Athens, 4 October 2023

264 Days before the Games

A DIFFERENT MOMENTOUS S.O. AGREEMENT BETWEEN COSCO AND ATHENS 2011

At the SO Games in China, together with the flag for the Athens 2011 Games, Greece had also received a special promise for support. Exactly three years later, the dream comes true when on Saturday October 2nd, in a festive mood, the COSCO Pacific Limited President and CEO, Captain Wei Jiafu and the O.C. President of the Special Olympics Athens 2011, Ms Joanna Despotopoulou signed a special agreement at the Maxim Palace in the presence of HE the Prime Minister of China, Mr Wen Jiabao and HE the Prime Minister of Greece, George Papandreou.

“Negotiations for this agreement began about two years ago and its successful outcome is due in large part to the discriminating and dynamic ambassador of China, HE Luo Linquan”, the Athens 2011 President noted. She added: “I particularly wish to thank the ambassador for having brought us into close contact with Captain Wei Jiafu, a man who believing in our vision has substantially shown his support for our organisation.”

The donation will cover the cost of 32 thousand full uniforms for all volunteer and staff categories, 17 thousand T-shirts which will be offered to the athletes and their coaches, as well as 600 full uniforms for the members of the Greek Delegation competing in the International Games. The entire kit is to be delivered at the Athens 2011 Uniform and Accreditation Centres in April 2011.

COSCO’s contribution to the Volunteers Programme will also be prominent with the participation of hundreds of Chinese who have unanimously declared: “I’m in!”

The generous material and moral support gives COSCO a choice place among the official sponsors of our organisation.

The Special Olympics World Summer Games ATHENS 2011 will be held between June 25 and July 4, 2011. The Games will count with the participation of 7,500 athletes and 2,500 coaches from 185 countries, 3 thousand technical officials, 40 thousand athlete family members, 25 thousand volunteers. The event will be covered by 3 thousand media agents from all over the world.