The Olympic games were born in Greece. In 1896, the first "modern" Olympic Games as we know them took place at the Kalimarmaro stadium in Athens. 100 years later, the Games are held in Atlanta, in the USA .In the year 2000, it will be the turn of Sydney - Australia, to host this famous event. In the year 2004, where will they be held? Perhaps the Games should and must be held in their birthplace - Greece? Shouldn't they be staged permanetly in Greece?
We are greatly honored to present Athens' proposal for the 2004 Olympic Games. Our aim is to inform you about Athens, a fast changing city, moving towards the millenium. Athens' candidacy harmonizes the Olympic tradition with advanced technology and infrastructure. Our cultural program focuses on strengthening the Olympic Ideal and broadening the contribution of Olympism to humanity. The celebration of the first Olympiad of the new millenium in Athens would offer a unique opportunity in for Greek people to make a vision a reality and serve Olympism.
On 5 September, the International Olympic Committee selected Athens, Greece to host the XXVIII Olympiad. After months of politicking, wonderful fact finding missions, countless press conferences, and way too much money spent on this and that, first Buenos Aires, then Stockholm, next Cape Town, and finally Rome were cast aside. Now the real fun will start for the Athens Organizing Committee, its government officials, business leaders, and, of course, citizens.
Should Athens be elected as the host city of the 2004 Olympic Games, we would be delighted to welcome you to Greece, a country of friendliness and hospitality.