Athens signs MoC with Special Olympics 2011 organising com’t

Τhe City of Athens and the Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens 2011 οrganising committee on Tuesday signed a MoC during a ceremony at city hall.
“The idea of the Special Olympics lends meaning and substance to universal values which have been more or less forgotten, such as social solidarity, social contribution and showing love for your fellow human being. For this reason, our meeting here today and the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation not only has a practical function, but is a symbolic act,” Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis said during the special ceremony held in the Democracy hall (foto).
Athens 2011 organising committee chairwoman Joanna Despotopoulou commended Kaklamanis’ contribution to the joint goal of staging successful Games and noted that preparations are underway to host 10,000 athletes from 185 countries in Athens, together with coaches, families, officials and prominent personalities who will participate in the World Games.
“We are truly grateful as the economic situation and innumerable problems deprive us of the ability to reach out with optimism to inspire Greek citizens, to mobilize the business community, to raise awareness among the major public welfare institutions so that they can join us in this major humanitarian, cultural, educational and sporting event that Athens will host in 2011,” she said.
(source: ana-mpa)