Dubai, United Arab Emirates, January 15, 2019: His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People of Determination in Dubai, joined hundreds of people of determination and others in the Walk Unified initiative held at Al Khawaneej yesterday.

Walk Unified is an initiative launched by the Local Organizing Committee for Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and is under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council.

The initiative is aimed at promoting the participation and full inclusion of people of determination in the community, achieving their active participation, further enhancing equal opportunities. It seeks to support and empower them to play their roles in the advancement and development of the country.

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor said that hosting the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will also have positive implications contributing significantly to strengthening social inclusion and accelerating its pace.

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor, said: Hosting the Special Olympics World Games in the UAE reinforces the countrys role in promoting the values of tolerance and social cohesion and inclusion. Through sport, people of determination get the opportunity to unlock their full potential and raise awareness of their rights in their communities.

"The UAE's leadership has paid considerable attention to Special Olympics. Our nation has established its position as a global destination that can organise and host the largest sporting event for people of determination. This event is in line with our policies to empower people of determination to excel and accomplish extravagant results.

Other prominent leaders who participated in the walk included Her Excellency Hessa Bint Essa Bu Humaid, Minister of Community Development (MOCD) and Chair of the Heritage and Community Committee Under the Supreme Committee for hosting Special Olympics, Abu Dhabi 2019 ; His Excellency Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai and the Deputy Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People of Determination, among other members in the Government of Dubai.

Her Excellency Hessa Bint Essa Bu Humaid, MOCD and Chair of the Heritage and Community Committee under the Supreme Committee for hosting Special Olympics, Abu Dhabi 2019, said that Walk Unified represents crucial steps taken towards integrating and empowering people of determination across communities aligned with the UAE Vision 2021 to promote the communitys involvement to support humanitarian efforts. She also added this will help us achieve sustainable social and economic development, paving the way to make UAE the best country in the world as per the The UAE Centennial 2071 project.

H.E Hessa, said: Walk Unified is a true representation of collective community engagement. Our trusted leadership has showcased their full support towards this initiative and empowering the people of determination. This is a testament to realize the importance of effective community integration as we need to work together to achieve these goals.

"We are walking together with the support and participation of our distinguished leaders and senior officials in the UAE to achieve humanitarian goals both within the UAE and globally. We will continue to be an active part of the UAE's development and contribute towards creating positive change in the lives of people of determination and to encourage community participation that supports this purpose.

His Excellency Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai, expressed confidence that the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will fulfil its objectives with the support of UAE's wise leadership and its outstanding record in hosting and organising the most prestigious sporting event for the people of determination. He went on to highlight the importance of the Walk Unified initiative in motivating all members of the community to support the games and accelerate the pace of ensuring social inclusion. He also encouraged promoting the culture of volunteerism in the country and consolidating the values of social cohesion as a basis for the nations progress.

Al Basti, said: "The initiative reflects our efforts to enhance the opportunities of engaging and including people of determination in daily-life activities. It stands for the values such as inclusion and unity within the Emirati society. It also contributes to raising public awareness and creating a positive view towards people of determination, reflecting our wise leaderships commitment to respecting their rights through strategic policies and plans.

Ahead of the Special Olympics 2019, preparations continue to host the largest number of delegations between March 7 and 10 in Dubai. The delegations will arrive from 53 countries composing of 4000 participants who will have the chance to experience and engage in cultural, educational, and entertaining initiatives that promote social inclusion and the rights of people of determination.

Abu Dhabi will host the upcoming Special Olympics Games 2019 from March 14 to 22. More than 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaching staff representing 170 nations will be participating in 24 games at the world's largest humanitarian sporting event. Dubai will host three different sporting competitions, starting from March 14, including indoor pool swimming events at Hamdan Sports Complex, athletics competitions at Dubai Police Academy and open water swimming in the Arabian Gulf off the shores of La Mer in Jumeirah.