Special Olympics Athens 2011

“Let me win!
But if I cannot win
Let me be brave in the attempt!”

The first ever International Special Olympics Summer Games took place in Chicago on July 1968, with 1.000 athletes, from 26 US states and Canada, competing in athletics, field hockey and aquatics and this is when the above oath was first created and heard. Ever since, the Special Olympics are held every two years, in two sessions –summer and Winter-, for people with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics Hellas is a non-profit, sports and educational association, which was found in 1987, aiming to integrate Greeks in the Global Movement of Special Olympics. This admirable association is simultaneously making every effort possible to inspire Greeks to respect the diversity of people with disabilities of any kind, their special needs and hopes, as equal members of the society.

Greek Olympic Stadium

So far, Special Olympics Hellas has offered participation in twenty-four Olympic-type sports:

• Athletics
• Swimming
• Artistic Gymnastics
• Rhythmic Gymnastics
• Basketball
• Tennis
• Football
• Volleyball
• Equestrian
• Table Tennis
• Bowling
• Canoe-Kayaking
• Cycling
• Weightlifting
• Golf
• Judo
• Handball
• Sailing

Finally, there are also four winter sports:

• Alpine Skiing
• Cross Country Skiing
• Ice Skating
• Snow Shoeing

The Summer Special Olympics of 2011 will be held in Greece between June 25th and July 4th. This is a major international event and a great honor for Greece. There will be 10.000 athletes from 185 countries, participating in 22 Olympic-type sports. This year’s mascot is Apollon, who illustrates Sun, as a symbol of joy, hope and optimism.

The use of Kallimarmaro Panathinaiko Stadium was granted by the Central Archeological Council for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games. During the meeting between the Council and the Organizational Committee of the Games, it was decided that during the ceremonies, among others, there will be 4 aerial constructions with electromechanical movement, which will attempt to breathe life into a tale inspired by Odyssey. Cyclop Polyphemos, Sirens, Poseidon and the Sun’s chariot will aim to pleasantly surprise the spectators and the kids. They will also aim to give joy and courage to the young athletes.

Kallimarmaro Panathinaiko Stadium

The creative idea, planning and implementation of the ceremonies was undertaken by the artistic team of Fokas Evaggelinos (a famous Greek choreographer), who was the winner of the relevant open competition, which was organized by the Games’ Committee. Renowned artists, composers, costumes and stage designers, as well as copywriters will participate in the entire process.

Before the official opening ceremony in Athens, the international delegations will be hosted for 4 days (between June 20th and June 24th) in all the 13 administrative regions of Greece, within the framework of the project “Host Town”. All the athletes will have the unique chance to live in various cities and islands, adjust to the new environment and of course through a series of athletic, cultural and artistic events, get to know this country’s traditions and customs, but also to prep for the Games. As it’s easily understandable, this is not a lovely process just for the athletes, but also for the local communities.

So, let’s all embrace this amazing event called “Special Olympics” and show these brave, strong, courageous young athletes that we support their effort a 100%!