The countdown to the Special Olympics World Games is on and with the opening ceremony just (four!) days away, the Flame of Hope is travelling, on foot, to Abu Dhabi.

The symbol of the games, the Flame of Hope, is lit in Athens, Greece where the Olympics originated before travelling to the organising city. And this weekend, crowds gathered to watch the flame pass through Dubai.

Spirits were high for the Dubai leg of the run

The ?#FlameOfHope shines bright along the shores of Dubai, on part of the 14km running track at Kite Beach. Don’t forget to cheer on the Guardians of the Flame if you’re at Kite Beach today! @moiuae @letrforso @dubaipolicehq pic.twitter.com/76ll86aN1f

— Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 (@WorldGamesAD) March 9, 2019

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Taking two days to pass through Dubai, the runners passed Burj Al Arab, Miracle Garden, Kite Beach, La mer and Burj Park

اليوم الأول من مسار #شعلة_الأمل ?في دبي كان يوماً حافلاً بأجمل اللحظات، سعدنا اليوم بزيارة برج العرب وميراكل جاردن وكايت بيتش وبرج بارك. هل فاتك مسار الشعلة يوم أمس؟ تابعنا عبر هاشتاق #شعلة_الأمل ?لتتبع مسار الشعلة خلال يومها الثاني في دبي. @LETRforSO @moiuae @DubaiPoliceHQ pic.twitter.com/hmVd3ks4v0

— Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 (@WorldGamesAD) March 10, 2019

Crowds gathered to watch the lighting of the flame

We are joined by H.E. Brigadier Abdulla Al Ghaithi, Director of the General Department of Protective Security and Emergency, for the final lighting ceremony of the day, at the beautiful Burj Park in @downtowndubai.@moiuae @letrforso @dubaipolicehq pic.twitter.com/oWwrFLGLmk

— Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 (@WorldGamesAD) March 9, 2019

People were moved by the inspirational runners

“Go guys go! You touched my heart today! World games special Olympics are about to start in Abu Dhabi”

In the lead up to the games, teams from participating countries are all touching down in Abu Dhabi

نرحب بالوفد البحريني ?? والوفد المصري ?? ونتمنى لهم التوفيق في منافسات الأولمبياد الخاص الألعاب العالمية أبوظبي 2019. #ها_هم_أصحاب_الهمم #أبوظبي2019 pic.twitter.com/IIWVQH3Dza

— Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 (@WorldGamesAD) March 9, 2019

And sharing their stories

وصلنا ابوظبي الحمدلله??? لله يوفق منتخبنا و نرجع بالذهبي ان شاء لله ? @WorldGamesAD @rbalsaud #كرة_السلة #السعودية pic.twitter.com/7fOOjVnTvr

— فهده بنت فهد ال سعود (@Fahdafahadk) March 8, 2019

Keep up to date: Download the Special Olympics World Games app

Want to keep updated on results, athlete profiles and transport schedules during the @worldgamesad? Get all the information at your fingertips – download the official app now: https://t.co/MQiuh8rx1e pic.twitter.com/yh5iEHRYt8

— Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 (@WorldGamesAD) March 9, 2019

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