The Spirit of Greece

The initial ancient Olympic Games are traced back to 776BC.  Held in ancient Olympia, they were dedicated to the 12 Olympian gods and continued for almost 12 centuries until they were banned in 393AD.

The Games were revived in modern times in 1896 with the first modern Olympiad in Athens and subsequently in many other countries.  Over one century passed until the games returned to their birthplace, Greece.  The Olympic Flame, the symbol of the Olympic ideal, noble competition, p0eace, and friendship, was lit on March 25th at ancient Olympia in an emotional ceremony and the 2004 Olympic Torch began its long journey across all five continents for the first time ever to be carried by many dignitaries and athletes in major cities throughout the world.

The city of Athens proudly hosted the 2004 Olympic Games.  A spectacular Opening ceremony of the XXVII Olympiad took place on August 13th inside the Olympic Stadium before 72,000 spectators and over 4 billion more across the globe.  The ceremony began with 400 percussionists playing to the rhythm of traditional Greek music while the five Olympic Rings were lit in the stadium’s artificial lake.  A huge parade featuring the history of Greek civilization from the Minoan age to present took place, followed by the entrance of 11,099 athletes from 202countries under the beat of the music played by the internationally renowned D J Tiesto.  The Olympic Flame was lit and the Games began.

The Games continued for 16 days, days full of triumph or anguish, with tears of joy for the victories or sorrow for the losses.   At night, Athens came alive with outdoor concerts, theatre, and street parties with music, singing and dancing till the wee hours of the morning.

On august 29th with a Closing Ceremony full of music, dancing and singing, Athens said farewell to the athletes and its guest. IOC President, Jacques Rouge, said it all in one phrase: “Thank you Athens, …unforgettable games, dram games…”