On March 14, as the Special Olympics World Games begins in Abu Dhabi, more than 7,000 athletes from more than 170 countries will be gearing up to compete in summer disciplines, including soccer, athletics, basketball, equestrian and many more.
The World Games showcases the abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities and aims to promote acceptance and inclusion through sports. Find out how to watch events below and keep up with ESPN's coverage of the event below.
The details
Dates: March 14-21
Opening ceremony: Thursday, 11 a.m. ET on ESPNEWS
Competition schedule: What's happening in Abu Dhabi
Closing ceremony: March 21 (not televised)
Event website: Special Olympics World Games
How to watch
March 30: Best of Special Olympics World Games: Watch on ABC at 3 p.m. ET
Features, news and video
Mallory Morris has been running since birth: Born premature as the lead quintuplet, the Special Olympics track star from Kansas hopes to be first again at the World Games in Abu Dhabi. Read
Every day is Thanksgiving for Mallory Morris: For one Special Olympics track and field star, the list of challenges pales in comparison with the list of things she's grateful for. Read
Special Olympics athletes prepare for World Games: Omar Al Shami and many other Special Olympics athletes look to showcase their skills in the upcoming World Games in Abu Dhabi. Watch
The bond that broke down barriers for Robert Moore: As a young child, Robert Moore could not walk or talk. But a connection with horses -- and a loving home -- opened up his world, and now he is at the Special Olympics World Games representing the U.S. in equestrian sports. Read
A life-changing connection for Robert Moore: Diagnosed with autism at a young age, Special Olympics equestrian Robert Moore found comfort and healing while riding horses. Watch
Great Britain's Kiera Byland lives for bicycle racing: The distance Great Britain's Kiera Byland has come on a bicycle pales in comparison to the distance she has come off of it. Watch
To belong, the opening to the Special Olympics World Games: Gwendoline Christie welcomes the world to the United Arab Emirates for a global celebration of acceptance of inclusion achieved through athletic competition. Watch
Competing in Abu Dhabi a dream come true for Harmon: For 37-year-old Jon Harmon, the bowling alley has always been "his place," and he will be taking his talents to the upcoming World Games. Watch
Myers excited to represent United States at World Games: Competing in power lifting, Josh Myers will be representing the United States in the upcoming World Games. Watch
The friendship that changed Erin Green's life forever: Born profoundly deaf, Special Olympics swimmer Erin Green doesn't trust anyone but her coach to guide her during important races. And that trust extends outside of the pool, too. Read
An angel found her wings: Abandoned as a baby, Michelle "Angel" Athenas has an innate ability to survive, and now she's thriving as a Special Olympics powerlifter -- with the gold medals to prove it. Watch
Special Olympics coach Mary Roberts is all in:For Mary Roberts, the Arizona Unified basketball team is a second family -- and the athletes she coaches agree. "She's like a second mother," says Jeffrey Anthony, a Unified basketball player. Watch
A new way of life for Khadija Sy: When Senegal's Khadija Sy discovered Special Olympics, it changed her life. "She's confident, she has friends, she's doing what she wants," says her mother. Watch
New Zealand honors terror victims at Special Olympics World Games: Over the weekend, the Special Olympics World Games paid tribute to the victims of the mass shooting at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in New Zealand. Read
A conversation with the 'First Family' of Special Olympics: Robin Roberts sits down with the five children of Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Watch
The journey to Abu Dhabi for one Special Olympics powerlifter in photos: When Sylvester Vermillion started powerlifting five years ago, he discovered that he was stronger than he thought he was -- and at the Special Olympics World Games, he's going to show the world that strength. Read
Special Olympics competitors rose up in Abu Dhabi: More than 7,500 athletes competed this week at Special Olympics World Games. They have showed the world what is possible through hard work, strength, perseverance and courage. Watch
Daimi Aza Rodriquez, the gymnast with potential: The early years were difficult for Puerto Rican Daimi Aza Rodriquez. But she found focus though Special Olympics. Watch
A dream come true for Nette Tuominen: For Nette Tuominen, the journey from her home in Finland to the grand stage of the 2019 Special Olympics World Games took 13 years of hard work. And now it's all paying off. Watch
A blind photographer's road to the Special Olympics World Games: A stroke left Special Olympics athlete David Jensen legally blind. Now he has just finished up shooting photos at the World Games in Abu Dhabi, his largest sports competition yet. Read
Jensen supporting Special Olympics from behind a camera: After a stroke left him legally blind at age 11, David Jensen picked up a camera. Now he's just finished up a stint as an official photographer at the Special Olympics World Games. Watch
Saying goodbye to the United Arab Emirates: Gwendoline Christie, with an assist from P!nk, looks back at a memorable week of moments and emotions from the Special Olympics World Games. Watch
Special Olympics providing access with Healthy Athletes program: Through the Special Olympics, athletes are getting much-needed health screenings -- and for some, that means hearing for the first time. Watch