Giving hope light – Special Olympics Torch Run in Brussels, 14 September

For once we will not talk about the latest EU regulatory developments…but about a very special initiative that will ‘arrive’ in Brussels next week. To herald the opening of 2010 Special Olympics European Games, which will take place in Warsaw staring on 18 September, athletes and partners are carrying the Flame of Hope in a series of relays through eight European countries. On Tuesday 14 September the torch will be in Brussels for the Belgian leg of its tour and, as supporter of this initiative,  Fleishman-Hillard would like to invite you in participating to the Special Olympics Torch Run.

Founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968, the Special Olympics aims at empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to enjoy a series of sports training and competition around the world. There are approximately 26.5 million people with an intellectual disability living in the Europe/Eurasia region and the association is very active in promoting the cause with events like the European Games, the Torch Run and the Special Olympics Youth United Football Development Project.

The European Institutions have showed their support and President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy, European Commissioner of Education, Culture and Youth Androulla Vassiliou and President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek will welcome the Special Olympics torch during a short ceremony, which will take place next Tuesday from 13h15 on the Esplanade in front of the European Parliament. Speeches will be followed by a buffet with music and animation on the Esplanade.

If you want to have a chance to run with Belgian sport celebrities, the celebration will start on Tuesday morning with a symbolic mini relay at  Mini-Europe (Bruparck) at 10h00 before the run throughout Brussels kicks off.

See you next Tuesday!

Caterina