2019 Special Olympics: India off to Abu Dhabi for World Games

New Delhi: A 378 strong Special Olympics Bharat contingent including 289 Athletes, 73 Coaches, 1 HOD, 4 Assistant HODs and 11 Assistant Staff from all over India were given a rousing send-off for the fast approaching Special Olympics World Summer Games 2019 today at The Frank Anthony Public School, New Delhi.

The event was held from 4-6 PM at the school, presided by Ms Aruna Abhey Oswal, PID Lions Clubs International and Founder, Aruna Abhey Oswal Trust. The guests of honor included Mohammad Kaif, former Indian Cricketer and the Ambassador of Ecuador, His Excellency Hector Cueva  Jacome.

The participants will depart on 8 March 2019 for the global event where they will represent India in 14 out of 24 Olympic-type sports. The teams have been practicing in their respective states and also at the National level camps held under the supervision of Mr Victor R Vaz, National Sports Director, SO Bharat and the Head of the delegation

The preparation and participation of the Indian contingent from Special Olympics Bharat is being supported by the Sports Authority of India, Herbalife Nutrition, the premier global nutrition company, Radio City, who have come on board as the Official Tour Partner, TATA Steel and Infosys

Air Marshal (Retd) Denzil Keelor PVSM, KC, AVSM, VrC, Founding Trustee & CEO SO Bharat said, “It gives me immense pleasure to see growing support for our athletes going for the World Summer Games. We are grateful to our sponsors & former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif who joined us today for the sending off ceremony. The fact that the Athletes have pushed themselves to this extent to be able to face a global sporting challenge makes me proud. I wish my best to all of them and would want them to continue with their efforts to show their best to the world.”

Former Indian Cricketer & Assistant Coach, Delhi Capitals Mohammad Kaif who was also present at the event wished luck to the athletes and said, “Special Olympics is a great movement and I feel delighted to be part of the sending off of the Indian contingent for the World Summer Games 2019. I extend my heartiest congratulations to Special Olympics Bharat & wish the very best to the athletes.”

About the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2019

The 15th Special Olympics World Summer Games will take place in Abu Dhabi from 14-21 March 2019 and will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE’s Armed Forces. With more than 7,500 athletes from over 192 nations competing, Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will be the largest sports and humanitarian event in the world and will set the benchmark for the most unified Games in the 50-year history of the Special Olympics movement. The Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will kick off with a parade, cauldron lighting and a series of moving performances.

Four days prior to the Opening of the games all the delegations would be paired with communities throughout all seven Emirates as part of the Host town Program. The Host Town program will provide a chance to experience the UAE’s culture and hospitality. The SO Bharat contingent will be hosted at Dubai from 8-11 March 2019

This would be India’s 9th participation at the SO World Summer Games. The 378 – strong SO Bharat contingent would include 289 Athletes and 73 Coaches along with 16 officials and Assistant Staff from all over India participating in 14 out of 24 Olympic-type sports featuring the mega event