Opening Cermonies The Special Olympics "Flame of Hope" ignites the cauldron, which will stay lit throughout the Youth Games. (All photos by Adam Nurkiewicz) The Opening Ceremonies of the first Special Olympics European Youth Games was a heady mix of Renaissance art, the beat of today’s pop culture, and the warmth and hospitality of the Italian people. Popular television hosts Yuri Keki and Paola Saluzzi and Special Olympics Italy athletes Serena Silvi and Alfredo Scarlatai were presenters during the two-hour extravaganza that was held at the Stadio dei Marmi in Rome on 30 September. More than 3,000 spectators, including dignitaries, family members and supporters from Italy and Europe were in the stadium to welcome the 1,400 young athletes from 57 countries in Europe and Eurasia who were taking part in the Youth Games. Angelo Moratti, Chairman of Special Olympics Italy, member of the Games Organizing Board, and a Special Olympics International Board Member, and Special Olympics Italy athlete Matteo Ambrosini together welcome delegations to the Games. The event was filmed live on RAI SAT, reaching millions of television viewers in Italy and abroad. During the Special Olympics Parade of Athletes, each delegation was accompanied by a mayor from one of the 39 Host Towns in the Lazio Region or well-known Italians from the entertainment and sports world. (In the Special Olympics Host Town program, local towns open their doors to delegations from across the region prior to the Games, housing the team and providing sporting facilities for athletes to train.) The Mayor of Rome, Walter Veltroni, welcomed Special Olympics delegations, saying: “Rome is proud to welcome you because you are the most beautiful children and the best athletes in the world and you are showing the world how it can be united.”  Giulia Rodano, Regional Head of Culture, Sport and Entertainment, and Mario Baccini, Vice President of the Senate, also welcomed athletes. Angelo Moratti, Chairman of Special Olympics Italy, member of the Games Organizing Board, and a Special Olympics International Board Member, stood side-by-side with Special Olympics Italy athlete Matteo Ambrosini as they extended their words of welcome. “The Youth Games overcome borders and differences and celebrate sport and life,” Moratti said. Special Olympics Great Britain, one of 57 delegations representing 57 countries in the Europe/Eurasia region, enters the Stadio dei Marmi in Rome. Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver said in his remarks to the audience: “We are gathered here because we believe in creating a more harmonious Europe – a place where every person, regardless of their ability or disability, is accepted and welcomed into the fabric of life. Over the past few years, the Special Olympics movement has won the support and leadership of distinguished leaders throughout this great continent and tonight their work has a new symbol. It is you – the athletes here – well trained, well-prepared and triumphant!” The Special Olympics Oath was recited by Ilario Grosso (Italy) and Martina Roslund (Sweden). The Special Olympics flag was carried by four athletes: Sabrina Marini (Italy), Pietro Bocale (Italy), Cholponkbek Kyzy Asel (Kyrgyz Republic), Natalie Hauptmann (Germany), Antonio Murgese (Italy) and Sonja Sech (Italy). Throughout the Opening Ceremonies, a spectatular show produced by Italian production company Studio Festi enthralled the audience. The Special Olympics Torch, created by fashion designer and Special Olympics supporter Giorgio Armani, and escorted by a police motorcade, was carried around the stadium by four Italian athletes: Vito Calabrese (Italy), Roberto Pungelli (Italy), Gigel Hancu (Romania) and Jonathan Riggans (Great Britain), who were joined by Olympic fencing champion Stefano Pantano. International law enforcement officers who had run through the Lazio Region from 26-29 September stood at attention and saluted as the cauldron was lit. The Games were officially opened by Giovanna Melandri, Minister of Sports. The Ceremonies ended with a spectacular fireworks display coordinated to music. Italian production company Studio Festi was tasked with ensuring that the entire evening was a memorable experience for everyone, whether they were in the stadium or watching on television. Broadcast and print journalists from Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg and Romania were among the media covering the Games.