In the emblematic monument of the Rotunda, a symbol with the history of the entire evolution of European becoming, this year the “Empress Theophano” Prize awarding ceremony. In a Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, Christian and Greek monument honoring this year the Special Olympics and their President Dr. Timothy Shriver, with the active participation of the Special Olympics athletes themselves. A celebration of brotherhood and solidarity with high symbolism.

The “Empress Theofano” Award

The initiative of the “Emperor Theophano” Award started six years ago and is awarded once a year by the institution of the same name to persons or organizations for their contribution to the understanding of the principles that constitute the European idea. The Holy Roman Empress’ contribution to bridging the gap between West and East, with culture and education as means of overcoming differences, is a source of inspiration for today’s global challenges. “We need to look back at our common roots and values ​​that have always existed in Europe. We focus on people and on initiatives that have nothing to do with politics, such as this year’s Special Olympics”, says the chairman of the Theofano Foundation’s Steering Committee, Mr. Stavros Andreadis, speaking to Deutsche Welle. “We are trying to make a European identity stronger, which is absent. It is a great need in times when the world is in turmoil and Europe fears that if it does not begin to strengthen this common European identity, it may find itself in significant difficulties,” he says characteristically.

“We have many kinds of globalization, not only in economy and trade. Where we should focus is definitely on climate change policies, to overcome the prejudices we have about each other, there is no room for political games. The Special Olympics, which we are honoring this year, is a kind of international organization that promotes solidarity and equality around the world and can set an example for the global challenges we are called to face,” Herman Van Robay, Chairman of the Advisory Committee, points out to Deutsche Welle. of the Theofano Foundation and Honorary President of the European Council, putting human value at the forefront.

The importance of the Special Olympics

The President of Special Olympics Dr. Timothy Shriver emphasizes the importance of inclusion as a central issue of the 21st century. “I don’t think the biggest issue in the world today is economic or geopolitical. The biggest issue is how we will be able to live together harmoniously”, he says characteristically. Special Olympics athletes have managed to overcome discrimination and humiliation by constantly proving their abilities. “There is something about our athletes that people are dying to understand and learn about,” says Dr. Shriver. Through the award he hopes that the eyes of millions of people will turn to this global movement of inclusion. “The worst thing you can say about the Special Olympics is that we are ‘good.’ Not because we’re not, but because if you reduce us to just being ‘good’, you’re rejecting us.” According to Dr. Shriver, the Special Olympics is an urgent social change movement aimed at addressing discrimination and stigma against people with intellectual disabilities.

The power of this movement, as noted by Dr. Shriver, is that it empowers people to see beyond disability. “When you meet someone through the Special Olympics, you no longer see a person with Down syndrome. You see a man. That’s liberating,” he adds. The Special Olympics is not just a “fun” movement. “This move is urgent. It’s about social change and it’s extremely serious,” he says.

For a society of integration and inclusion

The awarding ceremony ended with the artistic act by the Youth Symphony Orchestra of the Thessaloniki Music Hall and the performance by a mixed group of athletes from the Special Olympics and the Wolves Team, which enchanted the audience in the hall who gave their emotional effort a standing ovation.

Special Olympics cyclist Kyra Byland discovered the sport at the age of 12 when she started cycling. “I’m not cut out for running,” she tells Deutsche Welle of her initial reaction, explaining that her first experience with the sport was difficult, but she found her passion in cycling. Having won three gold medals at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles in 2015, Byland has become a powerful voice for promoting sports and inclusion. She believes that unity is the key to overcoming obstacles. “The joined-up approach, where people with and without developmental disabilities work together as equals, is the secret to overcoming the challenges,” he states. This collaborative model offers participants the ability to make decisions and share responsibility.

As part of this year’s Awards, an open round table discussion on the role of sport in social inclusion and a symbolic mixed 1,000m race are taking place today, in an action that demonstrates inclusion in action. Words and actions against cynicism and pessimism, which unfortunately dominate these days, for a global society where every human life has value, against violence and discrimination. Maybe chasing utopia like this isn’t such a utopia after all…