The Flame of Hope is Lit!! On Thursday, 2 March the Flame of Hope for the Special Olympics World Winter Games Austria 2017 was lit during a formal torch lighting ceremony in Athens, Greece. In keeping with tradition, this ceremony took place in similar fashion to the original torch lighting of the Olympics, at the Zappeion Palace in Athens. Over 300 dignitaries and 120 Special Olympics athletes were present at the ceremony including H.E. Mr. Prokopios Pavlopoulos, President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Dionyssios Kodellas, President of Special Olympics Hellas, Mr. Jurgen Winter, President of Special Olympics World Winter Games Austria 2017 Organizing Committee, Mr. David Evangelista, President and Managing Director Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Final Leg Team members and Special Olympics Team Hellas. Read more. And watch the moving video of the flame being lit. Team Hungary Skaters, Going for Gold At age 24, Agnes and Rita Hingyi are at the top of their game – and plan on staying there. The identical twins from Hungary won gold at the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games in PyeongChang, Korea. They are returning to defend their titles in Austria. The Hingyi sisters are among the top-ranked skaters competing at the 2017 World Games. As Level V athletes, they have mastered skating elements at several levels, including spin, spin combinations, advanced jumps and jump combinations. Their highly skilled routines have riveted the attention of audiences and judges alike. In Austria, the twins will be facing stiff competition. Their close rivals from 2013 will be there, including Russian pairs Anastasia Shkiperova and Ruslan Talenov, who won bronze. Canada's Tim Goodacre, who won silver during last World Games competition will also be back, this time with a new skating partner to aim for gold. Watch the video of this talented duo. Watch Opening Ceremony On ESPN and ABC Opening Ceremony will be broadcast LIVE from Austria and there will be daily wrap-ups on ESPN and ABC. Coverage begins 18 March. Tune in and join the conversation using #Austria2017. Share our tune-in graphic with your friends, families, and colleagues and urge them to watch. Read more. Know Someone Who Should Receive These Emails? Forward this email to them and let them know to SIGN UP HERE. | 