The 'Flame of Hope' for the 8th Special Olympics World Winter Games that will take place in Nagano, Japan from February 25 to March 6 was lit at Zappeion Hall in Athens on Tuesday, with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos attending.

The torch-lighting ceremony was also attended by members of government, including Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis, Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia, Deputy Sports Minister George Orfanos and Deputy Health Minister Thanassis Yiannopoulos.

Among the ranks of the officials at the event were Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis, Special Olympics International Chairman and CEO Timothy Shriver, the head of the Nagano Games organizing committee Hideo Morita and the chairwoman of Special Olympics Hellas, Gianna Despotopoulou.

Over 2.500 athletes from 80 countries will be participating in the Nagano Special Olympics World Winter Games. Greece will be sending a team of 45 athletes, who will compete in four events: Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and speed skating.

Source: Athens News Agency

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