The Special Olympics in Dublin will play a major role in helping to change attitudes towards people with learning disabilities, the president of the games, Dr Timothy P. Shriver, said yesterday.
Speaking at the lighting of the Olympic flame in Athens, he said the event would provide fans with a life-changing opportunity to see disabled people perform at their best.
This, he said, was a dramatic demonstration of our need and responsibility to include all of our citizens in productive society.
"When the flame arrives in Dublin it will be a symbol not only of hope, but also of acceptance; not only of the games, but also of a movement committed to changing the attitudes of the 6 billion people on earth; not only a symbol of human spirit, but also a symbol of the human longing to score goals and win," he said.
With just 16 days to go before the games begin, the director of the Special Olympics, Ms Mary Davis, said yesterday's event effectively signalled the start of the games.
"It's so close now that we just want it to start. Up until now it's been heads down, and work, work, work. It's great being here and it gives you that burst of excitement. We will go back now and put the finishing touches to the games. Then all we'll have to worry about is the weather!" she said.
The Minister for Arts, Tourism and Sport, Mr O'Donoghue, told delegates that host towns were ready to accept the athletes and celebrate the beginning of the games.
"Just as the people of Athens have extended a warm welcome to guests from all over the world, it will be the turn of the people of Ireland to extend the hand of friendship to the 160 international delegations and thousands of athletes, coaches, families and friends coming to Ireland for the biggest sporting and cultural event this year," he said.
The dignitaries were welcomed to Athens by the Greek President, Mr Konstantinos Stefanopoulos. The chairman of the Special Olympics Greece, Mr Andreas Potamiamos, thanked the organisers and Irish officials for their support.
The Mayor of Athens, Mrs Dora Bakogianni, said the Dublin games would be a "deeply moving" event and could teach ordinary people about the importance of the strength of spirit.
