Let's share the joy of Special Olympics

 　　ATHENS, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Fun and Culture are key words in the Athens 2011 Special Olympics under way, as Greek hosts have added a wide variety of entertainment and educational programs to the most significant sports event they organize since the 2004 Olympic Games.

　　In an open area inside the Olympic Sports Complex in Athens (O.A.K.A.), tens of thousands of athletes, members of delegations¹ and spectators are offered the opportunity to relax and have fun in Special Olympics Festivals throughout the ten-day Games.

　　The program constitutes of concerts, dancing groups, giant games, fun park, crafts workshops, screening, recycling park, electronic games, recreational activities, photograph and painting exhibitions, interactive² puppetry, Magicians and stilt³ walkers and live radio broadcastings.

　　The festivals' program is dedicated⁴ to the seven regions participating in the Special Olympics with traditional artistic⁵ events organized by the corresponding embassies: Europe and Eurasia; Middle East and North Africa; Asia Pacific; North America; East Asia; Latin America; Africa.

　　A giant inflatable figure of Apollon, the sun-shaped mascot⁶ of the Games, is the centerpiece of the area.

　　"The Sun is the symbol of optimism, joy and glory. Its light and warmth are considered a source of life and happiness. Greece, world known for its Sun, has since ancient times worshiped the Sun as a God. Its selection as the Mascot of the Special Olympics World Summer Games ATHENS 2011, aims to convey the message of joy and optimism towards all athletes, and to welcome them in Greece with a big warm hug," according to organizers of the Games.

　　Every day here is unique, with a different theme representing different cultures.

　　On Saturday, spectators, volunteers and athletes alike danced to the mesmerizing⁷ rhythms of a Latin American band, whose artists traveled to Greece from South America just for this event.

　　Each tent too, is different, with information on the Games. Sponsors offer drinks and food. Indonesian, Israeli and Swiss stalls set up by separate embassies are present, giving people tastes of exotic food and other souvenirs.

　　Staff members from the stall of South Korea distribute pamphlets and whimsical caps in preparation for the next Games, which will be held in Pyeongchang, South Korea in 2013.

　　Another stall sells various memorabilia, including plushies of Apollon, as well as pins and badges commemorating⁸ the games.

　　"Even in difficult times of an acute economic crisis, Greece is present, hosting these Games, promoting ideals that were born here, sending the world the message of humanity, equality, solidarity," said Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou during an event held at the Greek parliament for the Games earlier.

　　"Greece rekindles⁹ the flame of Olympics, the flame of strength and optimism we all need," he stressed.(本文由在线英语听力室整理编辑)

1 delegations   

n.代表团( delegation的名词复数 )；委托，委派

参考例句：

• In the past 15 years, China has sent 280 women delegations abroad. 十五年来，中国共派280批妇女代表团出访。 来自汉英非文学 - 白皮书
• The Sun Ray decision follows the federal pattern of tolerating broad delegations but insisting on safeguards. “阳光”案的判决仿效联邦容许广泛授权的做法，但又坚持保护措施。 来自英汉非文学 - 行政法

2 interactive   

adj.相互作用的，互相影响的，（电脑）交互的

参考例句：

• The psychotherapy is carried out in small interactive groups.这种心理治疗是在互动的小组之间进行的。
• This will make videogames more interactive than ever.这将使电子游戏的互动性更胜以往。

3 stilt   

n.高跷，支柱

参考例句：

• They inhabit reed huts built on stilts above the water.他们住在建于水中木桩之上的芦苇草屋里。
• Thatch hut is raised high above the paddy field on stilt.茅草屋用柱高高地建在稻田之上。

4 dedicated   

adj.一心一意的；献身的；热诚的

参考例句：

• He dedicated his life to the cause of education.他献身于教育事业。
• His whole energies are dedicated to improve the design.他的全部精力都放在改进这项设计上了。

5 artistic   

adj.艺术(家)的，美术(家)的；善于艺术创作的

参考例句：

• The picture on this screen is a good artistic work.这屏风上的画是件很好的艺术品。
• These artistic handicrafts are very popular with foreign friends.外国朋友很喜欢这些美术工艺品。

6 mascot   

n.福神，吉祥的东西

参考例句：

• The football team's mascot is a goat.足球队的吉祥物是山羊。
• We had a panda as our mascot.我们把熊猫作为吉详物。

7 mesmerizing   

adj.有吸引力的，有魅力的v.使入迷( mesmerize的现在分词 )

参考例句：

• I think you must be mesmerizing me, Charles. 查尔斯，我想你一定在对我施催眠术啦。 来自辞典例句
• The attendant one-dimensional wave equation has mesmerizing harmonic properties. 伴生的一元波平衡具有迷人的和谐特性。 来自电影对白

8 commemorating   

v.纪念，庆祝( commemorate的现在分词 )

参考例句：

• He was presented with a scroll commemorating his achievements. 他被授予一幅卷轴，以表彰其所做出的成就。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The post office issued a series commemorating famous American entertainers. 邮局发行了一个纪念美国著名演艺人员的系列邮票。 来自互联网

9 rekindles   

v.使再燃( rekindle的第三人称单数 )

参考例句：

• Love rekindles the fadingto emit light and warmth. 爱能使将熄的灯火，再次散发出光与热。 来自互联网
• Old love and old fires easily rekindles. 旧情与未燃尽的火一样都容易重新点燃。 来自互联网