Abu Dhabi puts spotlight on inclusivity, unity and respect

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan officially announced the start of the 2019 Special Olympics World Games at a marvelous opening ceremony on Thursday.

After the countdown - witnessed by a capacity crowd of 55,000 at Zayed Sports City stadium - a children's choir heralded the arrival of thousands of international athletes, dancing and waving with great pride and joy.

"You have won the most important race already. You have already changed history and the face of sport," Special Olympics chairman Timothy Shriver of the United States told the athletes.