The Memorandum of Skiathos island’ s affiliation with the “Host Town” Program of Special Olympics World Summer Games ATHENS 2011 was signed in a Medieval Castle (Bourtzi) of Skiathos by the GOC President Mrs. Joanna Despotopoulou and the Mayor of Skiathos Mr. Nikolaos Plomaritis, during a ceremony attended by hundreds of citizens and visitors, as well as two major cinema stars.

Skiathos will host the 230-member British delegation and for that reason the Ambassador of the U.K. to Athens, Mr. David Landsman, was present at the ceremony. During his speech he hailed the generous support of the citizens of Skiathos, of the Skiathos Municipality as well as of the SANTICOS HOTELS, who generously offer free accommodation and meals for the athletes.

The Ceremony was attended by the Representative of the Prime Minister and the Government, General Secretary of Youth, Mr. Giannis Livanos, Members of Parliament Messrs. K. Kartalis and P. Markakis, the Honorary President of Special Olympics Hellas Mr. A. Potamianos, Prefecture and Municipality’ counselors, Special Olympics’ athletes, pupils and students of Skiathos, as well as representatives of the Church, the Army, the Harbor Authorities and the Police.

The presence of Special Olympics’ supporters, famous actors Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, at the Ceremony was a big surprise for everybody. The two stars, who have appeared in various successful films in cinema history, have said that next year they will attend the Games, along with other colleagues, ready to applaud and encourage the 7500 athletes from 185 countries participating in the Games. They also invited all of the Greek people to say loud “I ‘m In!”

GOC President Mrs. Joanna Despotopoulou awarded the Highest Honorary Distinction of Special Olympics to the Mayor of Skiathos Mr. Nikolaos Plomaritis and to the President of the Local Organizing Committee Mrs. Vicky Santikou for their excellent services and the campaign they have launched, inviting the islanders to welcome as Volunteers of the Games the athletes and contribute to the events, held in their honor.