Electrifying and Inspiring Opening Ceremony signals start of SOWG Abu Dhabi in breathtaking style

• His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan declares Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 Inspiring Opening Ceremony

Performance of official World Games Abu Dhabi anthem by global music stars and arrival of Flame of Hope watched by thousands in stadium and millions live on global TV

Parade of Athletes from record number of nations, accompanied by Special Olympics Chairman Dr Timothy Shriver, Heads of State, VIPs, celebrities and representatives of the Special Olympics movement, met with huge applause as they entered arena

By The Olympics Sports team Abdul Rahim and Muhammad Saeed, Abu Dhabi, Mar 14, 2019: His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced the start of Special Olympics World Games 2019 at a spectacular Inspiring Opening Ceremony at Zayed Sports City on Wednesday.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE’s Armed Forces officially welcomed more than 7,500 athletes and 3,000 coaches, representing 200 nations, for seven days of incredible Olympic-style sports and a celebration of the human spirit.

A crowd of thousands, including people of determination, Heads of State, dignitaries, VIPs, celebrities, members of the community, families and fans packed into the stadium to watch an incredible live show that weaved together the heritage of the Emirates, the spirit of the Special Olympics, the goals of the Abu Dhabi World Games and the vision of the UAE.

ANTHEM PERFORMED FOR FIRST TIME

Some of the biggest names in music delivered a thrilling rendition of the official World Games anthem ‘Right Where I’m Supposed To Be’ for the very first time.

A number of widely acclaimed music stars and producers, including Greg Wells, a producer and Grammy Award-winner for ‘The Greatest Showman’ soundtrack, Ryan Tedder, lead singer of chart-topping boy band OneRepublic, and Quincy Jones, Honorary Executive Producer and 28-time Grammy Award-winner, came together to create the official song for Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.

The song performed by global superstar Avril Lavigne, whose song ‘Fly’ was the official anthem for the 2015 World Games, and Luis Fonsi, singer of global smash-hit single ‘Despacito’ Emirati singer and Good Will Ambassador at Large, HE Hussain Al Jassmi, Syrian superstar Assala Nasri, and star of Egypt and the Arab world, Tamer Hosny.

The new anthem is a sensational celebration of the spirit of Special Olympics and Abu Dhabi’s goal of creating a more inclusive world that truly values the contributions of every individual, regardless of ability.

AMAZING LIVE PERFORMANCES Inspiring Opening Ceremony

People of determination played a leading role in the Opening Ceremony.

They ‘Makers’ who worked hand-in-hand with an international team of specialists and performers to make their vision a reality to mark the beginning of the biggest sports and humanitarian event on the planet this year.

The ‘Makers’ shaped the performances to encapsulate the spirit of the Olympic dream that shares by each of the 7,500 athletes.

The ‘Makers’ showed that people of determination have a powerful voice and are the greatest leaders, teachers and champions for inclusion.

One such performance ‘Woven World’.

Singing first in Arabic and then English, hundreds of youngsters performed in a celebration of the strength and beautiful diversity of our world and the boundless humanity we all share.

To the delight of the crowd and watching dignitaries, the singers joined together in one perfect voice to perform as a Global Unified Choir.

Projected on giant screens around the venue, the children weaved a wonderful choreography of sound and light as a stunning LED disc bearing the logo and symbol of the World Games Abu Dhabi was slowly raised into view.

PARADE OF ATHLETES Inspiring Opening Ceremony

With the voices of hundreds of children still echoing around the stadium, thousands of Special Olympics athletes entered the arena.

In a moment of incredible pride, joy and excitement, teams of athletes from the competing countries paraded into Zayed Sports City to a stirring and empowering chorus of cheers and claps from the crowd.

More than 1,000 VIPs representing Special Olympics, the World Games and the UAE also joined the athletes in an amazing display of inclusivity and unity while the legendary British DJ Paul Oakenfold electrified the stadium with his world-famous selection of uplifting house music and entertained athletes as they walked and danced into the arena.

The name of each country projected across the stadium’s giant screens and around the stage, with each receiving enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

The athletes and spectators stood to attention to respectfully observe the raising of the UAE’s flag.

A proud moment for every Emirati, expatriate resident, and the scores of people who have worked tirelessly to make the World Games a reality, the UAE’s national anthem was then played to rapturous applause.

UNIQUE DISPLAYS OF UNITY Inspiring Opening Ceremony

Next, in a visionary piece of audience interaction, thousands of arms raised to the sky revealing a beautiful collage of LED World Games wristbands.

Led by a group of athletes and performers on the center stage, the glowing wristbands acted as a powerful display of unity, inclusivity and commitment to the goals of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.

Dr Shriver’s speech followed a message of unity from the UAE Special Olympics community, including athletes and members of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.

The World Games Abu Dhabi is a fitting tribute to the remarkable achievements of Mrs Shriver, who passed away 10 years ago.

This year also marks five decades since the Games officially established.

ARRIVAL OF FLAME OF HOPE

After paying homage to the roots and history of the Special Olympics, it was time to celebrate the latest addition to the legacy of the global sports and humanitarian movement with the arrival of the Flame of Hope.

Carried by athletes from all seven continents and officers from the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, the torch circled the stadium as a festival of Emirati cultural performances, traditions and dances played out on center stage.

The runners then gathered around a cauldron to light the Special Olympics flame that will burn for the duration of the World Games.

As the Special Olympics Flame burned brightly and the official anthem filled the air, the final curtain was brought down on a spectacular Opening Ceremony that signaled the beginning of seven days of incredible sport, human endeavor and unity.