43rd International Children’s Games - “Together, All Friends” in Athens

The 43rd International Children's Games are coming to Athens for the first time. On June 23, the capital opens its gates and will welcome more than 2,000 children aged 12-15 from 80 countries around the world.

The Games, organized by the City of Athens, the Athens Tourism and Economic Development Company (ATEDCo) and the City of Athens Youth and Sport Organisation (ONA), comprises seven Olympic sports: Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Track and Field, Artistic Gymnastics, Tennis, Swimming. Competition will be conducted at the city's sports facilities, with free admission for all.

The International Children's Games, whose main slogan is "Together, All Friends", seek to promote important messages and values, such as friendship, solidarity of nations and eradication of discrimination, through sport and sporting ideals.

On the occasion of this leading international sports event, the city of Athens has arranged a series of social and cultural events, so that athletes and visitors to Athens can familiarize themselves with Greek culture, history and the city's contemporary aspect.

The young athletes will have the opportunity to visit the new Acropolis Museum while the Zappeion will be transformed into a site of play, fun and information, with the staging of recreational and educational activities during the course of the Games for both Games participants and young Athenians.

Additionally, internationally-renowned basketball players Fragiskos Alvertis, Efthymis Rentzias and Dimitris Papanikolaou will be at the Zappeion on June 23 where they will speak with youngsters, play basketball with them and hand out autographs.

The ceremonial opening of the Games, which are being held under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee, will take place on June 24 at the historic Panathenian Stadium. This celebration will welcome children from around the world in a magical and fun way, and bring the event's central slogan "Together, All Friends" to life.

Leading Greek athletes such as Olympic medallists Dimosthenis Tambakos, Sophia Bekatorou and Pyrros Dimos, tennis champion Lena Daniilidou, basketballers Fragiskos Alvertis, Dimitris Papanikolaou and Efthymis Rentzias and many others have assumed the role of Games ambassador, with the aim of conveying the message of solidarity, fair play and friendship.

Organisers

City of Athens
Athens Tourism and Economic Development Company
City of Athens Youth and Sport Organisation

For more information see www.athens2009icg.gr