The Athens 2004 Olympics

"As in the daytime there is no star in the sky warmer and brighter than the sun, likewise there is no competition greater than the Olympic Games". Pindar, Greek lyric poet, 5th century BC.

According to historic records, the first ancient Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 BC. They were dedicated to the Olympian Gods and were staged on the ancient plains of Olympia, famous for its magnificent temples of the gods Zeus and Hera. In the 19th century, intellectuals such as Evangelos Zappas and Demetrios Vikelas lent their voices and efforts to the revival of the Olympic Games. However, it was French Baron Pierre de Coubertin who orchestrated the re-establishment of the Games that took place in Athens, in 1896.

In August 2004, the Olympic Games were once again held in Athens, followed by the Paralympic games, in September 2004. Besides putting Athens in the spotlight, the successfully completed games have left behind a world-class athletics infrastructure that will benefit the inhabitants for many years to come.

To find out more about the Athens 2004 Olympics and Paralympics, please visit: 
http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/past/index_uk.asp?OLGT=1&OLGY=2004