The stage is set for the upcoming Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 that will see over 7,000 athletes from 190+ countries, including the Philippines, participate in 24 sports. And the opening ceremonies will be hyped up by a few of the world’s most popular singers including Avril Lavigne and Luis Fonsi!
Avril Lavigne, whose hugely successful worldwide singles include ‘Complicated’ and ‘Girlfriend’ and new album ‘Head Above Water’ was released in February 2019, started The Avril Lavigne Foundation in 2010 to support young people living with serious illnesses or disability. Her song, Fly, was released in 2015 as the theme for Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles.
Also taking to the stage at Zayed Sports City Stadium are Luis Fonsi – best known for his smash hit single ‘Despacito’ and three-time Grammy Award nominee British DJ, Paul Oakenfold, who has provided over 100 remixes for more than 100 widely-acclaimed artists during his illustrious career.
Egyptian pop sensation and actor Tamer Hosny, nicknamed ‘King of the Generation’ by his own fans, as well as well-known Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi and Syrian artist Assala Nasri make up a truly international line-up featuring talent from the region and beyond all coming together to celebrate inclusion.
Performances by the global stars, which will be witnessed by more than 40,000 spectators and millions of TV viewers around the globe, will be among the highlights of an unforgettable evening showcasing humanity at its brilliant best.
More than 7,500 athletes from over 190 nations will take center stage in the traditional Athlete Parade as they show the world that there are no barriers when it comes to achievement on the sporting stage.
The athletes will be accompanied by a number of international celebrities and sporting heroes including Special Olympics Global Ambassadors such as Didier Drogba, Michelle Kwan, Dikembe Mutombo, Vladimir Grbic and Apolo Ohno, who are all passionate about driving the Special Olympics movement forward.
Tickets to watch the games are free, while the opening ceremonies on March 14 are on sale.
