SPEECH BY GIANNA ANGELOPOULOS
"The Athens 2004" Bid Committee, headed by the Bid's President Mrs Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki made the following presentation in Gvam during the Oceanian National Olympic Committee's General Assembly held between the 26-28th April 1997: |  |
| It happens in the summer every four years. The world rests its economic engine, people turn their backs from division and war, and look to a city that becomes - if only for a fortnight - the athletic capital of the world, and a powerful global symbol of unity, excellence and peace. This is the miracle of the Olympics, and the transforming power of the Olympic Games. |
| In a few months, the International Olympic Committee will choose where it is best to locate the Games for the summer of 2004. At stake in this decision is not what the Olympics can do for the city chosen, at issue is what that city can do to bring honor and glory to the Olympics. |
| It is the great desire of Athens to be that City. |
| From every practical and technical dimension, we believe that our city can organize an exceptional - indeed an unforgettable - Olympics. Throughout our culture and across our country, we are now more than ever loyal to the Olympics, we believe strongly that Olympics in Athens will be good for the Games. Our vision and our belief is that Athens is able, and uniquely capable of hosting the 2004 Summer Games. |
| Athens is eager to host the Games. Athenians are eager - 96% of them support the bid. The Greek community across the world is eager. Our leaders are eager - the political parties, the Mayor, the National Olympic Committee, the Greek IOC members all support the bid. The goverment is especially eager, and guarantees the total financial support for the Games. |
| We are eager, to give the world a modern Olympics on a human scale. We are eager, quite simply, because we love the Olympic Games. |
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