Special Olympic flame arrives in Belgium

The Olympic flame touched down at Brussels Airport yesterday and is now on its way to Antwerp for the start of the Special Olympics European Summer Games, which take place in the port city from September 13 to 20.

The “Flame of Hope” arrived at Zaventem at 11.30, accompanied by the Greek delegation representing the Games. It was picked up by prime minister Elio Di Rupo in running gear, who ran with it a short distance.

The flame then went to the European Parliament, where it was met by European Council president Herman Van Rompuy, then on to the royal palace to be greeted by the king. At 17.00, it was received at the town hall in Brussels by mayor Yvan Mayeur.

In the coming days, the flame will pass through Genk, Hasselt, Leuven, Eupen, Liège and Charleroi before returning to Brussels on Saturday for the Games’ opening ceremony at Paleis 12 in Brussels. It then moves on to Antwerp for the Games.

The Special Olympics European Summer Games welcomes 2,000 athletes from 58 countries.

photo by Benoit Doppagne/BELGA