IT's all about the smiles, for 'godfather' of the International Children's Games (ICG) Metod Klemenc.
The 75-year-old, who founded the games in his native town of Celje, in Slovenia, was in high spirits yesterday following what he described to be an emotionally stirring start to this year's ICG in Bahrain.
The former sports teacher said that he was "extremely touched" to see the joy on the faces of the hundreds of youngsters who proudly paraded their flags during the opening ceremony Tuesday night, at the Shaikh Khalifa Sports City.
Mr Klemenc said it was just how he had wanted it when he first envisioned bringing children together through sport, in 1968.
"To see all the young people, smiling and having a good time, that is the pinnacle of the ICG," he told the GDN in an exclusive interview yesterday.
"To see the children finding a connection amongst themselves was very heart-warming. I was extremely touched.
"That is the goal of the ICG, to find new friendships and to forget about all the dirty things of this world.
"When you see that the children taking part are smiling, then you are happy inside."
Mr Klemenc recalled how the first ICG came to fruition, back in his hometown.
"At that time, it was a very important centre for athletics, but some of my students didn't have the opportunity to compete in track and field at school, so I found a place at the athletics club," he said.
"But then I had the idea of bringing children together to compete against each other under the symbol of the Olympics and, in 1968, my idea was born with the first ICG.
"At that time, there were nine towns, all from our neighbouring countries.
"The second ICG was held in Udine, Italy and they added swimming to athletics. From there, the ICG just got larger and larger and now it has become what it is today."
Mr Klemenc is pleased that the ICG has begun to branch out to the rest of the world rather than concentrate completely on its European roots.
He added, however, that no matter how global the ICG becomes, the smallest towns of the world must not be forgotten.
"Not every city is big and has the resources to take part in such an event. The ICG should be accessible to all," he said.
"From one part, I am pleased to see that so many new cities and countries are competing, and that the Games are now being held all over the world.
"But when we started, even small villages were taking part, and they must never be forgotten. Whether we are from big and rich cities or small and poor ones, we are all similar people.
"All children for me are equal, wherever you are from the world."
Mr Klemenc was especially pleased to be in Bahrain for the first time and to have been invited to this ICG, which is the first-ever to be hosted by an Arab nation.
"I am invited to go to the ICG every year, and this year I am extremely happy to be here in Bahrain and in the Arab world," he said.
"Everything has been excellent so far, and I thank everyone here very much for their warmth and hospitality to all of us."
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