Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al Azhar sign Special Olympics ball

Ball signed to celebrate Abu Dhabi hosting World Games in March

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The Pope and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar signed a Special Olympics ball to celebrate Abu Dhabi hosting the World Games this year.

The ball was presented to Pope Francis and Dr Ahmed El Tayeb by athlete Chaica Al Qasimi when she visited the Head of the Catholic Church on Monday.

The pair signed the ball in the presence of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

Pope Francis and Dr El Tayeb expressed their wishes for the success of the global  event and happiness to the people of determination, reported state news agency Wam.

Chaica, an award-winning athlete with Down syndrome, will be one of the torchbearers during the World Games  in the capital from March 8 to 22.