The Special Olympics World Games, the world’s largest humanitarian sporting event and a global movement which focuses on the empowerment of people of determination with intellectual disabilities through the power of sport was held in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates - the first time in the Middle East North Africa since the movement’s founding over 50 years ago – with Pakistani sprinter, Syeda Kazim, one of the headline acts when she made her “dream come true” after winning bronze medal in the 200 meters division sprint race at the Dubai Police Officer’s Club.
“It was a dream come true for me,” she recalled. “I was extremely happy to be a part of the Special Olympics World Games, especially after bagging the bronze medal.
Winning a bronze medal at Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 was ‘like a dream coming true.”
Syeda, who lives in Karachi, trained for two hours each day to prepare for the World Games, travelling two hours from her home to Karachi’s National Stadium to use the running facilities.
Team GB cycling star Kiera Byland was another headline act, taking gold medal in her race – the 20-year-old athlete was first across the finish line in the women’s 15-kilometer Road Race final held at Yas Marina Circuit.
“I said to my teammates ‘I hope I do really well in my first race’ and then, obviously, I’ve done really good,” Kiera said. “I’ve done all the training and put the effort in with help from my coach and my family.
“I’d like to say thank you to everyone who supported me. I’m just so happy.”
More than 40,000 spectators at Zayed Sports City and millions of viewers worldwide celebrated the Special Olympics World Games with spectators witnessing the largest number of nations take part as every athlete showcase their sporting talent on a global stage; with a stellar line-up of world-renowned musicians include Avril Lavigne, Paul Oakenfold And Hussain Al Jassmi amongst others.
Legendary stars; Ivory Coast’s Didier Drogba and Brazillian World Cup winner, Cafu, playing alongside Special Olympics footballers at the Unified Sports Clinic.
During, and post Games, initiatives are running daily in schools and community spaces across Abu Dhabi and the UAE to create unity and understanding between the public and people of determination with intellectual disabilities.
