Special Olympics torch tour reaches Sharjah

The Flame of Hope is being carried across the Emirates before the Special Olympics World Games begin on Thursday

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - The Special Olympics Torch being held by officials  at the Special Olympics Torch Run at Al Thiqah Club for Handicapped.  Leslie Pableo for The National
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The Flame of Hope torch bearers received a warm welcome as they stopped over in Sharjah at the halfway point of a 10-day journey across the Emirates.

The Olympic torch is accompanied across the country by a convoy of athletes and law enforcement officers — known as the Guardians of the Flame — before the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi getting on Thursday.

On Friday, torch runners enjoyed a taste of tradition as they took the flame to Al Shanasia Souq Plaza, an old part of the emirate, before meeting members of the Al Thiqah Club for Handicapped.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - Arrival of the torch at the Special Olympics Torch Run at Al Thiqah Club for Handicapped.  Leslie Pableo for The National
The Flame of Hope tour tour reached Sharjah at the half way stage of its journey across the Emirates. Leslie Pableo for The National

The tour also included stops at the American University of Sharjah and a scenic route to Al Majaz waterfront.

The torch will be carried through Dubai on Saturday and Sunday, before travelling to Al Ain on Monday, Al Dhafra on Tuesday and Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, on the eve of the Games.

The Games will feature more than 7,500 athletes representing 192 countries and will be the biggest in the 51 year history of the event.