The Flame of Hope torch lighting ceremony in Athens, Greece. All photos courtesy Special Olympics World Games
Special Olympics Hellas athletes transferring the Flame of Hope during the Torch Run through Athens.
Ambassador Dionyssios Kodellas, President of Special Olympics Hellas addresses attendees at the Flame of Hope torch lighting ceremony.
Iliana Symeonidou, High Priestess and Special Olympics Hellas athlete lighting the cauldron.
David Evangelista, President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe-Eurasia, Michelle Kwan, figure skating champion, Marianna V Vardinogiannis, Unesco Goodwill Ambassador and President of ELPIDA Foundation, and Ambassador Dionyssios Kodellas.
Michelle Kwan is introduced during the ceremony.
Iliana Symeonidou, High Priestess and Special Olympics Hellas athlete pictured with Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Managing Director of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.
Priestesses pictured during the ceremony.
Priestesses pictured during the Flame of Hope Torch Lighting ceremony.
Torch Run through Athens, Greece which followed the Torch Lighting Ceremony at the Zappeion Palace on 27 February 2019. The flame was welcomed at the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy in Athens and will now be transported to Abu Dhabi by members of the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics – the Guardians of the Flame – ahead of the Games which kick off on 14 March 2019. Over 7,500 athletes from over 190 countries will compete in the Special Olympics World Games from 14 to 21 March 2019.
The ceremony.
The ceremony.
Special Olympics volunteers and attendees pictured at the Flame of Hope torch lighting ceremony in Athens.
