.
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and UAE Deputy Supreme Commander Shaikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan received the token from Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern.
The United Arab Emirates will be hosting the 2019 edition of the Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2019.
"Today is a day of blessing, as the championship is moving from a European country to our precious nation, and our sons, who I met today, are our investment regardless of their potential. They are our investment and sons, we cherish them," said Shaikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.
He added that Abu Dhabi will work hard to host a major international sporting event, to promote the prominent international reputation of the UAE in the field of organising major events.
He highlighted that the UAE is extremely interested in this event and it aims to create an exceptional international venue for people with disabilities in sports.
Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed between the Supreme Organising Committee of the games, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, ADNOC, and Etihad Airways, as the main sponsors for the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2019 in Abu Dhabi.