On the occasion of Mothers Day and the hosting of the 2011 Special Olympics World Games in Athens, the “Foundation for the Child and the Family” organised an event to honour 4 mothers of Special Olympics athletes in May 2008.
There is no greater, nor more essential action than having provided a child, who could have been condemned by many to a life of mediocrity, with wings, faith, optimism and power” said the President of the “Foundation for the Child and the Family”, Mrs. Marianna V. Vardinoyannis, opening the event. “We therefore bow before the mothers of the Special Olympics athletes. They are special mothers who had the strength and found the knowledge to change the particularity that nature gave to their children into a leverage of life, psychological uplift, success and happiness”.
Among the mothers who were rewarded were: Mrs. Magiorka Anagnostaki-Triantafyllou, mother of Konstantinos, bowling athlete of many distinctions both in Greece and abroad, Mrs. Eleni Dassoura, mother of Olga Dassoura, swimmer and synchronised swimmer of many distinctions both in our country and abroad, Mrs. Zoi Mouchti Biza, mother of Stylianos Bizas who participates in the training programmes of Special Olympics Hellas as a tennis player, classic sportsman and cyclist, for five years, and Mrs. Georgia Mavroidi, grand mother of the cyclist Nikolis Konstantinos, also known as Super- Granny in the Special Olympics world.
In the event, the Minister of Culture Mr. Michalis Liapis, addressed a greeting, as well as the Deputy Minister of Health and Social Solidarity Mr. Giorgos Konstantopoulos, the Mayor of Athens Mr. Nikitas Kaklamanis and the President of Special Olympics Hellas, Mrs. Yianna Despotopoulou. In addition, the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr. Dimitris Sioufas, sent his wishes in writing.
The composer, Stefanos Korkolis, performed on the piano the Special Olympics Anthem which he composed himself for Special Olympics Hellas, and the Special Olympics athlete, Nadia Lianou, spoke about her mother, what she owes her, how much she supports her as well as how lucky she is to always have her by her side.
The event closed with a splendid performance on the piano by the athlete Olga Dassoura and the warm applause of the guests.
The event was moderated by the journalist, Mrs. Bilio Tsoukala.