Insurance broker Gallagher has congratulated the Australian athletes who competed in the 2019 Special Olympics World Games held in Abu Dhabi in the Arab Emirates.

Gallagher takes care of the insurance needs of Special Olympics Australia. In the United States, the company also raised US$30,000 to allow five US athletes to compete in the games.

The event brought together more than 7,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities from 190-plus countries in a bid to foster a more understanding and inclusive world.

It involved 105 Australian athletes who competed across 11 sports: athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, equestrian, football, golf, gymnastics, sailing, swimming, and tennis, with the support of 35 volunteer officials.

“Congratulations to the winners and to all of Team Australia who have risen above personal challenges to represent our country,” said Steve Van Leeuwen, Gallagher Australia’s national head of sport. “Gallagher is proud to be associated with you and with this event.”

The Australian team brought home 42 gold, 44 silver, and 55 bronze medals.