The 13th Special Olympics World Summer Games have begun – with an opening ceremony headlined by Stevie Wonder and actress Vanessa Williams.
The games – the largest sporting event taking place in 2011 – feature about 7,000 athletes from 180 countries. Team GB has sent 213 athletes and coaches to the games, which are being held in Greece. The 3-hour opening ceremony, held at the Panathinaikon Stadium, lasted for 3 hours and was inspired by Greek mythology. Stevie Wonder also performed a 30-minute set that included shout outs to his heroes, to inspire the athletes.
Tim Shriver, Special Olympics CEO, said: “We are happy to be here at a crucial time and bring some light to a very dark time in the country’s long history. Greece did not fail the athletes of Special Olympics and the athletes did not fail Greece.”
