The Host Town Program is a special event of the Special Olympics World Summer Games ATHENS 2011.

Delegations from around the world will be hosted for four days throughout the 13 regions of Greece prior to their arrival in Athens for the Games.

Through a series of sporting, cultural and artistic events, Special Olympics athletes will have the opportunity to adapt to a new environment, to experience the Greek culture, to enjoy the natural beauty and traditional cuisine, as well as train before the Games.

At the same time, Greek citizens of each region will have the opportunity to coexist interactively with the international delegations which will participate in the Games, and as a result, they will learn more about people with intellectual disabilities, their skills and their abilities, with a view to become productive and respected members of the society.

The Host Town program will be implemented during June 20-24, 2011.
Nearly 10.000 athletes, coaches and Heads of Delegates of the Special Olympics National Program, from more than 180 countries around the globe, will be hosted in towns and islands across the country, so that, leaving Greece, their luggage will be full of the virtues for which our country is famous; service, politeness, kindness and warm hospitality.

So far, more than 30 cities and islands have expressed their interest to participate to the program while the Local Committees which will organize hospitality in every city are already established.

We deeply thank all the hoteliers for their offer of free accommodation and meals to the international delegations for 4 days and all those who voluntarily ensure the best possible result.