Abu Dhabi has launched a major volunteer recruitment drive to boost UAE residents' participation in the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, the world’s biggest humanitarian event being held next year.

 

Taking place from March 14 to 21 next year, Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 organisers require 20,000 volunteers for the smooth conduct of the event.

 

Volunteers must be at least 14-years old and commit to a minimum of four shifts during the Games, stated the organisers.

 

All volunteers will be required to attend 16-hours of training ahead of the Games and there will be opportunities for those with and without intellectual disabilities to get involved, it stated.

 

The special volunteer registration event held this weekend at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi featured meet-and-greets with Special Olympics UAE athletes, Unified Zumba sessions, and interactive games to find out more about the different volunteering roles available at the World Games next year.

 

Gymnast Alia Al Zaabi demonstrated her talent with a lively gymnastics performance which was met with cheers from the crowd.

 

Certified Zumba instructor Clari Lehmkul, who will compete for Special Olympics UAE in tennis at the World Games, led a Unified Zumba session accompanied by fellow Special Olympics athletes who took to the stage with her.

 

Ameera Al Muharrami, the volunteers director at Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, said: "This weekend is packed full of unified experiences that bring people together, giving a taste of what to expect at the World Games next year and a chance to celebrate the UAE’s goal of integrating people of determination into everyday society."

 

"We are delighted with the interest in volunteering that we’ve received so far as people gain an understanding of what it means to be part of an event like this. We have roles for people with a wide variety of skills, all you need to sign up at https://volunteers.ae/specialolympics/

is a positive attitude and a willingness to help," she noted.

 

The festivities on Friday concluded with performances from popular musicians Fayez al Saeed, Aryam and Hamad Al Ameri.

 

The volunteer registration event is being supported by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), official banking partner of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.-TradeArabia News Service