EAG launches employee volunteer programme for Special Olympics

Through the programme, Etihad employees will continue to receive their full salary for up to five days out of office to volunteer at the Games.

The initiative aims to recruit 500 employee volunteers for the upcoming Special Olympics IX MENA Games in March, and a further 1000 volunteers for the World Games 2019, both of which will take place in Abu Dhabi.

Announcing his own intention to volunteer for the Special Olympics, Etihad’s new Group CEO, Tony Douglas, said: “We are honoured to sponsor the Special Olympics and to provide our employees with the opportunity to support this major sporting event.

“A number of our team members at Etihad Aviation Group have already been seconded to the local organising committee of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 to provide their expertise and support. With this new initiative, we hope to provide a greater number of our employees an opportunity to take part in this important and unique experience, and play a small role in ensuring its success.”

The Special Olympics IX MENA Games 2018 will take place in Abu Dhabi between 14 and 22 March. More than 1,000 athletes from 33 countries will be competing in 17 different sports.

The Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 will bring more than 7,000 athletes from 170 nations to Abu Dhabi, from 22 different disciplines that feature over the week of competition. 

Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, CEO, Peter Wheeler, said: "It is great to have Etihad's support for the Games and implement the free volunteer hours system for their staff. Not only that but having the company's Group CEO, Tony Douglas, sign up as one of our volunteers is testament to their commitment to Special Olympics. Volunteers will play an invaluable role in the Games and companies such as Etihad are leading the way in helping us to ensure the Games are a huge success."

Abu Dhabi will become the first city in the Middle East to host the event after beating off competition from Vancouver and Munich.

More than 20,000 overseas visitors are expected to join tens of thousands of spectators from across the UAE to watch what is likely to be the largest global event ever staged in the UAE capital.

The airline will be flying in athletes, equipment, coaches, dignitaries and the media for the occasion, supported by Hala Abu Dhabi, the destination management company, and Etihad Cargo. Airline staff will be working with the Special Olympics team to share hospitality expertise in order to deliver the best possible guest experience.

Special Olympics Athletes [from left to right]: Hamda Al Hosni (Running); Saleh Al Marri [Bowling]; and Butti Al Shizawi [Basketball]