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Emanuela Karastoyanova

"I want to win. If I fail, however, help me to try with courage!". This were the words from the oath of the athletes of the Special Olympics, which sounded at the OAKA pool in Athens. 2010 athletes from 22 countries gathered at the olympics center to give the official start of the ceremony for the trial Special Olympic Games Athens 2011. The ceremony was attended by athletes from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, America, Spain, Kazakhstan, Canada, China, Korea, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Macau, Britain, Norway, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Russia, Turkey and Finland. The sample games will last from 1.06 to 3.06. and from 14.05. to 17.10. In these two periods 16 sports disciplines will be tested. Here are some of them - swimming, athletics, cycling, basketball, handball, football 5x5, judo, sailing, canoeing, bowling, weightlifting.

 Besides checking the Olympics bases, the sample games are good occasion for the athletes of the Special Olympics to feel from first hand the sports atmosphere, in which they will be competing during the official games in 2011.

In the solemn atmosphere was lighted the "Torch of Hope". It was greeted by the hosts with 50 lighted torches, which formed the "River of Fire". Traditionally, the fire will travel during the 5 continents to return to Athens and be lighted at the Kalimarmaro Stadium. There it will convey the message for the start of the games.

In her speech, with which the President of the Special Olympic for Greece Janna Despotopulu turned to athletes and visitors of the Olympics complex, said: "Let us remember how important it is to give to everybody chance." In that spirit, the athletes and the assembled audience were congratulated by the mayor of Athens Nikita Kaklamanis and the vice president of Special Olympics International, Peter Wheeler.

Attended the ceremony was the composer of the anthem of the Special Olympics Stefanos Korkolis. In the piano accompaniment he officially presented the anthem and movd the guests of the trial games. The surprise of the evening however was a swimming race, which the organizers had prepared. 6 Greek teams competed in 4x50m. freestyle. Even medals were distributed.

 Special Olympics is the biggest sports event for people with mental disabilities. Special Olympics Athens 2011 is organized in honor of their deceased founder Younis Kennedy Shriver, sister of President John Kennedy. Shriver relatives will attend the Games in Athens to honor her memory. Special Olympics Athens 2011 will be held from June 25 to July 4, 2011.