DHL delivers Flame of Hope to New Delhi to celebrate the
2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games
Honorable Chief Minister of Delhi Mrs. Sheila Dixit Handed over the Torch to Bollywood Celebrity Mr. Akshay Kuma
New Delhi , December 21, 2008— DHL, the world’s leading express and logistics company, has successfully delivered the Flame of HopeTM for the Special Olympics to New Delhi today, as part of the Seventh stop of the Global Law Enforcement Torch Run®. The torch was welcomed by a team of 300 law enforcement officials, 300 Special Olympics athletes and 100 volunteers in a ceremony at Red Fort New Delhi.
The flame travel more than 60 000. km around the world During this time, Special Olympics and DHL will hold events to celebrate and honor the dedication, commitment, courage and hope of Special Olympics athletes, their families and volunteers
The Flame of Hope began its journey on 12 November 2008 with a lighting ceremony in Athens, Greece. In accordance with Olympic tradition dating back to the Ancient Greeks, the Special Olympics’ torch was lit by the suns rays near Olympia, Greece and remained lit until the end of the games on 13 February 2009.
The Global Law Enforcement Torch Run event was made possible through the multi-year global partnership between DHL and Special Olympics. This is the second time DHL is providing support to the Global Law Enforcement Torch Run to ensure the smooth and safe transport of the Flame of Hope around the world. From 12 November 2008 to 24 January 2009, the Flame of Hope will travel more than 60,000 kilometers (37,000 miles) to 10 cities across five continents, delivering the message of hope to communities where people with intellectual disability continue to fight for acceptance and a chance to excel without barriers.
Craig Grossgart Country Manager – DHL Express, India Said, “The Flame of Hope’s historic trip around the world is symbolic of our global mission to deliver inspiration and hope to Special Olympics athletes and their families, break down barriers to equality that still exists and create awareness for social change worldwide. We are fortunate to be able to deliver the Flame and everything it stands for – Hope, Courage, Opportunity, Inspiration & Equality. DHL is proud to partner with Special Olympics Bharat in hosting this event and through this, be an agent of change and celebrate the spirit of the human race.”
“This global journey is symbolic of the hope that Special Olympics brings to communities around the world every day of the year and how the Special Olympics movement has the ability to unite people of all walks of life, build acceptance and inclusion and create opportunities of celebration of the human race , I feel honored to host the Torch Run Ceremonies in India” said Air Marshal Denzil Keelor, Chairman – Special Olympics Bharat.
Dr. John Dow Jr. Managing Director Special Olympics Asia Pacific said, "It takes one flicker to light a fire. We hope this flame of hope will ignite a raging inferno in the hearts and minds of all Indians for people with intellectual disabilities."
It is a great honor for Delhi to host this inspiring “Flame of Hope” for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games. I join all citizens of Delhi in saluting the brave athletes of Special Olympics. It is a great joy to know that Delhi is also participating in this winter games as part of Indian Contingent. Said Mrs Sheila Dixit – Honorable Chief Minister of Delhi.
