"In
1896, thanks to the great efforts of Frenchman Pierre de
Coubertin, Dimitrios Vikelas, and other contributors, the
first Modern Olympic Games were held in the country of their
birth. The Greek nation and the whole world embraced their
revival and once again turned them into the greatest celebration
on earth. In the century to follow, the Games traveled to
countries around the world, encountering a wide range of
cultures and civilisations, facing new challenges, growing,
and evolving."
"The
Olympic Games are returning to their ancient birthplace
and the city of their revival. Athletes from all nations
have united in Greece to engage in noble competition.
The Athens Olympic Games combine history, culture and peace
with sports and Olympism.
The
people of Greece host unique Games on a human scale, inspiring
the world to celebrate Olympic values."
"Throughout
its history, Greek civilisation has made man the measure
of all things. For the homecoming to Greece, the centre
of our attention and the measure of comparison will remain
the athlete, the individual, the team. Athens hosts unique
Games on a human scale".
I had
the great honor to be there and therefore to have the opportunity
to enjoy absolutely fantastic games. A unique olympic atmosphere
had spread throughout the country that had invented these
games. The only thing one could really say was: "OLYMPIC
GAMES WELCOME HOME".
