European Commissioner emphasizes common ideals with Special Olympics (left to right) European Commissioner for Health Markos Kyprianou is greeted by Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver as he arrives at the Torch Lighting Ceremony. European Commissioner for Health Markos Kyprianou captured the spirit of the Special Olympics movement from a Europe-wide perspective when he said in his speech: “Special Olympics, with its emphasis on non-discrimination, excellence and fair play, has a hugely important role to play in our sporting culture in Europe…In relation to health in Europe, we aspire to universality, equity and solidarity. I can rephrase this as inclusiveness, partnership and participation by all. To my mind, the Special Olympics movement embodies all these ideals. It involves people with special needs and seeks to promote their health and seeks to promote their health and wellbeing.” Return to main Athens story