Marathon, Greece; 29th April 2016: Save the Dream Ambassador Rosa Mota, 1988 Olympic champion and winner of the first ever Women’s Marathon in Athens in 1982, returned to the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games and location of her first historic marathon victory this week to carry the Olympic flame as it makes its way to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the start of the XXXI Olympiad.
Following the recent official lighting ceremony in Ancient Olympia, the Portuguese Marathon legend carried the Olympic flame during the Marathon and Athens leg of the torch relay and called on people around the world to promote the role that the values of sport can play in society during educational workshops and activities hosted at the 2016 3rd ISF World School Educational Games.
Building on a busy last few weeks for Save the Dream – which included ringing the closing bell at the Nasdaq Stock Market to mark International Day of Sport for Development and Peace and Save the Dream Week, which was sponsored by Qatar Airways and Qatar Chamber – Mosa’s participation in the Olympic torch relay was a symbolic and poignant moment for the Olympic Champion and provided an important platform to promote the values of sport, as well as a moment to reflect on her ground-breaking victory in the first ever women’s marathon in 1982.
Speaking of her involvement at the 2016 ISF World School Educational Games, Rosa Mota said:
“As a Save the Dream Ambassador, I am delighted to return to Marathon and the ISF World School Educational Games to promote and inspire young people through the values of sport.
“Marathon in Greece is a special place that has had a significant impact on my life and the person I am today. Returning to carry the Olympic Torch has brought back many happy memories.
“As an athletic endeavour, running the marathon is my life and I am honoured to work alongside the ISF again to share the important values that sport can teach with students from around the world. Carrying the torch has been an important reminder of how sport can unite and inspire, as well as promoting the vital role that it can play in promoting peace and harmony within society.”
Pedro Velazquez, Director Social Innovation and Empowerment, Save the Dream concluded:
“At Save the Dream, we believe it is important that our ambassadors embody the spirit of what Save the Dream represents. As an iconic athlete, Rosa has already inspired many young people around the world to take up sport through her incredible achievements in marathon running.
“This year Save the Dream is once again underling its commitment to promoting peace through the values of sport and the ISF World School Educational Games provides a unique opportunity for Save the Dream to engage and educate young people to achieve this aim.
“After calling for an extended Olympic Truce in New York two weeks ago and hosting Save the Dream Week in Italy, this is a special and symbolic moment for Rosa and Save the Dream as we look to build on the growing momentum and recognition around the important role sport plays in society.”
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