The Special Olympics movement is remembering the lasting legacy of Andreas Potamianos, Founder and Honorary President of Special Olympics Hellas (Greece).
For decades, Mr. Potamianos was a vocal and prominent supporter of inclusion in Greece—and beyond. He was deeply committed to working to improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities (ID), who faced discrimination and stigma in Greece, Europe and everywhere.
Mr. Potamianos was instrumental in starting the very first Special Olympics Program, which continues to thrive today. He then brought this great Program to the world stage in Greece by helping bring the Special Olympics World Games to Athens in 2011 for the first time.
Mr. Potamianos also knew the importance of shining a global spotlight on the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities. He worked to establish a traditional Torch Lighting Ceremony in Greece ahead of every Special Olympics World Games. Worldwide media would pick up the story and photos as the Flame of Hope was lit by the sun’s rays at the Sacred Site of Pnyx, opposite the Acropolis. High priestesses and attendants with intellectual disabilities would preside—showing all the world the versatile talents and abilities of people with ID.
"Special Olympics mourns the loss of Andreas Potamianos,” said Mary Davis, Special Olympics CEO. “He has been a pillar of inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities for decades, and inspired millions of people in our movement. When he founded Special Olympics Greece, he opened the door to a better life for people with ID throughout his home country. As one of the leaders of Special Olympics World Games Athens in 2011, he showed the whole world that every person deserves respect, regardless of ability.”
“Andreas Potamianos exemplified the rebellious spirit of Special Olympics, and his legacy will impact generations to come,” said Tim Shriver, Special Olympics Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Andreas was bold in every aspect of life. He could take the faintest spark of an idea and turn it into a roaring success. He was instrumental in lighting of the Flame of Hope in Athens before every Special Olympics World Games, and his signature smile and warm hugs will be sorely missed. He was a global leader in our movement as a member of the Board of Directors, and he led by example in his home country. He marched with the Greek delegation at every World Games opening ceremony and knew every athlete by name. He was showing us how to be confident leaders all along, and for that we are truly grateful.”
Shriver continued, “Andreas loved his native Greece and saw Special Olympics as a central force in the Greek message to the world. We couldn’t have had a more enthusiastic, smart, and joyful leader who put Special Olympics athletes at the center of Greek history, culture and influence worldwide.”
He also served on the Special Olympics International Board of Directors, and worked alongside Special Olympics President Emeritus Sargent Shriver in the early years as Special Olympics worked to expand globally.
He was beloved in Greece, where he is remembered for embodying the noble ideals of the Special Olympics movement and inspiring thousands to join as volunteers. Dionysios Kodelas, the current President of Special Olympics Hellas, says, "His example will always inspire, motivate and encourage others to create an inclusive and non-discriminatory society that integrates people with intellectual disabilities with respect and dignity."