Dubai World extends support to UAE's Special Olympics team

The significance of this year's World Summer Games is that this is the first time they are being held in Asia.

About 7,000 athletes from all over the world will take part in the Special Olympics. World Summer Games will draw around 40,000 volunteers, 3,500 event officials and thousands of families, spectators and journalists from every continent.

Talking about Dubai World's sponsorship of the UAE team, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai World, said:

"Besides its contributions to the economy of Dubai and the country, Dubai World also strives for helping tackle vital social issues and building stronger healthier communities. Achieving sustainable development goals, is an integral part of our business strategy. We believe that as a major company we have a responsibility towards the people of the communities in which we operate."

"We recognise the need to encourage and support the special members of our society, and to help them overcome the barriers hindering their total social integration. We are proud to be associated with these courageous individuals, who have proven time and again that determination and will can conquer all."

Mr. Ashraf Shaarawy, Senior Audit Manager, Dubai World, who represented the Group at the press conference held recently to announce the sponsors of the team, said:

"I am delighted to be representing Dubai World in this gathering. Community involvement is a vital part in our corporate culture, and In line with the directives of our Chairman, Mr. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. We are continuously looking for ways to support UAE's youths, particularly those with special needs. We believe that they have the power and the will to succeed, and Dubai World will do its part in helping them excel and compete at an international level, boosting Dubai's, and the UAE's position on the global sports map. We have complete faith in the abilities of the team."

Mr. Majid A.M. Al Usaimi, National Director of Special Olympics in the UAE said: "On behalf of the athletes and coaches I cordially thank Dubai World for generously supporting Special Olympics. They were the first to support us. Dubai world believed in our mission and in our team, they expressed their readiness to be part of our success."

UAE's national team will comprise 25 athletes who will participate in 8 games, including aquatics, equestrian sports, soccer, badminton, table tennis, power lifting, bocce and athletics.