The curtains came up on the Special Olympic World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 at the Zayed City Stadium, with the rich history of the movement of Special Olympic International captured in dance, music and speeches at the Zayed Sports City Stadium on Thursday.
Of note was a video presentation which encapsulated the life and work of its founder of Special Olympic International the late Mrs Shriver, and was well received by the near 45 thousand spectators, which included dignitaries sponsors and officials.
The Jamaicans got perhaps the biggest welcome while entering the stadium, and they were met by Allando Terelonge – Junior Minister in the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Sports, along with Special Olympics Jamaica Board Chairman Ali Mcnab. Broadcaster Fae Elllington never missed a beat in her traditional bandana apparel,
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, inaugurated the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 in the presence of UAE rulers, kings and leaders of a number of countries.
Sheikh Mohamed officially declared the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 open
stating Peace be upon you all,
All this On behalf of his brother The President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
The Jamaicans who arrived some two hours before the parade enjoyed the show, which now sets the stage for full competition starting tomor-row.
Sharing our rich heritage of Sports, Reggae Music, iconic dance moves, Tourist attraction and food was Nawf Khaled Mohhamed our lesion of-ficer, who by the time we leave this country would have been a true Ja-maican.
Nawf Khaled Mohhamed
Such a joy when the world embraces a small country like Jamiaca whose culture is big and has a massive following and too sweet to re-sist.
Meanwhile Included in the Police officers march past during the opening ceremony was Sergeant Gladstone Sealy of the Jamaica Constabulary Force participated in the torch run earlier this month. He is one of over a hundred law enforcement officers from around the world who participat-ed in the Torch run more than a week ago before the start of the games.
The games move into high gear today with full Competition and Jamaica will be involved in: Volleyball, Basketball, Bocce, Male and Female Football and Badminton while Kadian Ingleton will be the lone swimmer in action in the Open Water Time Trial.