Abu Dhabi will welcome more than 7,000 athletes to compete in 24 sports at the Special Olympics World Games 2019. Special Olympics is a humanitarian sporting event for people of determination (with intellectual disabilities) to promote inclusion. Abu Dhabi’s World Games will be the most unified Games as it will host more than 170 countries, hence breaking the record of participating countries in the history of the Special Olympics.

We need YOU to support these athletes of determination as they strive for gold in individual and team sports at venues across Abu Dhabi in March 2019. So, join us and be inspired by these athletes and help us create a more unified world.

Abu Dhabi isn’t a stranger to the Special Olympics – it has already successfully delivered the Special Olympics IX MENA Games 2018, where we had over 3,000 volunteers of all ages and nationalities giving more than 50,000 hours of their time during the MENA Games and supporting more than 1,000 athletes from 31 countries. We look forward to having volunteers again as will once again play an integral role in delivering the Games.

Why volunteer?

The Special Olympics is not only a global sporting event that started 50 years ago, but is also the biggest humanitarian event in the world. It uses sports as a platform to unite people with intellectual disabilities with the rest of the community. It promotes inclusion and a real social movement – not only through the Games but also through continuous events throughout the year happening all over the globe.

So, by volunteering, you’d be a part of something massively noble – its effect will continue in the region for years to come. You’ll be a part of something that will better the lives of people with intellectual disabilities immensely.

Moreover, with the Special Olympics, you’ll be assuming severe essential roles, and, most importantly you will open your eyes and heart to a more hopeful, inclusive world. The experience is one you will never forget.

When to volunteer?

The World Games will run from March 8 to 22, 2019. Throughout this time, we need thousands of individuals to help us prepare and run our many events and competitions. Most volunteering hours will be between 7AM and 7PM, and you should be able to commit to at least four shifts during the Games.

Where to volunteer?

Events are being held all over Abu Dhabi, from the Corniche to Yas Island. There will be 11 different venues.

We also welcome volunteers from all over the world. If you are coming from abroad to volunteer, you can get discounts on flights through our partner organizations. Get in touch with us if you are an international volunteer so we can assist you.

What will I do as a volunteer?

When we say we have a role for everyone, we mean it. During the registration process, you will be asked to select your preferred area and give us some more information about your skills so that we can assign you a role.

To help you select the right area, here’s some more information about the areas of volunteering we need you in:

How to volunteer?

To register to volunteer, please click here .

You’ll need the following to register:

• UAE Nationals: colored passport photo, passport copy and number and UID Number
• For UAE Residents: colored passport photo, passport copy and number, plus residency VISA copy and number
• International: colored passport photo, passport copy and number

For any further inquiries please reach us on: volunteers@abudhabi2019.org