On Friday, July 30, 2004, the Romanian Ambassador to the US, HE Sorin Ducaru, attended the opening ceremonies of the 2004 International Children's Games, hosted by Cleveland, Ohio. Young Romanian athletes from Hunedoara and Arad participated in the competition, together with 2500 kids from 143 cities from 56 countries. Renowned gymnasts Bart Connor and Nadia Comaneci, a native of Romania, emceed the opening ceremonies.
Romanian participants did very well in the athletic competitions, two tennis players from Hunedoara qualifying to the quaterfinals. The children had a good time making new friends among other participants and attending a variety of events organized by the beautiful city of Cleveland during the games.
Next year's competition will be hosted by the city of Coventry, in England, about 100 miles from London. The Romanian city of Medias hosted the games in 1999.
