Athens, Greece (Feb. 18, 2001) -- In a re-enactment of an ancient ceremony, a flame was lighted in Athens on Saturday for the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Anchorage next month.

Using A Mirror, Natasha Gatzi Lights A Flame From The Sun's Rays For The 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games During A Ceremony Saturday In Athens, Greece. (Aris Messinis / The Associated Press)

Children in traditional Greek costume and senior officials from Greece and the United States watched the event, held in honor of more than 2,500 athletes who will compete at the March 4-11 games.

''In Anchorage, the world will be taught a lesson,'' said Timothy Shriver, president and chief executive officer of the Special Olympics, held for athletes with mental retardation. ''No child should be laughed at or forgotten, no parent should be told that their child cannot belong, and no society should be allowed to treat those with special needs any less well than any other citizen.''

Saturday's event resembled the flame-lighting ceremonies held every four years for the Olympics at Olympia, birthplace of the ancient games.

Twelve girls dressed in white as high priestesses held doves and olive branches. One of the girls stepped forward to light the flame from the sun's rays in a concave mirror.

Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos said the spirit of the Special Olympics would encourage people preparing for the 2004 Athens Olympics.

''The Special Olympics represents a dream that more and more people share every day,'' Avramopoulos said. ''We are in the middle of a great effort to prepare for 2004. . . . Greece must and will succeed.''

The Special Olympics, winter and summer, are held during non-Olympic years. Athletes from about 80 countries will participate in Anchorage.

The torch was carried by Special Olympics athletes and police officers around Athens. It was to be stored in a mining lamp and will be flown to Anchorage today.

More than 100 police volunteers from around the world will carry the torch on a relay around Alaska before it reaches Anchorage's Sullivan Arena for the start of the games.

The athletes will compete in seven sports, including skiing, skating and snowboarding, which is making its debut.

The Special Olympics were established in 1968 by Shriver's parents, Sargent and Eunice Shriver.