Sharjah, UAE January 20, 2019:   Crescent Petroleum, the Middle East's first and largest private exploration and production company, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 to sponsor the World Games taking place 14-21 March, underscoring its commitment to empowering people of determination and encouraging their inclusion in all aspects of life in line with the Year of Tolerance. 

Crescent Petroleum is an Official Supporter of the Games, and has committed to provide financial support as well as volunteers and specialized care workshops for parents of World Games athletes in collaboration with its non-profit sister-organisation, High Hopes Pediatric Therapy Center. 

Crescent Petroleum has long supported causes related to people of determination, with a focus on projects that enable people with special needs to develop, progress and live fuller lives. Crescent Petroleum’s sister organisation, High Hopes, is an early intervention paediatric therapy centre based in Dubai that caters to children with special needs up to 14 years old, helping them develop, progress, and lead fuller lives under the supervision of the most experienced and specialised therapists. The not-for-profit centre offers a holistic solution for parents from across the region and regularly holds expert talks, training sessions, and workshops in addition to participating in conferences to build greater awareness of special needs in the region. 

“We are proud to be sponsoring Special Olympics World Games and supporting a cause that is integral to our goals and dear to our hearts,” said Majid Jafar, Chief Executive Officer of Crescent Petroleum. “The empowerment of people with determination is central to our community efforts, and in this, the Year of Tolerance, it is an important initiative to support. We aim our efforts to further the cause of inclusion and help people of determination to become thriving, contributing members of society.”

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE’s Armed Forces, Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 is an integral part of local, national and regional plans to expand opportunities for people of determination in line with Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s shared vision of a unified and inclusive society.

Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Managing Director of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, said: “With two months to go, excitement is building across the UAE and across the world as preparations for the World Games reach their closing stages. It is great to have the support of so many organisations across the UAE who together will help us to deliver the biggest and most inspirational event this country has ever hosted.

“Volunteers are the backbone of the Games, and with the support of volunteers from organisations like Crescent we will ensure Abu Dhabi 2019 is an unforgettable experience for thousands of athletes, families and fans from around the world.”

The MoU was signed on the sidelines of Walk Unified, a walk organized by the LOC at Khawaneej Mamsha in Dubai on Tuesday evening. Walk Unified is an inclusive community initiative where people with intellectual disabilities and those without walk alongside each other in celebration of a more unified world. 

Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 is the largest sports and humanitarian event in the world this year, welcoming more than 7,500 athletes from 192 nations to the UAE.