...

On Tuesday the 16th of February, during a warm and inspiring ceremony at the Athens City Hall was signed the Memorandum of Cooperation between the City of Athens and GOC. The ceremony was followed by the Special Olympics flag raising, next to the flag of the City of Athens that from now on will be visible to all the citizens and visitors of Athens.

The Mayor of Athens mentioned in his speech: “The idea of Special Olympics brings more meaning to all human values, the civic engagement and the spirit of giving. It is a great opportunity to be reminded that volunteerism, is the safest way to a more human and giving society. The Special Olympics Games that will take place in Athens in 2011 will be an excellent opportunity to spread the awareness for people with intellectual disability and their right to live their lives with dignity and quality.

The collaboration document includes:

• The use of the Ag. Andreas property –at no cost for the GOC- as part of the Special Olympic Village. The Village can accommodate 1200 athletes and escorts and, is fully equipped with restaurants , laundry services, medical station, cinema etc,

• The collaboration of the municipality of Athens , to promote the Special Olympics image through the “look of town” :

o Placement of link banner of the Athens 2011 countdown to the games, at the www.breathtakingathens .com.

o Provide photographic material

o Concession of Points in the City (Bus stops, advertising towers)to promote Athens 2011

o Concession of one Central point in Athens to place a countdown mechanism for the Games

o Installation of screens in central points in Athens during the Games , to broadcast the Games (depending on the GOC)

o Concession of major points for advertising banners of Athens 2011(look for torch run and the Games from April 1st –July 5th 2011

• Placement of info booths to the Historic Center of the City to promote and give information for the Games

• Promote the Volunteer program to the Citizens of Athens through media, website, events form March 2010-June 2011.

• The joint organization of events at the TECHNOPOLIS, Syntagma Square and, Kotzia Square, in available dates, to promote Athens 2011.

• The collaboration with Athens 9,84 radio station , to promote the Games and the goals of GOC.

• Provide all the workforce that is necessary (cleaning, installation) for the preparation of the look of the town (Flags, banners)

• The municipality of Athens will host 100 athletes during the “Host Town program”

• The collaboration with the municipal police to ensure the safety and order during the Games.

• GOC promotes with all available means the collaboration with the Municipality (Good Will ambassadors, Media, TV spots, Leaflets, brochures, banners, events, press releases, Look of the Town etc).

The Ceremony was attended by the Secretary General for Sports Mr.Panos Bitsaksis, the President of the International Olympic Academy, Members of the Greek Parliament, Representatives of all political parties, Members of the business & intellectual society and 120 Special Olympics Athletes.

Dr. Timothy P. Shriver, Chairman of SOI, sent an inspiring , special message for the occasion to all the guests and the citizens of Athens, that was read during the ceremony.