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Iliana Boyanova

With the closing ceremony of the Special Olympics Athens said goodbye to 7000 athletes, coaches and their families from 180 countries. Once again, the organizers reminded the world that Greece remains the cradle of hospitality, culture and hope despite the difficulties. The closing ceremony of Special Olympics was opened by the Mayor of Athens George Kaminis. Then the flag lowering ceremony followed to the sounds of the anthem of the Games.

Artistic and photographic materials with the signature of the choreographer Fokas Evangalinos recreated the main theme ''The story of the child". The child presented as a traveler, bearer of nostalgia and joy was coupled with the role of the mother.

Interesting was the defile of 300 members of delegations of athletes, accompanied by the popular Greek rock band Onirama and the African sounds from the instruments of the international band Batala. The special atmosphere was also due to the participation of the composer Stamatis Kraounakis and the scene with the flying boat of the singer Alkistis Protopsalti. Natassa Mpofiliou performed the song Me Squeeze. Melodies like Zorba by Mikis Theodorakis, Children of Piraeus and Waltz of Lost Dreams by Manos Hadzhigakis were played too.

The ceremony ended with a big party which was attended by a popular girls group from Korea, Mironas Stratis and Eleonora Zouganeli. The hosts of the ceremony were Themis Georgadas and Tallia Prokopiou. The performers with disabilities from the band Aerika attracted the attention with their message of respect for the different around the world.

“Greece can”, said the president of the organizing committee Joanna Despotopoulou. “There are optimism, strength and compassion,” she said and greeted all those who contributed to the success of this major sporting and cultural event. “We are all committed to disadvantaged children,” said in Greek the Chairman of the international movement Special Olympics Timothy Shriver, paying special attention to the work of volunteers.