Dear friends,

With the support of the Greek State, we succeeded in winning the bid to organize and host the 13th Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, from June 20th to July 4th, 2011.

Athletes with intellectual disabilities and their coaches, representing 170 programs from around the world, travelled to Greece in order to experience participation in sports in the birthplace of the Ancient and Modern Olympic Games. Along with them, technical officials, family members, honorable guests, community and state leaders, administrators, local spectators, staff and volunteers of the Organizing Committee and SOI had the opportunity to celebrate the triumph of the spirit and willpower. They took part in very special moments of success and admired the skills and accomplishments of our special athletes. We tried to create an environment of respect and acceptance for all.

I would like to thank all of you, on behalf of the staff and volunteers who have worked very hard in order to prepare the sports competition and venues, as well as all of the services provided for our athletes and guests.

Our mission was to deliver a multi-sport event of high standards and provide 7,000 athletes of the 22 Olympic–type sports the opportunity to experience innovative and memorable Olympic-type operations and services. With an excellent team of world class event management professionals, with high quality sport venues and fields of play - a legacy of the 2004 Olympics, with most of the 22 sports concentrated in three major Olympic complexes, with each sport organized in one single venue, we aimed to make these Games a unique experience for our athletes and guests.

We would really like to thank you for attending the Games and we hope that you all had an unforgettable journey in the wonderful winning world.

Makis Asimakopoulos, Ph.D.
Head of Sports and Venues