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Abu Dhabi 2019 Media COMMUNIQUE
Issue 1 | 10 January 2019
Introduction:
Happy New Year and welcome to the first edition of the Special Olympics World Games Abu
Dhabi 2019 Media Communiqué, which will provide you with key updates on what will be the
world’s biggest sports and humanitarian event of 2019.
There are just 3 days to go until 7,500 of the most inspirational athletes in the world gather in
the UAE for the World Games. The event will be the most unified in the 50-year history of
the Special Olympics movement, involving people with intellectual disabilities in every aspect
of the event.
The record number of participating athletes and Unified Partners, including the highest
number of women to ever participate in a Special Olympics World Games, will compete in 24
officially sanctioned Olympic-style sports across 11 venues in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, while
the build-up to the Games will be a nationwide celebration with the Law Enforcement Torch
Run® and the Host Town program take place in all seven emirates of the UAE.
The event will act as a catalyst for inclusion, building a lasting legacy of improved health,
education, and opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities long after the Closing
Ceremony of the World Games.
Media Communiques will be issued on a weekly basis in the run-up to the World Games and
we look forward to sharing the latest news and information with you as we count down to the
start of this exciting sports competition and cultural Olympiad in March.
Contents:
INTRODUCTION
LATEST NEWS
ATTENDING THE GAMES
THE WORLD-CLASS GAMES VENUES
BROADCAST
MEET THE DETERMINED
…AND FINALLY
Latest News:
WORLD GAMES TO WELCOME A RECORD 192 NATIONS
As the UAE gears up to host the most unified Games in the 50-year history of the Special
Olympics movement, new Special Olympics programs have been established in 13 countries
across the world, taking the total number of programs participating in a World Games to its
highest ever at 192.
The UAE has been at the forefront of a large-scale initiative to encourage and support the
development of Special Olympics in international locations where programs did not
previously exist, broadening access to dedicated training and opportunities to showcase
talent for people with intellectual disabilities.
Home to more than 200 nationalities, the UAE’s diverse society and culture of unity and
warm hospitality are reassuring factors in making the journey to the World Games for the
first time, enabling young and aspiring athletes with intellectual disabilities to enter an
international competition and benefit from the enriching experiences to be gained from
participation.
22 nations:
• Africa
o Burundi
o Cape Verde
o Chad
o Congo
o Equatorial Guinea
o Guinea
o Guinea Bissae
o Lesotho
o Liberia
o Madagascar
o Mozambique
o Niger
o South Sudan
• Asia Pacific
o Nauru
o Solomon Islands
o Marshall Islands
o Palau
o Micronesia
• MENA
o Comoros
o Djibouti
• North America
o Barbados
o Antigua
DUBAI TO HOST THREE SPORTS COMPETITIONS FOR WORLD GAMES
The emirate of Dubai will host three Special Olympics sports during the World Games in
March.
Complementing eight world-class venues in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, where the majority
of the 24 officially sanctioned Olympic-style sports will be held, Dubai’s state-of-the-
art Hamdan Sports Complex will host the World Games swimming competitions and La Mer
will host the Open Water Swimming rounds, while the highly-anticipated athletics
competitions will be held at Dubai Police Academy.
Hosting three Games sports competitions in Dubai will provide athletes in the two largest
single participatory sports an opportunity to experience the world-class facilities and sport
expertise of Dubai while further increasing awareness and engaging the Special Olympics
movement among UAE residents. This will enable even more people to cheer on the
athletes and witness their achievements.
H.H. SHEIKH MOHAMED BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN MEETS WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS
HOST TOWN COMMITTEES
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and
Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, met with the Host Town
committees of the World Games and Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of
Community Development, at the Sea Palace in Abu Dhabi.
The Host Town program will be held from 8 – 11 March and will be the largest cultural
exchange program in the Middle East and North Africa. The program will include visits to
tourist sites and inclusion in UAE cultural experiences, in addition to providing workshops
and opportunities for athletes to share their stories with local students. It is the first milestone
event that will be experienced by the delegations upon arriving in the UAE. They will
experience the rich culture and history of the UAE ahead of their participation in the Games,
with over 7,500 athletes and 3,000 coaches from 192 nations visiting one of the seven
emirates to live, eat and breathe true Emirati life.
The Host Town program is an essential part of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi
2019. Many of the athletes who took part in the recent Special Olympics IX MENA Games
2018 said the Host Town program was the most memorable experience of their time in the
UAE.
Attending the Games:
APPLY NOW FOR MEDIA CREDENTIALS
All media interested in covering Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will need to
apply for media credentials, which entitles approved media members to access all
competition media centres, mixed zones, press conferences, media lounges, parking, and
other media services and facilities. All local, regional and international media intending to
cover the event should apply for credentials at:
https://registrations.connect.specialolympics.org/auth/login/media/
The final deadline for online applications is 1 March 2019 but all media are encouraged to
allow ample time for necessary approvals and security background checks. For all inquiries,
please contact [email protected]
Pending Media Applications
If you have already applied for media credentials for the World Games and you have not yet
heard back that your application is approved, don’t worry! The process takes some time and
existing applicants can expect to receive an update shortly. However, if your application has
not yet been acknowledged with a receipt email, please contact
[email protected] as it is possible the application is not yet fully complete.
