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Special Olympics World Summer Games 2011 torch
Copyright Special Olympics World Summer Games ATHENS 2011
Simple and unadorned, and fully representative of the Special Olympics movement, the torch of the 2011 World Summer Games is something unique. It was created by Yorgos Papalexis of Zolotas Jewelers in charcoal and gold, standing 45cm tall and weighing 1,450 grams. The torch will carry the Flame of Hope during the torch-run which will end at the Olympic Stadium in Athens on 25 June 2011, at the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Summer Games. The lighting of the Flame of Hope will take place at the sacred hill of Pnyx on 9 June 2011 from where the torch-run will begin towards its first stop, Istanbul.
During the presentation of the torch, Athens 2011 Organizing Committee President Mrs. Despotopoulou noted in her speech: “It is a torch which will carry messages of co-existence, love and solidarity".
Yorgos Papalexis, the creator of the torch, detailed the sources of his inspiration and added: "I would like to thank Special Olympics for giving us the opportunity to create a torch/ jewel, as we at Zolotas Jewelers like to call it. It’s the first time we’ ve ever done something like this. The torch carries the message of the cessation of hostilities. We chose the meander, the ancient symbol of infinity, of eternal life. It also carries the symbolism of Chiron’s hold, the eternal symbol of victory over the unachievable, an apt concept for these unique Games that will take place in Athens. We were also inspired by the column of the Ionic order. So we combined the meander and the Ionic column with the color of charcoal and gold".
Zolotas Jewelers will offer 40 torches to the Organizing Committee of Special Olympics ATHENS 2011 to cover the needs of the torch-run.
