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Special Olympics World Summer Games ATHENS 2011
	Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens 2011Opening Ceremony, Saturday June 25, 2011 Kallimarmaro Panathinako Stadium Doors open  17:30 Opening Ceremony  20:00 Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens 2011 Closing Ceremony Monday July 4, 2011 Kallimarmaro Panathinako Stadium Doors  open  17:30 Closing  Ceremony  20:30
On the evening of the 25th of June, the hearts of the Greek people will beat as one at the Kallimarmaron Panathenaikon Stadium! The Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Summer Games ATHENS 2011 will signal the beginning of the greatest athletic, cultural, educational and humanistic event of 2011, whereas on the evening of the 4th of July, 10 days later, we will celebrate one last time. The feeling of satisfaction born by the completion of an important mission will meet with the smile of hope and optimism for the future. The emotion of the Closing Ceremony will bring to life once again the Kallimarmaron Panathenaikon Stadium. Not only Athens, but the whole of Greece will spread the global message of peace, respect of being different, acceptance, social inclusion and equality. With these principles as our guide, Creative Director Fokas Evangelinos will present a spectacle of great aesthetic and artistic value, using globally recognized symbolism.  He will be collaborating with renowned Greek and International artists: Stephanos Korkolis as Composer, Stage Designer Elias Ledakis and Costume Designer Ellie Papageorgakopoulou. Join the 25,000 volunteers,  2,500 coaches,  2,000 judges,  40,000 friends and family of the athletes but above all join the 7,000 athletes who will parade with pride and joy. Join us in applauding the strength of will power, the decisiveness and courage of the world’s most distinguished athletes: the athletes of the Special Olympics. Join us in showing the world that the Greeks are successful in achieving their goals. Join a Wonderful Winning World.