| Athens
Olympics a Huge Success!
Athens,
Greece, September 2004
They were called “Unforgettable
Games, Dream Games” and they truly were. There
was so much skepticism in the months leading to the historic
return of the Games to Greece, but the Greeks and the city
of Athens proved those critics absolutely wrong. They produced
a fantastic event with style and grace and the true spirit
of peace that games embody. The Olympics Chief Jacques Rogge
and other officials have heaped praise on the Greeks saying
the organization was outstanding. Competitions took place
in state-of-the-art venues, the security was faultless, the
metro system and transportation was excellent, and the new
stadium is the most beautiful modern stadium on earth.
From the spectacular opening ceremony
to the grand celebration of the closing ceremony, the people
of Greece gave their all to recapture the spirit of the ancient
games, when naked athletes competed to appease the gods, and
the first modern Olympics held in Athens in 1896, as a celebration
of peace among nations of the world.
These Games broke many records.
Athens hosted 11,099 athletes, the largest number ever and
also the most women athletes ever. Representatives of 202
countries took part, more than any other sport event. The
Olympic flame traveled for the first time to all continents.
Women's Wrestling was part of the competition for the first
time.
There were many dramatic moments
of joy and heartbreak and passion over the 17 days of events.
It ended with a spectacular Closing Ceremony celebration,
full of music and singing, elaborate costumes, dazzling display
and the enthusiastic participation of 100,000 or so people
from all over the world. Athens farewell was as eloquent,
passionate and artistically striking an event as one can imagine.
I don't know how it appeared on television, but live it was
unforgettable.
Anyone who was lucky enough to go to Athens discovered a new
Greece. In spite of the gloomy predictions, Greece was ready
for the Games and Greece gave so very much to the games and
to those who came. This travel agent will never think of Greece
the same again, and I would enthusiastically recommend Greece
as your next travel destination.
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