A Chinese sports delegation, consisting of 155 athletes and coaches, departed from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on March 8 for the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games.

The sporting event for athletes with mental disabilities will take place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from March 14 to 21.

Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to China, offers some encouraging words to Chinese athletes on March 8. [Photo/Xinhua]

Over 100 athletes will participate in 10 major events, including track and field, table tennis, swimming, badminton, gymnastics, and weightlifting.

The Baiyun border inspection station opened a special channel and provided the delegation with guidance and help so they could pass inspection quickly.

The delegation made a public appearance in Guangzhou and attended a small ceremony celebrating the team's departure to the 2019 Special Olympics. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the People's Republic of China, was present at the ceremony.

Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri plays table tennis with a young Chinese athlete. [Photo/Xinhua]

The UAE Ambassador delivers a speech at a ceremony marking the Chinese delegation's departure to the 2019 Special Olympics. [Photo/Xinhua]