The Emirate of Sharjah has welcomed the delegations of 24 countries participating in the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 as part of the Olympics' Host Cities Programme.

The delegations include 1,638 players in addition to technical, medical and sports staffs representing the Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Bonaire, Botswana, China, Cote d'Ivoire, Germany, Haiti, Honduras, Iraq, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritius, Monaco, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Switzerland, and Trinidad & Tobago.

Dr Tariq Sultan bin Khadem, member of the Sharjah Executive Council, who is also the Chairman of the Local Executive Committee of the Host Cities Programme, said, "The emirate is fully geared up for hosting the programme, which draws its significance from being the first activity organised for the global event's participants immediately after their arrival in the country and is therefore designed to leave an indelible impression about the central importance attached by the UAE to the status of the People of Determination and the colossal efforts being made by the country to ensure their full integration in the society."

The Organising Committee of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 has rolled out the Host Cities Programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of Community Development. Running until 11th March, the programme will facilitate hospitality to 11,000 guests, including athletes, coaches and family members, from 190 countries. Under the programme, the athletes and visitors will be introduced to the UAE's rich culture and history before engaging in the Games.

The delegates will spend three days in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, to get a closer look at the Emirati traditions and life in the country.

The UAE will welcome more than 7,500 athletes from over 190 nations for Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 between 14th and 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.