Special Olympics athletes share task and sense of purpose (left-right) Special Olympics athletes Xu Chuang and Yannis Stratigopoulos at the Panathinaikon Stadium. Xu Chuang, 21, and Yannis Stratigopoulos, 27, were among the Special Olympics athletes who carried the Torch, with its distinct Chinese motive, on 29 June. Xu, who is from Shanghai, said: “I am very excited to be here because I know how important the Flame is to Athens. I am very proud to be part of this event. I hope the Games in China will be a success.” Stratigopoulos, who is from Athens, shared Xu's sense of pride. “I am happy I had the chance to light the Flame in such a sacred place today. I know it is going around the world to other Special Olympics athletes and their families.” Stratigopoulos said he is looking forward to visiting Xu's hometown in October when he competes in Aquatics at the World Games. Return to main Athens story