Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 29 January 2019: The Department of Energy (DoE), the authority responsible for the leadership and sustainable development of the energy sector in Abu Dhabi, today announced its sponsorship of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.

DoE will be the official energy partner of the event, which is being held in Abu Dhabi from March14-22 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The department says that its sponsorship of the games, which are expected to attract the participation of thousands of athletes of determination from around the world, forms a tangible component of its keenness and commitment to social responsibility and to empowering all segments of society.

"Our sponsorship of the forthcoming Special Olympics World Games carries a humanitarian message that emphasizes the importance of empowering all segments of society and providing them with the opportunity to compete and attain their personal goals. It forms part of our wider objective of utilizing our energy resources and harnessing them in the service of sustainable development in the country, in line with the guidance of the leadership and its vision for the future of the energy sector, said H.E Eng. Awaidah Morshed Al Marar, head of the DoE.

We are keen to support and contribute to the success of activities and events that enhance the role of Abu Dhabi and which promote its international standing. This sponsorship is one of several community initiatives we have engaged in that place a spotlight on our departments role in enhancing the quality of life standards by providing a healthier environment through minimizing energy consumption and reducing carbon emissions. Our sponsorship of the Special Olympics World Games will allow us to move these efforts to a new level and enable us to emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle for all segments of society through the promotion of exercise and sport, he added.

The sponsorship announcement was signed on the sidelines of a cooperation agreement between both the DoE and the Organising Committee for the Games by H.E. Eng. Mohammed Bin Jarash Al Falasi, Undersecretary of the Department of Energy and Khalafan Al Mazrouei, Director General of the Organising Committee for the Special Olympics Abu Dhabi 2019. The department will coordinate with the committee and provide the necessary support for this global sporting event, which is being hosted in the Middle East and North Africa region for the first time.

"Through our sponsorship of the Special Olympics for the World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, we are keen to highlight our mission to raise awareness about energy and environment issues among young people and to disseminate our goals locally and globally during the event. This move is part of our commitment to the success of Abu Dhabis array of international events, which have a positive impact on the development of the emirate as a leading international centre in all fields. The Department of Energy is looking forward to providing all necessary support to the tournament and to elevating the status of the department, Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates, said His Excellency Mohammed Juma bin Jarsh Al Falasi, Undersecretary of the Energy Department.

Commenting on the signing of the agreement, Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Managing Director of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, said: The Department of Energy will play a key role at the World Games and their support will go a long way in ensuring the legacy lives on after the Games come to a close. We are extremely grateful to have them on board our journey to creating a more inclusive future.

More than 7,000 athletes from over 170 countries will compete in 24 Olympic sports during the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. It is estimated that the number of spectators attending the eight-day event will exceed 45,000, with the tournament also expected to be watched by millions around the world.