Shriver also praised the 25,000 volunteers who supported the Games, "showing the way to a better future" to debt-ridden Greece in times of difficulty, as well as the world.

"Greece proved that at the cradle of Olympism, there is always optimism and humanity. The smiles of these athletes are a motivation so that starting from tomorrow we will continue efforts for a new world with open doors and hearts," added Athens 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games Organizing President Joanna Despotopoulou, wishing best success to South Korea.

"When the world seems grey and small...when you are afraid to be different, listen to your heart and everything will miraculously change, everything is in our minds. When everything around you collapses, I will be there for you," sang Greek pop group Onirama, underlining the lyrics of a song they wrote for the Athens Games, launching the party which focused on the strength of children throughout history.

Among famous Greek artists, such as composer and songwriter Stamatis Kraounakis, who entertained the crowd with a traditional and modern music and dance show, was a music band of people with intellectual disabilities which drew loud applause.

Following the declaration of closing the Athens Games by City of Athens Mayor Yorgos Kaminis, the Special Olympics flag was lowered and passed over to the 2013 World Winter Games PyeongChang Organizing Committee by him and Despotopoulou, as South Korean artists took the floor for a show of folk and pop music and dance.

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