The curtain came down on the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games on March 21 amidst applause, cheers and upbeat spirits after seven days' achievements by differently abled athletes in Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Chinese delegation achieved impressive results, winning 60 golds, 61 silvers and 37 bronzes.

But more valuable than that was the young athletes making friends with people from other countries and broadening their horizon, Zhao Sujing, deputy chief of the delegation, told the media. It would help them in the future, Zhao said.

Li Xiang, a Chinese athlete with Down syndrome, a genetic disorder causing slow development and arrested mental processes, said he was energized by the Special Olympics and felt happy.

The event, held in the UAE for the first time, is in line with the special initiatives of the host to find opportunities for the differently abled and build an inclusive society.

Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), said hosting the Special Olympics was only the start of the UAE's vision.

He said ADNOC will evolve its recruitment and employee program to provide people with determination a range of specialist learning support services at ADNOC schools.

"We will provide opportunities and harness their talents in every aspect. Together we will work together for a more inclusive world," he said.

The Special Olympics will be held in Sweden in 2021 and in Germany in 2023.

(Reporting from Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates)

Copyedited by Sudeshna Sarkar

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