Page 292 - Protec PR Book Volume 2

Protec Helps HQ Worldwide Make Special Olympics IX MENA Games 2018 a Spectacular Affair
by EVENTFAQS Bureau Entertainment (/Industry Watch) | April 2, 2018 | News
Protec, one of UAE’S biggest event equipment rental company recently joined hands with HQ Worldwide to help deliver a glittering and inspirational opening ceremony of the Special Olympics IX MENA Games 2018.
The opening ceremony of the Special Olympics IX MENA Games 2018 started off with an enthusiastic bang in Abu Dhabi on March 17, 2018. After taking a tour of the city, hitting some famous landmarks along the way, the Olympic torch finally arrived at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) to the applause of the waiting 2,000 spectators.
Once the ‘Flame of Hope’ cauldron was lit, the show began. A video entitled ‘Welcome to my City’ was played and more than 1,000 Special Olympics athletes from 32 different countries entered the arena in a colourful parade to much excitement from supporters and athletes alike. Cheers and contagious smiles rippled through the entire arena.
Celebrating people of determination’s sporting abilities and talents, this is not only a significant event in the MENA region, but it also is an important test event for the 2019 World Games. Protec’s client and show producers - HQ Worldwide wanted to deliver an opening ceremony that would set the scene for the week ahead and pay due respect to the talented athletes from the UAE and visiting countries.
This is the second time that Abu Dhabi is hosting the MENA regional games, the last time being ten years ago in 2008 and it has certainly grown enormously in size since then. From 23 countries and 12 sports to 32 countries and 16 sports, it shows how people’s perceptions are changing for the better welcoming diversity, becoming more inclusive, and celebrating the abilities of people of determination.