DHL, the world’s leading express and logistics company, today announced it will carry the “Flame of Hope” through Egypt for the Torch Run on 2 July, as part of its global partnership with Special Olympics International to provide logistics support.
The partnership between DHL and Special Olympics marks the first time that the “Flame of Hope,” which is traditionally carried by law enforcement personnel and Special Olympics athletes, will be transported globally prior to reaching the Opening Ceremony of the 2007 World Summer Games on 2 October 2007.
The 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai will host 7,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities from more than 160 countries and regions. The Torch Run is Special Olympics’ largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle, with the objective of showcasing the unification of society and the inclusive nature of Special Olympics.
For more than 25 years, the “Flame of Hope,” which symbolises the courage and celebrates the diversity represented by the Special Olympics movement, has been traditionally lit in Athens, Greece, and for the 2007 Law Enforcement Torch Run®, the “Flame of Hope” was lit on 29 June on the Sacred Site of Pnyx (facing the Acropolis of Athens), marking the beginning of the Torch Run before it moved on to Egypt.
Egypt is one of just 10 countries selected across the world, and the only one in the MENA region, to host the Torch Run. On 2 July the torch will arrive in Egypt and be delivered by the Special Olympics committee and DHL to the Governor of Alexandria who will pass the torch on to an Egyptian Special Olympics Athlete and a Chinese Special Olympics Athlete, who will together light the “Flame of Hope”. There will follow a full day of excitement as the Torch Run commences via the Citadel in Alexandria over to Cairo, passing by the Pyramids and on to a Gala Dinner, hosted by Egypt’s First Lady and Honorary Chairperson of the Special Olympics, Mrs Suzanne Mubarak.
Bernard Pascal, DHL Country Manager for Egypt commented: “We are proud to bring the “Flame of Hope” to Egypt. DHL’s sponsorship endorses Special Olympics as the catalyst for social change by promoting fair opportunities and supporting diversity, which is part of our corporate values. We hope to reinforce the spirit of determination, mental endurance and physical stamina among individuals, including our staff.”
After Egypt the torch will then travel around the world for three months before arriving in China for the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games, where it will be used to ignite the giant Special Olympics Cauldron at the Opening Ceremony. DHL will leverage its network of hubs and gateways to move the “Flame of Hope” across these cities using a combination of cargo planes and DHL vehicles or boats to ceremony locations in each host city.
Dr. Derong Shi, Deputy Secretary General, 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games Steering Committee, said: “Through the partnership with DHL, the Law Enforcement Torch Run will be able to raise awareness for the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games among a global audience and deliver the Special Olympics spirit of ‘equality, inclusion and acceptance’ around the world.”
After the World Summer Games in Shanghai, the 2007 flame will reside at DHL headquarters in tribute to the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games. In 2009, the “Flame of Hope” will again be lit in Athens and make its voyage by DHL across the globe to the 2009 Special Olympics Winter Games in Idaho.
DHL is a Global Supporter of Special Olympics International and will also deliver equipment for the Opening Ceremony. Moving the “Flame of Hope” for Special Olympics and providing logistics support to Special Olympics is another of DHL’s contributions to sports.
About DHL
DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specializing in providing innovative and customised solutions from a single source.
DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport, contract logistic solutions as well as international mail services, combined with worldwide coverage and an
in-depth understanding of local markets. DHL's international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. 285,000 employees are dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers' expectations. DHL is a Deutsche Post World Net brand. The group generated revenues of more than €60 billion in 2006.
For the latest news and happenings about DHL in Asia Pacific, please visit http://press.ap.dhl.com
About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition to 2.5 million adults and children with intellectual disabilities across 165 countries. The Special Olympics movement offers one of the world's greatest platforms for acceptance and inclusion for all people--regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or cultural differences. Find out how you can become involved at www.specialolympics.org.
About the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games
The 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games will be held in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, from 2-11 October 2007.
The event will mark the first time the World Summer Games will be held in Asia, and only the second time they will be held outside the United States. In addition to some 7,500 athletes, Special Olympics expects the 2007 World Summer Games to draw 40,000 volunteers, 3,500 event officials and thousands of families, volunteers, spectators and journalists from 167 countries.
For more information please visit: www.2007specialolympics.com
