This is fantastic news…

Abu Dhabi has secured itself as the host country for the 2019 edition of the Special Olympics World Games.

The event sees inspiring athletes from around the world with intellectual disabilities compete for glory in over 30 individual and team sports. The games cover everything from track and field, golf, sailing, cycling, judo, swimming and more.

This will be the first time the games are hosted in the Middle East region.

“Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi is revolutionary for our movement and for the Middle East region,” said Timothy Shriver, Special Olympics Chairman. “There’s no better or more profound location than Abu Dhabi to invite the world to come together in celebration of sport, in celebration of people of all kinds, and to demonstrate to the world that the lines of division can be erased. We are thrilled to be the first fully global multisport Games of this size to be staged in the Middle East region of the world.”

The capital was awarded the unanimous vote by the Special Olympics International Board of Directors after reviewing a bid proposal and site visit to the country.

We’ll keep you updated on the games and bring you more info as it’s released…