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Philippine delegation to the Special Olympics IX MENA Games 2018 arrives today in Abu Dhabi

Photo: Vice Consul Von Ryan Pangwi (third from left), welcomes the Philippine delegation for the Special Olympics IX MENA Games 2018 photo grabbed from Vice Consul Von Ryan Pangwi’s Facebook page with permission.

ABU DHABI: The official delegation of the Philippines to the Special Olympics IX MENA Games 2018 arrived this morning at the Abu Dhabi International Airport

Ambassador Constancio R. Vingno, Jr. said he recognizes the drive and passion of the participants and wishes for them to do their best – “I wish them luck, I’m sure they have been training extensively in order to win medals,” he said.

Since the event is open to the public, Vingno said he hopes the Filipino community in the UAE will show support for their kababayans who will be participating in the games. “We have informed the Filipino community to extend their support to our athletes by just attending and seeing them compete,” adds Vingno.

The Special Olympics IX MENA Games 2018 will host over 1,200 athletes in Abu Dhabi from March 14 to 22 this year, to compete in 16 different sports, which will be hosted in eight different venues including ADNEC, Zayed Sports City, Yas Marina Circuit, NYUAD, Officer’s Club, Mubadala IPC Arena, Al Jazira Sports Club and Al Forsan Club.

The Special Olympics IX MENA Games and World Games are part of the UAE’s National Vision 2021 that highlights the full integration of people with determination into the community through the empowerment of sport. The games will be the most “unified” one in history and promise to offer an inclusive experience for those with and without intellectual disabilities, and is set to be the biggest humanitarian and athletic movement in the world.

The Philippine delegation was welcomed by Vice Consul Von Ryan Pangwi at the airport.

He echoed Vingno’s statement asking for the Filipinos to support the athletes. He adds: “The Special Olympics is a symbol of inclusiveness. This shows that everyone can be a productive member of society, in this case, in sports.”

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