8 - 14 March 2001
Issue No.524
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Al-Ahram Weekly On-line 8 - 14 March 2001 Issue No.524 |
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Cold outside, warm inside
Sub-freezing temperatures could do little to conceal the warmth generated by the athletes and spectators at the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Alaska. The opening ceremony had it all, from the parade of the handicapped athletes to music, native dancing, storytelling, the lighting of the cauldron and fireworks. It was a star-studded affair. Music was provided by the Pointer Sisters while television stars Frankie Muniz and Natalie Ratano co-hosted the evening. The ceremony, watched by 7,700 spectators, was attended by Lara Dutta, Miss Universe; Yvette Fernandez, Miss Alaska; and Jillian Parny, Miss Teen USA. Nadia Comaneci, Romanian Olympic gold medal gymnast, Mateja Svet, Alpine skiing Olympic medallist, and Adam Verrier, cross-country US Olympian, were also on hand.
The Flame of Hope, lit on 18 February in Athens, made its way into the arena on a dog sled team driven by four-time Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Champion Susan Butcher. It was the first time athletes ran with the torch. In previous World Games, only officers were allowed to run alongside the flame.
The Egyptian delegation had just two days to rest following a gruelling flight before practising. They were welcomed by Egyptian expatriates in Alaska numbering no more than 20.
The 16-member floor hockey team started its twice-a-day training in an indoor hall while the snowshoeing squad began training on snow -- for a change -- instead of the compressed sand near the pyramids they used as a substitute. News that the team had been practising on the next best thing to snow interested several TV crews which approached the team for interviews.
The Egyptians will be facing tough competition. In Alpine skiing, 271 athletes from 33 countries are to compete in walk, glide, super glide and downhill events. In cross country skiing, 243 athletes from 27 nations are in the 50m, 100m, 400m, 1,600m, 5km and 10km. In figure skating, 154 athletes from 16 countries are taking part in the singles, pairs, dance and guest skater dance events. In floor hockey, 722 athletes from 47 countries face off in traditional and unified events. Snowboarding is making its debut as an exhibition sport. Twenty-three athletes from three countries are in slalom, giant slalom and Super G events. One hundred and seven athletes from seven nations face each other in snowshoeing, in 50m, 100m, 200m, 1,600m, 1km, 3km, 5km, 7km and 10km events. In speed skating, 177 athletes from 21 countries will square off in 25m, 55m, 111m, 222m, 333m, 500m, 777m, 1,000m and 1,500m events.
The 11th Special Olympics World Summer Games will be hosted by Special Olympics Ireland in 2003, the first time the Games will be held outside the United States.
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