From Technolpolis to Acropolis

Friday June 24 (I'm trying to capture each day and will catch up!)

Our 3 teams from route 3 quickly scrambled to back on our bus and were transported to an area called the Technopolis not far from the Acropolis. There we greeted the other teams from routes 1 and 2. We were all back together after 14 days. Story's and laughs were exchanged although different routes and different perspectives many of our reactions and encounters with the Greek communities were similar. With out a doubt, the Greek hospitality and acceptance to us with the Flame of Hope had been outstanding. Everyone had been fed copious amounts of food!!

From here we all, (over 100 of us) began our Torch Run from Technopolis to the Acropolis. On route we had to stop and wait for several of the dignitaries to catch up. As we stood waiting, many high level political officials from all over the world passed us, including Dr. Shriver and his family and Ms Joanna Despotopoutou (she is the president of Special Olympics Greece and has been very significant in making it a success in Greece).

After about an hour we continued up the hill to the Acropolis where everyone was waiting for us. There was so much media, this was almost as big as our Flame Lighting Ceremony on June 9. But more was yet to come on Saturday June 25th.

Several speeches again by Dr. Shriver and Joanna, they didn't disappoint us with their down to earth and entertaining style. Timothy Shriver yelled into the crowd and introduced previous Olympic Gymnast, Nadia Comoneci and Yoa Ming, Houston Rockets player and global ambassador for Special Olympics although he was not hard to miss in the crowd! He is the tallest NBA player, standing a whopping 7' 6".

Some background on other important points to Special Olympics, aside from the above mentioned outside supporters, there are designated Special Olympic Athletes, who have been picked to be International Global Ambassadors to speak at various events. I immediately recognized a young man, Mathew Williams he is from Vancouver and I have heard him speak before and He is very articulate. We had a good chat, it was nice to see another Canadian over here, especially from Vancouver.

After more photos, we all headed back to our mustering point to clean up for a late dinner. But a very important part of our role and mission to running with the Flame to the Acropolis was to safely hand our lanterns to the National Guard for safe keeping overnight, until we could take it to the opening ceremonies on Saturday.

As our day was ending some of us from route 3 were still feeling the effects of our boat experience.