On 12 November 2008, the Flame of Hope™ for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games (SOWWG), was lit in Athens, Greece, formally launching the Global Law Enforcement Torch Run® (GLETR). In keeping with Olympic tradition, the torch was lit by the Sun’s rays before embarking on a three month journey around the world to Idaho, USA, the site of the World Games. The run is supported by DHL - the world’s leading express delivery and logistics company and the Official Transporter of the Flame of Hope for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games.

From 12 November 2008 to 24 January 2009, the Flame of Hope will travel to 10 cities across 5 continents, honoring the spirit of the Special Olympics global movement and delivering a message of hope to communities where people with intellectual disabilities continue to fight for acceptance and a chance to excel without barriers.

During the three month journey, the flame will travel more than 60,000 kilometers (37,000 miles), including New Delhi, India, before arriving in Idaho, USA where it will be used to ignite the cauldron at the Opening Ceremonies of the SOWWG on 7 February 2009. The flame will be transported to each city via DHL’s extensive global logistics network.

This marks the second time Special Olympics and DHL have partnered to support the GLETR. At each stop, the flame will be carried by teams of Special Olympics athletes and law enforcement personnel on a course allowing thousands of spectators to witness its important journey. Along the routes, the torch will visit schools, homes and institutions for individuals with intellectual disabilities to pay tribute to the courage, dedication and achievements of Special Olympics athletes worldwide in sport and life.

At each stop, the flame will be carried by teams of Special Olympics athletes and law enforcement personnel on a course allowing thousands of spectators to witness its important journey. Along the routes, the torch will visit schools, homes and institutions for individuals with intellectual disabilities to pay tribute to the courage, dedication and achievements of Special Olympics athletes worldwide in sport and life.

“The Flame of Hope’s historic trip around the world is symbolic of our global mission to deliver inspiration and hope to Special Olympics athletes and their families, break down barriers to equality that still exist, and create awareness for social change worldwide,” said Timothy Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics, who will participate in the official lighting ceremony in Greece. “We are fortunate to be able to deliver the flame and everything it stands for – hope, courage, opportunity, inspiration and equality – to our athletes because of the experience and expertise of our partner in this initiative.”

After being lit in Athens, the first stop for the torch will be in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, then continue around the world making stops in Poland, Costa Rica, South Africa, India, China and three cities in the United States, Miami, New York and Los Angeles. On January 27, 2009 the flame will reach Idaho, USA, to begin the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg® and where it will run through scores of cities throughout Idaho before arriving to the Opening Ceremonies for the SOWWG on 7 February 2009.

“We are honored to once again be the official sponsors of the Global Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. The spirit, motivation and drive of the athletes during the 2007 Torch Run for the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai was truly awe inspiring“, said Dan McHugh, Chief Executive Officer of DHL Express Asia Pacific. “By transporting the Flame of Hope, we seek to inspire communities around the world; foster acceptance, inclusion and create opportunities to celebrate the human race.”

The 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Idaho will host almost 3,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities from more than 100 countries from 7-13 February 2009. During the seven day event, athletes will compete in seven winter sport events including: Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Floor Hockey, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, and Speed Skating.

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About DHL

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DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport, contract logistic solutions as well as international mail services, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets. DHL's international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. Some 300,000 employees are dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers' expectations.

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About DHL India

DHL India offers customers comprehensive logistics solutions through their four business units: DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding, DHL Exel Supply Chain and Blue Dart. With a majority stake in Blue Dart, DHL has an unmatched domestic network across 20,843 locations pan India. Through the four business units, customers have access to tailor-made end to end solutions in express, air and ocean freight, supply chain solutions and customs clearance. With world class service centres, biggest retail presence, investment in gateways and warehouses, DHL services more than 50,000 customers across India.

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About Special Olympics

Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Through year-round sports training and athletic competition and other related programming for 2.8 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities in more than 180 countries, Special Olympics has created a model community that celebrates people’s diverse gifts. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. Visit Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org.

About the Law Enforcement Torch Run

The Law Enforcement Torch Run has been a Special Olympics tradition for more than 25 years. It began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas, Police Chief Richard LaMunyon saw a need to raise funds and increase awareness for Special Olympics, and conceived the Torch Run as a way to involve local law enforcement personnel in the community to support Special Olympics Kansas. The program was later adopted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and under their support and leadership has expanded into all 50 U.S. states and to 42 nations. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is Special Olympics’ largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle; more than 85,000 law enforcement officers from around the world volunteer for the movement. In 200, more than $34 million was raised for Special Olympics Programs worldwide.