Flight Discount
Accredited media can take advantage of a special event discount with Etihad Airways,
Official Partner of Special Olympics Abu Dhabi 2019. Visit
etihad.com/AbuDhabi2019 and enter promo code SOG2019.
Media Hotel
The official media hotel for Special Olympics Abu Dhabi 2019 is the Jumeirah at Etihad
Towers. Located close to the World Games venues for sailing, kayaking, and beach
volleyball, the media hotel will also have a direct shuttle to the main media centre at ADNEC
where 11 sports will be contested. To inquire about room rates and availability, please
contact: [email protected] and copy [email protected] and use
the subject line Special Olympics – Media Request – DISSOM
The World-Class Games Venues:
The World Games will be held across some of the UAE’s most iconic and world-class
sporting venues. Below is a breakdown of the 11 venues across Abu Dhabi and Dubai with
details of which sports will be held in each venue.
ABU DHABI:
• ADNEC
o Basketball
o Table Tennis
o Volleyball
o Artistic Gymnastics
o Rhythmic Gymnastics
o Badminton
o Powerlifting
o Bocce
o Judo
o Handball
• Zayed Sports City
o Tennis Stadium
▪ Tennis
o Zayed Sports City Stadium
▪ Football 7s
▪ Football 11s
▪ Fusball
o Khalifa Bowling Center
▪ Bowling
• Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club
o Kayaking
o Sailing
• Yas Marina Circuit
o Triathlon
o Cycling
• Yas Links Abu Dhabi
o Golf
• Al Forsan Resort
o Equestrian
• Corniche Beach
o Beach Volleyball
DUBAI:
• Hamdan Sports Complex
o Swimming – Open Water Swimming will be held at La Mer
• Dubai Police Club Stadium
o Athletics – the Half Marathon will be held at Al Hudariyat Island in Abu Dhabi
Broadcast:
Listed below is a summary of the exciting programming planned around the 2019 Games,
which will showcase the transformative power of sport to reveal the full potential of athletes
with intellectual disabilities.
ESPN, in collaboration with Host Broadcaster Abu Dhabi Media/AD Sports, will be producing
an unprecedented range of television programming around the event and offering
opportunities and support for broadcasters wishing to facilitate unilateral content.
Content will be available in both 1080/50 and 1080/60 with English and Arabic commentary.
Live coverage – During the 14 days of the Games, the Host Broadcaster will generate
approximately 300 hours of live OB coverage. This will include:
• Opening and closing ceremonies
• Daily live OB from Athletics, Swimming, Football, Basketball and Volleyball
• Additional live OB coverage of Equestrian, Kayaking, Powerlifting and a selection of
other sports
• Fully produced English language World Feed to include live and recorded sport
linked by interstitial graphics and including color feature material. This program will
run for approximately 7-8 hours on each competition day
Packaged content – Packaged content will be available via satellite download link and FTP
delivery daily during Games time. This will include:
• Daily 52 minute highlights with English and Arabic commentary
• Daily VNR (approximately five minutes)
• Color features available for download as supplementary programing or website
content
• Packaged ENG coverage of sports not covered by live OB units
• An OSP (On Screen Package) including titles, break bumpers, replay wipe and
stings will also be available for download
ESPN & World Feed content licensing & delivery:
Broadcasters can access the ESPN or World Feed broadcast feed for broadcast in their
territory [including geo-blocked online platforms] subject to the terms of the non-exclusive
broadcast license agreement to be concluded between themselves and ESPN. Broadcasters
can not bring their own their live production units to cover the official ceremonies or sports
competitions.
ESPN International will make ESPN Opening / Closing Ceremonies and Daily Highlights
programming available to Licensed Broadcasters on its ESPN global satellite feed for a flat
technical contribution of US$1,000 for the entire offering. Satellite access details will be
provide closer to Games time. See attached ESPN SOWG Sales Sheet for programming
overview.
Any parties wishing to access the full live World Feed may do so on a rights-free basis at
their own technical delivery. The feed will be made available via a centralized satellite uplink
footprint and onward distribution plans and costings can be developed with the SOWG LOC
Broadcast team once the based on the scale and location of the Licensed Broadcaster’s
requirement.
Contacts:
For further information on all Special Olympics 2019 Broadcast Content, please contact:
World Feed/ESPN Programming: Licensing & Delivery
Chris Haber
Head of Broadcast – Special Olympics World Games 2019
+971 50 572 6087
News/Feature Crews: Credentialing & Access
Paula Kim or Nagham Qanadilo
Media Operations - Special Olympics World Games 2019
Meet the Determined:
‘Meet the Determined’ is our message to the world, inviting audiences to attend or watch the
Games, whilst celebrating the courage and talent of Special Olympics athletes.
The campaign highlights the extraordinary talent of participating Special Olympics
athletes. The athletes participating in the campaign will give a voice to People of
Determination in the UAE and around the world.
