Special Olympics Ambassador meets UAE’s people of determination

ABU DHABI, 19th April, 2018 (WAM) -- Britain’s Got Talent 2017 finalist and Special Olympics Ambassador, Kyle Tomlinson, met the UAE’s people of determination this week as he visited Abu Dhabi to take part in the celebrations for H.M. Queen Elizabeth's birthday at the British Embassy. During his trip, Tomlinson visited the Future Centre and spent time interacting with children with intellectual disabilities, taking part in their games, singing popular nursery rhymes along with them and even giving a powerful performance of Ed Sheeran’s hit song Perfect. It is believed that music therapy can assist those with intellectual disabilities. Tomlinson, who is a Special Olympics Ambassador, performed at the Special Olympics GB National Games 2017 in his home city of Sheffield. "It has been a real privilege to be here in Abu Dhabi this week to take part in the Queen’s birthday celebrations, to stay at the British Embassy and to work with Special Olympics UAE. Singing can be so important to people with intellectual disabilities and I have seen first-hand how it can bring joy and happiness to people. I hope to return to witness the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019". The 16-year-old singer also performed alongside students from the British School Al Khubairat and the Future Centre at the British Embassy Abu Dhabi. Philip Parham, British Ambassador to the UAE, said, "It has been great to have Kyle with us this week to help with our celebration of H.M. the Queen's birthday. As an ambassador for Special Olympics, Kyle promotes the messages of inclusion and unity in society. His interactions with students from both the Future Rehabilitation Centre and BSAK were hugely rewarding experiences for the children." "Having Kyle here in Abu Dhabi to meet and interact with people of determination has been an enriching and exciting experience for everyone. Kyle’s visit is one of many engagements that the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi has led to promote the UAE’s mission to promote inclusion through the Special Olympic World Games. "Engaged partners like the British Embassy and celebrities like Kyle add great momentum to this movement as we plan to host the most inclusive Games ever in 2019," said Tala Al Ramahi, Chief Strategic Officer of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. The Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 is a part of the UAE’s National Vision 2021 that highlights the full integration of people of determination into everyday society. It will be the most "unified" games in history and promises to offer an inclusive experience for those with and without intellectual disabilities.