Al Ain receives ‘Flame of Hope’

(WAM) — Al Ain received the “Flame of Hope”, after it toured the UAE’s emirates.

The flame arrived in the historical Al Jahili Fort after passing by the city’s zoo, with the participation of school students, before reaching the UAE University and the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, where it was welcomed by officials from various government departments.

The Abu Dhabi Police, ADP, organised various activities during the celebration, and large crowds welcomed the Emirati and international athletes who carried the torch.

The function was attended by Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, Hamad Nukhairat Al Ameri, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, and several officials and officers from the Ministry of Interior and the ADP.

Brigadier Mohammed Suhail Al Rashedi, Acting Director of the ADP’s Criminal Security Sector, said that the country’s hosting of the Special Olympics in the capital, Abu Dhabi, highlights its pioneering international stature, praising the ministry’s support for the flame and its efforts to ensure its success, which will enable people of determination to showcase their talents and capabilities in such competitions.

In his speech during the celebration, he added that the participation of the police in the Flame of Hope March expresses its support and appreciation for the supreme message of the Special Olympics, which is in line with the country’s humanitarian values and civilised heritage.

The UAE will welcome more than 7,500 athletes from over 190 nations for the Special Olympics World Games, Abu Dhabi 2019, on 14th-21st March. They will compete in 24 officially sanctioned Olympic-style sports in what will be the first World Games to be held in the Middle East.