‘Meet the Determined’ celebrates the abilities of People of Determination and aims to
change perceptions of intellectual disabilities by highlighting the stories of courage and
determination of Special Olympics athletes.
#MeetTheDetermined
THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS UAE TEAM WILL HAVE THE LARGEST DELEGATION OF
ATHLETES
The Special Olympics UAE team will feature the most number of athletes with 320 currently
signed up to represent the UAE at the World Games.
The 320 athletes will compete in a range of sports, from individual events such as swimming
and athletics, to unified team sports such as football and basketball where they will play
alongside teammates without intellectual disabilities. 2019 will be the first time the UAE has
competed in every single sport in a Special Olympics Games.
The World Games will provide an inclusive experience for those with and without intellectual
disabilities and is fully aligned with the UAE’s goal of building a more open, unified and
accessible society built around the values of unity, tolerance and respect for all.
HAMAD AL SHEHI, SPECIAL OLYMPICS UAE FOOTBALL TEAM
A talented footballer who is thrilled to be representing the UAE at the World Games, Hamad
Al Shehi features in a recent documentary about the power of determination and true
sportsmanship.
Hamad’s coach, Omar, quickly spotted Hamad’s ability as a player and insisted on
registering him with the team, including him in training sessions and eventually official
games. Omar has worked hard to support Hamad and to boost his natural footballing talent
through a variety of exercises designed to increase his fitness and skills.
Hamad’s family has seen a huge change in his demeanor and personality, with the young
player eager to tell his parents and anyone who will listen just how much he enjoys being
part of a unified team and how happy he is to be playing alongside new friends. His
motivation, passion and desire to develop and learn as a player has impressed his coach
who has seen the youngster, who plays in attack, blossom into a talented footballer who
hopes to lead the UAE team to victory at the World Games in Abu Dhabi.
View the full documentary, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kjq5_flolc&t=22s
GRACE SEIBOLDT, SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA SWIM TEAM
Grace is having an amazing 2018. The swimmer won three medals at the 2018 Special
Olympics USA in Seattle, including gold for an incredible performance in the 200m individual
medley. Now the 21-year-old from Illinois is hoping to add to her medal haul at Special
Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.
Grace has been swimming since she was just five years old and competing in Special
Olympics since 2017. Taking part in Special Olympics competitions has helped Grace grow
in confidence, much to the delight of her family and friends.
The young swimmer, who has autism, will take part in the freestyle relay and breast stroke in
the swimming competitions, which will be held in Dubai, and can’t wait to get in the pool to
take part in the World Games and to meet athletes from all over the globe.
Her older brother, Chris, says Special Olympics is a huge part of his sister’s life. “When you
have a sibling with a disability, a lot of the time they feel like they’re left out, they don’t
always have the activities that typical kids have; but when they come to Special Olympics
everyone is the same, everyone is excited, everyone is cheering each other on,” he said.
Grace pushed herself to her limits at the 2018 Special Olympics USA and was spurred on by
the shouts of support from the crowd. With the whole world cheering her on in Abu Dhabi,
she is aiming to achieve even greater success and maybe take home a medal or two.
KIERA BYLAND, SPECIAL OLYMPICS GREAT BRITAIN CYCLING TEAM
Sport means more to Kiera than just winning medals – it’s an opportunity to meet new
people and make new friends.
Growing up, Kiera suffered at the hands of bullies who made her time at school an
unpleasant and unsetting experience for her and her family. The abuse, sadly, took its toll on
the youngster’s physical and mental health.
Her determination not to let the bullies win led her to attend a community sports event where
she discovered Special Olympics teams taking part in competitions in her local area. It was
here that Kiera found her love of cycling and has since gone on to win gold medals in a host
of events.
Now an athlete leader for Special Olympics Great Britain, Kiera has regained her confidence
through her passion for cycling as well as making scores of new friends along the way. She
is looking forward to Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, where she will saddle
up alongside athletes from all over the world, to win medals and build new, long-lasting
friendships.
…And Finally
SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES TRAIN WITH TENNIS LEGEND KEVIN ANDERSON
Athletes from the UAE team competing in Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi were
given the opportunity to train with tennis legend, Kevin Anderson, at the Mubadala World
Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi.
The athletes, who will be representing the UAE in tennis at the World Games in March, were
put through their paces by Kevin Anderson and offered expert tips and advice for next year’s
competition.
WORLD LEADERS GET BEHIND SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES ABU DHABI
2019
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Imran Khan, followed in the footsteps of UAE royalty, HH Sheikh
Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme
Commander of the UAE’s Armed Forces and HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and has been spotted wearing the Special
Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 wristband.
The Pakistan Prime Minister welcomed Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Islamabad
for a short one-day trip and the two key figures posed together with the wristband.
Imran Khan posted the picture to his one million followers on his Instagram account and it
quickly became a big hit with the image getting more than 45,000 likes. It has also been
widely shared by hundreds of social media users.
Global leaders expressing their support is a huge boost for the Special Olympics movement
and is helping to set the standard for a more inclusive society.
