The Special Olympics World Games are set to start on Wednesday March 14th and taking to the stage for its opening ceremony is Canadian singer, known for her hit song “Girlfriend”, Avril Lavigne, alongside a number of international and regional performers. Egyptian singer and actor Tamer Hosny, Syrian singer Assala Nasri, Emirati artist Hussain Al Jassmi, original voice of Despacito Luis Fonsi and British DJ Paul Oakenfold will be joining Lavigne onstage for the opening ceremony set to take place at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
The Canadian songstress shared her excitement at performing at the games in a statement, “I am so excited to come to Abu Dhabi! I have been working with the Special Olympics for a number of years and this will truly be an incredible experience performing at the largest and most unified Special Olympics World Games ever held! These athletes are so inspiring and they are a huge part of what we believe in and support through The Avril Lavigne Foundation. I want to shine a light on their courage and determination and I am honoured to have been invited to help support them.”
Avril Lavigne in the Special Olympics in Brazil
Avril has indeed been linked to the Special Olympics for quite some time now, and is known to have invited over 200 Special Olympic athletes to attend 14 of her concerts during her “The Avril Lavigne Tour” in 2014. Not only that, she dedicated her charity single entitled “Fly”, to support the Special Olympics in which she sings about the disabled people she met through her very own charity.
The Special Olympics World Games are being held in the Middle East for the first time and it is not only the international and regional singers who are showing their support. Joining the cause are well known stars from the sporting industry including footballers Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s coach and former Chelsea player, Didier Drogba.
