Iconic sites around the world lit up red
ABU DHABI 22 July 2018: Adnoc Building, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square and a host of other landmarks across the UAE were bathed in bright red light last night as they joined major monuments, stadia and iconic buildings around the world in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics.
The global display of unity took place on July 20th to mark the ‘inclusion evolution’ – Special Olympics’ mission to end discrimination against People of Determination with intellectual disabilities and to create inclusive communities worldwide.
More than a dozen UAE buildings participated in the ‘Light Up for Inclusion’ event, joining more than 225 landmarks around the world, including: the Coca-Cola London Eye & Piccadilly sign in London, UK; the Empire State Building, New York; Sydney Opera House, Australia; the Nelson Mandela Statue in Johannesburg, South Africa; and The Water Cube in Beijing, China, creating a global display of tolerance, respect and celebration of difference.
Timothy Shriver, Special Olympics International Chairman, said: “We are grateful for the tremendous support to help celebrate and raise awareness for people with intellectual disabilities regardless of where they live in the world. ‘Light Up for Inclusion’ symbolizes the continuation and evolution of Special Olympics’ mission.”
Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Managing Director of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019: “The UAE is committed to encouraging and supporting People of Determination so that they can play a greater role in society. The host of national landmarks participating in the Light Up initiative symbolizes the UAE’s dedication to fostering an inclusive, unified society as we look ahead to Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.”
The UAE landmarks that took part in the ‘Light Up for Inclusion’ initiative were:
- Adnoc Building
- Marina Mall
- ADGM Building, Al Maryah Island
- Emirates Palace
- Yas Hotel
- Mubadala IPIC Building
- Etihad Airways Centre
- Y Tower
- Mushrif Mall
- Khalidiyah Mall
- Al Wahda Mall
- FAB Headquarters
- Etisalat T&A Building
- Etisalat Kifaf Building, Dubai
- Sheikh Zayed Bridge
- Capital Gate
- Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain.
‘Light Up for Inclusion’ is part of a programme of action-packed activities for the Special Olympics 50th Anniversary celebrations, taking place in Chicago from July 17-21.
Chicago is the birthplace of the first International Special Olympics Summer Games, which were held at Soldier Field in July 1968.
Special Olympics athletes, coaches, supporters and celebrities from around the globe will gather in Chicago for the 50th Anniversary to commemorate half a century of joy, courage and empowerment, and to participate in a weekend filled with inspiring events.
Mary Davis, Special Olympics International CEO, said: “Fifty years ago in Chicago, Special Olympics began its mission to break down barriers and create a more inclusive world at the first ever International Summer Games.
“As we charge into the next 50 years with a renewed purpose of ending discrimination, we are encouraging people across the globe to join us and help create a fully inclusive world.”
The next Special Olympics World Summer Games will take place in Abu Dhabi from March 14-21, 2019. The Games will be the largest sports and humanitarian event in the world next year, with more than 7,000 Special Olympics athletes from over 170 countries set to participate.
Major global landmarks that participated in the ‘Light Up for Inclusion’ initiative included, but were not limited to, the following:
- The Water Cube, Beijing, China
- African Renaissance Monument, Dakar, Senegal
- Empire State Building, New York, USA
- Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
- Coca-Cola London Eye & Piccadilly sign, London, UK
- Amman Citadel, Amman, Jordan
- Coca-Cola London Eye & Piccadilly sign, London, UK
- Lotte World Tower, Seoul, South Korea
- The Royal Palace, Bucharest, Romania
- Angel of Independence, Mexico City, Mexico
- Administration Building Panama Canal, Panama
- Nelson Mandela Statue, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Niagara Falls, USA and Canada
- Prudential Buildings, Willis Tower & more, Chicago, USA
- Olympic Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan
- Superdome, New Orleans, USA
- The Esplanade & Singapore Flyer, Singapore