Athens, 6 September 2023

292 Days to the Games

THE TORCH HAS SET OFF FROM FERRES FOR POLAND AND THE EUROPEAN SPECIAL OLYMPICS

The bells of the Monastery of the Panagia Kosmosoteira rang out in celebration. The doves that soared into the skies above Evros bore the message of Faith, Love and Hope to the four corners of the world. The Torch for the Special Olympics Europe, which are to be held in Warsaw, Poland, between September 18-24, was lit in Ferres in the prefecture of Evros in the crypt of a monastery which symbolizes the art and culture of Byzantine Thrace.

The torch has embarked on its long journey, sent on its way by Greek and Polish dignitaries: representatives of the two nations’ governments, local leaders and the people of Evros who have embraced the event and the young men and women of the Special Olympics Hellas team who played the lead role in this simple but moving event packed full of symbolic meanings and messages.

“May the city of Ferres and the Panagia Kosmosoteira always serve as the starting point for the torch of the European Special Olympics.” So said the Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia, Mrs Mary Davis, visibly moved.

“There is something clearly symbolic in the Torch of Trust, Love and Hope beginning its journey here at the gateway to Europe”, stressed the President of Special Olympics Hellas, Mrs Joanna Despotopoulou. She went on to note: “Drawing strength and inspiration on a daily basis from the special athletes and special people with whom we work on a daily basis, we know that every competition is a victory in itself. The effort, which takes faith and courage, is enough in itself to move us and earn our admiration and respect. We all hope and pray that the Torch will also bring something of the warmth and sunlight that ignited it to the hearts of all those who encounter it on its way from one end of Europe to the other; that it will help them realize that, however different we may all be, we remain equals. Equally worthy of love and optimism, of hope and respect, of the same rights to life and to happiness”. Mrs Despotopoulou ended her speech thus: “If I could capture in words the emotions running through me as I gaze upon the Torch flickering in the Thracian wind, I would say just this: ‘Bon voyage, Torch! Bear something of the expectation of magic at the European Special Olympics WARSAW 2010 to the people that you meet, along with the hope the Games represent. Touch their hearts. Show them how beautiful it is to be there, in body, mind and soul!’”.

The address by Metropolitan Anthimos of Alexandroupolis, Trainoupolis and Samothrace was as inspirational: “The Christian Fathers of the Orthodox East have managed to lead their children, to the Special Olympics. Let these, our children, bestow on us the splendor of the flame of faith, love and hope. For our Planet need it now more than ever”.

The Greek Government and Prime Minister were represented by the Minister for Education, Lifelong Learning and Religious Affairs, Mr Giannis Panaretos: “The Prime Minister puts the Special Olympics very high on his list of priorities. And the Games truly are an important event, especially in the messages they send out. The country is going through a very difficult period, and the people in positions of responsibility would do well to heed the example set by events such as these. Personally speaking, I have taken something from the smile of these joyful children who are interested in what they are doing and happy to be doing it”.

The General Secretary for Sports, Mr Panayiotis Bitsaxis, in his address stressed that: “The Special Olympics are a platform linking two worlds that can function together. Our own world, supposedly a world full of possibilities but also full of drawbacks, and the world of innocent guileless children. And just as they have something to win from their contribution to the games, so have we”.

The Prefect of the Evros Region, Mr Nikos Zambounidis, stated that: “Our Evros Region, Thrace, and all of Greece, is aware of the tribute conferred on us and we feel deeply honoured at being chosen as the epicentre for this international celebration of athletic, cultural, religious and humanitarian dimensions. I suggest –and believe- that Our Lady of Thrace may become an undying world-wide symbol, a monument to Culture and Humanity, in such a way that the Special Olympics Sacred Torch lit here may spread out to the entire world”.

The Mayor of Alexandropoulis, Mr Giorgos Alexandris, declared that: “Once again willpower and perseverance have proven they can achieve the highest goals. It is imperative that the message we send be that of a democratic and sensitive society, one that respects differences, one that provides equal chances to all its members and gives them the means to contribute to and strive for a common good”.

The Mayor of Feres, Mr Giorgos Oustoglou, summoned us to “become part of the wonderful world of the victors of life and work towards having the Special Olympics Torch carry an inestimable message of human perseverance and respect for all human beings into every corner of Europe. Let us all join our voices to shout I AM IN”. Mr Oustoglou officially handed over the key of the city of Feres to Mrs Desmotopoulou on whom he conferred Honourable Citizenship.

The Parliament of Poland was represented by Ms Joana Mucha who declared: “Thank you very much for all you are doing. Poland feels honoured at receiving the Torch. My compatriots will receive all your messages. I hope we will be up to the Greek standards of organisation.”

The Torch was lit by Bishop Anthimos of Alexandroupolis, Treanoupolis and Samothrace, using, as is traditional, the inextinguishable sacred flame from the monastery of Our Lady of Kosmosoteira. He handed the torch to Maria Kotti, the head priestess. The young athlete, together with other Hellas Special Olympics priestesses, in turn handed the torch over to athletes Anastasia Kavakliki and Polish Moltko Malek. As the ritual took place, the altar was lit under the warm applause of all those present who assisted in such large numbers as to overflow the monastery grounds. The Torch Relay had just begun. The Torch was passed on to Mr Jacek Hachluski, head of the special section of European Police Forces who are the keepers of the Torch and its symbol and accompany the athletes-Torch bearers on their journey. Next stop was the Town Hall of Feres and then the Evros River Delta where the Torch bearers and local athletes of the municipality climbed into boats to tour and enjoy the magical scenery.

This first section of the Torch Relay ended at the Faros Square of Alexandroupolis where a ceremony was held in the evening to receive the Torch and light the Altar. The Torch will continue on its journey through seven European cities, Istanbul, Ljubljana, Lisbon, Luxembourg, Paris, London, Brussels to finally arrive in Warsaw. On 14 September 115 Torch Guards and Special Olympics athletes will welcome the Torch. For the following three days the Torch will go through 56 cities of the host country. On 18 September the Altar of the Legia stadium will be lit thereby announcing the Opening of the 2010 Special Olympics European Games.

The Games count with the presence of 1,600 athletes, 600 coaches, 2,000 volunteers and 25,000 family members from 57 European countries. Greece will take part with 90 athletes competing in 8 sports.