ABU DHABI — Saudi Arabia has confirmed that a total of 26 athletes will represent the Kingdom at Special Olympics IX MENA Games 2018 in Abu Dhabi. Saudi Arabia is sending a total delegation of 38 representatives, including board members, to mark the 19th year that Saudi Arabia has participated in a Special Olympics games. Special Olympics IX MENA Games 2018 takes place from March 14 to 22. The Saudi athletes will compete in a number of disciplines including: four in athletics, four in swimming, two in cycling, two in weightlifting, two in tennis, two in bocci and a men’s team of 10 players in basketball. More than 1,200 athletes from 33 countries will travel to Abu Dhabi to take part in MENA IX Games, which will be the first major sporting event ahead of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. Athletes will take part in 16 different sports that 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. Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will see the biggest humanitarian sporting event in the world coming to the Emirati capital, marking its first debut in the history of the MENA region. Special Olympics IX MENA Games and Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 are a part of the UAE’s National Vision 2021 that highlights full integration of people of determination into everyday society. Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will be the most ‘unified’ games in history and promise to offer an inclusive experience for those with and without intellectual disabilities. — SG