Head of Delegation Manual - Special Olympics

SOWSG ATHENS 2011 HOD Manual – 2 nd edition
Olympics World Summer Games ATHENS 2011, aims to convey the message of joy
and optimism towards all athletes and welcome them to Greece with a big warm
hug.
In the Olympic Games, Apollon, as the god of the Sun, is present only in the Torch
lighting ceremony after being called by the High Priestess. In the Special Olympics of
Athens, Apollon will be present, spreading its light to all our athletes, while they are
competing in the sports fields, by keeping the Flame of Hope alight.
The Slogan
The slogan “I’m in” delivers a dynamic message,
which reflects the significance of participation. It is an
inspiration, an incentive, an impulse for all of us,
volunteers, athletes and guests, as well as the general
public, to endorse the values of the Special Olympics
Movement.
At the same time, the slogan invites us all to embrace
these, truly unique, Games that constitute the biggest
international humanitarian, sporting event, hosted by
our country in the year 2011.
The slogan is in perfect harmony with the Hellenic
philosophy and culture, as we Greeks, as a nation,
always rally round for a greater common cause.
1.2 Greece and Athens
Greece is located in south-eastern Europe. It has a population of 11,262,000 people.
Greece, a Presidential, Parliamentary Democracy, acceded to the European Union in
1981. Athens is located in the Attica prefecture, in particular in the Attica basin,
which is encompassed by Mount Aegaleo, Mount Parnitha, Mount Penteli and Mount
Hymettos. Athens, its suburbs and the neighboring town of Piraeus constitute an
urban entity (greater urban complex of the capital) with a population of about four
million residents.
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