Great Day in Genoa for the Opening of 3rd INAS Global Games

The Ferrari Square in Genoa, Italy on Sunday (25 September) was transformed into a sea of colour as the Opening Ceremony for the third INAS Global Games began.

A total of 696 athletes from 35 nations and hundreds of team staff and games volunteers marched through the historic heart of Genoa, led by 3,000 local children. They were welcomed by Mayor Marta Vincenzi, President of Inas Dr Bob Price, President of the Liguria Region Claudio Burlando, the President of the Italian Paralympic Committee Luca Pancalli and Angelo Palombo, Captain of Sampdoria Football Club.

The seven day event begins today with competition in eight sports: Athletics, Basketball, Cycling, Futsal, Rowing, Swimming, Table Tennis and Tennis - creating the largest event in the world this year for elite athletes with an intellectual disability. The third Games have particular significance, as athletes seek qualification performances for the London 2012 Paralympic Games.