17/09/2004
THE PARALYMPIC GAMES – ATHENS 2004
On 9 September the Paralympic Flame was lit for the ninth time in the history of the Games. 680 torch-bearers have carried the flame through historic Attica to its final destination, the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games, to be held in Athens on 17 September.
The first Olympic-style Games for the disabled were held in Rome in 1960, with some 400 athletes from 23 countries competing in 8 different events. Since then the Paralympics have been held every four years, always in the same year as the regular Olympics. No fewer than 4,000 athletes from 140 countries will be competing in Athens, taking part in 19 different events.
The men and women who compete in the Paralympics have striven bravely to earn a place in the competition and the chance to win the highest of sporting honours. Their efforts are a stirring example of strength and determination, an inspiration to us all. TITAN Cement S.A. has purchased more than 7,500 tickets in support of the Games. Many of these have been distributed among company employees and pensioners, while a large number have also been donated to charitable organizations, schools, etc.