ATHENS, June 25 -- Greek President Karolos Papoulias officially declared open the Athens 2011 World Summer Special Olympics on Saturday evening in a spectacular ceremony staged at the Panathinaikon Stadium, the venue of the first modern 1896 Olympic Games.
Approximately 7,500 Special Olympics athletes from 183 countries, including 137 Chinese, participate in the Games that will run to July 4 in a string of 30 venues across Athens.
From Sunday they will compete in 22 sports, sending the world the message that persons with mental disabilities can become valuable members of the international community.
Fireworks explode over the sky during the opening ceremony of the Athens 2011 World Summer Special Olympics at the the Panathinaikon Stadium in Athens, early on June 26, 2011. Greek President Karolos Papoulias officially declared open the Athens 2011 World Summer Special Olympics on Saturday evening
The three-hour ceremony won high remarks for a spectacular display of fireworks and the simplicity of music and dance performances inspired by ancient Greek mythology and culture.
They were matched with moving performances by internationally famed artists such as American singer, songwriter, musician and producer Stevie Wonder.
The ceremony started with a music performance of volunteers and Special Olympic athletes using ancient Greek type clay urns as musical instruments.
At the end of the performance they threw them down to the ground "back inside the arms of mother earth" in a symbolic representation of breaking down the walls of prejudice against intellectually disabled people.
Following the delegations' parade applauded by thousands of spectators, Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi in the role of a presenter, welcomed the audience to the historic stadium at the home of one of the most ancient civilizations of the world, beyond China.
"History continues today," she stressed, urging all citizens across the globe to be part of the celebration of an international family, as it happened during the 2007 Shanghai Special Olympics, watching brave athletes compete and show their special talents.
Twelve Special Olympics messengers, including a 20-year-old Chinese girl, briefly narrated their major wins in everyday life activities, such as learning how to cook tasty Chinese dishes or passing a driving license test in the first attempt.
美文赏析:只有疯狂的人才能改变世界
为什么狗爱吃便,原因震惊到我了
体坛英语资讯:Udinese agree deal for Brazilian striker Vizeu - reports
国际英语资讯:Russia celebrates Battle of Stalingrad
国际英语资讯:Feature: Uruguay, China mark 30 years of ties with cultural extravaganza
调价or涨价的英文怎么说?
巴基斯坦对白宫有关避风港的评论表示关切
中央一号文件公布全面部署实施乡村振兴战略
国内英语资讯:Feature: Chinas Hainan lures global travelers with more than beaches
体坛英语资讯:Trump announces presidential delegation to PyeongChang Winter Olympics
为什么你说话没人听?无非就是犯了这七个毛病!
美国最让英国人惊讶的是啥?
体坛英语资讯:Monaco, PSG replicate French League Cup final
体坛英语资讯:Gabigol admits mistakes in Europe, eyes Brazil recall
国际英语资讯:Moscow slams U.S. statements on Russias refusal to cut nuclear capabilities
猫生艰难!英国外交部捕鼠官被“制裁”,或因工作效率变低
体坛英语资讯:Kosovo international Milot Rashica joins Bremen
国内英语资讯:Feature: Chinese drum art troupe enthralls Bangladeshis, enhances cultural ties
密歇根州政府为什么要给一条狗发失业救济金
一欧元就能买套房!天下真有白掉的馅饼?
日本发明“人肉优步” 戴上面具就是替身
体坛英语资讯:Wolfsburg sign Leverkusen striker Mehmedi
国际英语资讯:S. Sudan recalls its ambassador to U.S.
体坛英语资讯:Shanghai SIPG, Tianjin Quanjian into group stage of 2018 AFC Champions League
体坛英语资讯:Athletic Club Bilbao pay club record 32 million euros for Inigo Martinez
国内英语资讯:Xi extends Spring Festival greetings to veterans
川普挑选的驻新加坡大使人选放弃提名
国际英语资讯:Palestine urges U.S. to end use of blackmail, distortion
国际英语资讯:Putin attends 75th Stalingrad battle anniversary celebration
国内英语资讯:China to disclose drinking water safety conditions this year
不限 |
英语教案 |
英语课件 |
英语试题 |
不限 |
不限 |
上册 |
下册 |
不限 |