The ‘Sk8er Boi’ singer will open the Games on Thursday March 14…

The line-up for the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 Opening Ceremony has been revealed and top of the bill is Avril Lavigne. She will be joined by ‘Despacito‘ star, Luis Fonsi and legendary British DJ, Paul Oakenfold.

The ceremony will take place from 5pm at Zayed Sports City Stadium on Thursday March 14 and is expected to attract more than 40,000 spectators with millions more watching at home. The main sporting event will take place from March 14 to 21, and will showcase the incredible Olympic abilities of people of determination (with intellectual disabilities). 

The opening night will also see performances by Egyptian pop star Tamer Hosny, Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi and Syrian artist Assala Nasri.

The opening ceremony will feature an Athlete Parade where 7,500 athletes from more than 190 nations (the largest number of nations to take part in a parade) walking into the Zayed Sports City arena in front of spectators, VIPs and Special Olympics officials.

Avril Lavigne has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide and is excited to be performing in Abu Dhabi. Speaking ahead of her performance she said, “This will truly be an incredible experience performing at the largest and most unified Special Olympics World Games ever held. I want to shine a light on [the athlete’s] courage and determination and I am honoured to have been invited to help support them.”

The World Games will see athletes compete in 24 Olympic-style sports including swimming, athletics, bowling, triathlons, table tennis, volleyball and badminton.

Tickets for the opening ceremony are available from ticketmaster or you can watch the event from home via Official World Games Broadcast Partners, ESPN and Abu Dhabi TV.

Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 Opening Ceremony, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, 5pm, March 14, tickets from Dhs100. meetthedetermined.com

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