UAE football squad face Spain in Special Olympics – in pictures

Since making its debut at the World Games in 1986, football is one of the largest sports on the programme

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  The UAE football team played Spain in the Special Olympics on Tuesday. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

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  The UAE were defeated 2-1 at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

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  More than 7,500 athletes and 3,000 coaches from more than 190 nations will compete in 24 Olympic-style sports held in nine venues in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Khushnum Bhandari for The National

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  The Special Olympics World Games will take place in Abu Dhabi between March 14 to March 21 primarily in Abu Dhabi, although some events will also take place in Dubai. Khushnum Bhandari for The National

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  The Special Olympics is a sporting event for People of Determination – people with intellectual disabilities. Khushnum Bhandari for The National

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  An intellectual disability is a term to describe someone with limited cognitive function and skills. This might include communication, social or self-care skills, the Special Olympics' website says. Khushnum Bhandari for The National

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  Approximately one to three per cent of people in the world have an intellectual disability. They are significantly more common in low-income countries, which are home to 80 percent of all people with disabilities. Khushnum Bhandari for The National

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  The official torch for the Special Olympics World Games will be lit in Athens, Greece, then transported to the UAE where it will be run throughout the country by Special Olympics athletes and law enforcement officers from around the world – also known as the "Guardians of the Flame." Khushnum Bhandari for The National

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  The Special Olympics will begin on March 14 with a parade, a lighting of the cauldron and a series of performances at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari for The National

The UAE faced Spain in the first football match of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.

The score was 2-1 to Spain.

The UAE were drawn in Group A and will compete against Spain, South Africa and Jamaica.

Group B will see Bangladesh, Serbia and Korea play each other while Group C pits Bharat, Denmark, Kenya and US against each other.

Making up Group D is Oman, Austria and Rwanda.

The football tournament will end on March 20 and all matches will be held at Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi.