Spectators' Guide - Special Olympics

Welcome to Athens and to the wonderful world of the winners. A
world of sincere, honest smiles, genuine compassion and gentle rivalry,
without fanatic extremes, deceptive star system and antagonism. This is
the world of Special Olympics.
“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt” is the
oath of the Special Olympics athletes. These 15 words condense the
meaning of these unique athletes’ effort through their involvement in
sports, in order to achieve self-confidence, respect for their diversity
and an equal position in society.
Since 1962 when Eunice Kennedy Shriver organized the first summer
camp for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, and until
today, this worldwide movement embraces more than 3.7 million athletes in 185 countries
globally; it is this vision that inspires, energizes and guides their efforts. The vision of a society
that prefers to embrace than to exclude, and to integrate rather than isolate.
The ATHENS 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games is a milestone in the evolution
of the Special Olympics worldwide movement. Here in Athens, the birthplace of logic,
myths, democracy and art, this movement meets with the immortalprinciples of Olympism; its
contemporary humanitarian spirit blends with “the true, the beautiful and the good”..
The Flame of Hope was lit on the holy hill of Pnyx by the life giving sun and has travelled since
to continents and numerous cities in Greece. Today, the Flame of Hope will light the cauldron
of the Games at the Kallimarmaron Panathinaikon Stadium, and it will give to our souls and
minds the glow, warmth and humanity of the sun. It will disperse any introversion, ignorance
and alienation, and it will mark the beginning of the biggest worldwide sports, educational and
cultural event in 2011.
Since February 14 th , 2008, when Special Olympics International entrusted the 2011 Games
in Greece, we have worked hard and methodically. And today, we are as ready to welcome
and host, according to Greek tradition, 7.000 great athletes from 175 countries around the
world, 2.000 coaches, 1.100 judges and referees, 3.000 representatives of the press and
mass media, thousands family members of the athletes, and officials of the worldwide Special
Olympics movement who have come to Greece to participate in this celebration of life.
Looking back on this long journey, we can only feel joy, awe and pride. We are assured that
each small step was worth the effort and time needed to occur.
Let us all feel the meaning of this moment. Let the noble efforts of the Special Olympics’ athletes
inspire you by inner strength that makes them shine bright. Look into their eyes. Feel the thrill their
effort emits. Share their joy. Say too, “I’m in!” and keep a special place in your hearts, even
when the lights of this celebration are off.
Joanna Despotopoulou
Organizing Committee President
ATHENS 2011