Antenna News in English (Special Report), 97-09-05

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From: Antenna Radio <http://www.antenna.gr> - email: antenna@compulink.gr

News in English, 05/09/97

OLYMPICS/ATHENS

And, for millions of Greeks in Greece and all over the world, a dream come true. For the birthplace of the Olympics and the Olympic spirit is harboured within every Greek.

In Zappio, downtown Athens, thousands of people gathered hours before the official announcement of the IOC voting results, already certain that out of the five candidate cities bidding for the 2004 Olympics, Athens would win.

In the fourth and last round, Greece was favoured 66 votes to Romes 41.

Voting is by secret ballot. The winning city must have absolute majority of 54 votes. Full details of the number of ballots cast for each city are released only after the announcement of a winner.

The Athenian bid was based on five factors: Good athletic facilities, the new image of the Greek capital, complete with metro and new international airport, strong local support of the Greek people and the sentimental returning to the birthplace of the modern Olympics.

Statements keep pouring in from estatic Greeks wanting to express their satisfaction and elation in winning the 2004 Olympics.

From the prime minister, to the president, to the president of the Athen's bid committee to the president of the Greek Olympic Committee, the list goes on.

Proudly speaking about being awarded the 2004 Olympics, Prime minister Kostas Simitis said, "We proved that we can win in all fields and on an international scale". Adding that, "This will also be proven over the next few days at the trade fair in Thessaloniki.

Continuing he said, "We won because we've worked hard and in the right direction. The Olympic Games will be a great opportunity for Greece to reinforce its international position. To give the Games a new spirit, remembering the ideals of noble competition which were born in Greece. The Olympics will also be a great opportunity for Greece's development on an economic scale. An opportunity for us to spread Greece's cultural image. We won because we worked hard, and with specific goals. It is something we will constantly strive to do.

Greek president Kostis Stefanopoulos said, "Today's decision by the IOC justifies the efforts made and is greeted with special satisfaction. The awarding of the 2004 Olympics to Athens is not the end, but the beginning of a seven-year effort to reach a succesful outcome in the year 2004.

Yianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki, president of the Athens'bid committee, said, "I'm proud and happy for all of Greeks, because our city, Athens, is the one which combines sports, culture and education. Adding that, "I must express my gratitude to all those who stood by me and helped me in our difficult work. Victory not only belongs to Athens, but to Greece. I want to thank the International Olympic Committee which honoured us with 66 votes. The greatest task facing us tomorrow is again hard work".

And During the press conference after the announcement was made, Daskalaki said, "Athens' bid for the 1996 Olympics were was the foundation of this effort. I want to thank the Prime Minister for his full support, as well as the opposition and Greeks everywere.

Lambis Nikolaou, president of the Greek Olympic Committee, and an IOC member said, "After an eight year delay, we'll celebrate the Gold Olympics in the year 2004. I want to especially thank all Greeks and my partners in the IOC, those who voted for and against us".

Athens mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos said, "It's a great distinction for Greece. A great vision in the beginning of the second millenium. We did a great job. The 2004 Olympics will be the best Olympics ever held. Greeks have proven that they CAN undertake and maintain high standards in sports events. Adding that, "Several IOC members who voted in our favour approached us afterward saying, "You deserved it, that's why we voted for you''.

Sports minister Andreas Fouras said, "I want to especially thank the prime minister who supported all of our efforts. Our victory is dedicated to Greek athletes and to all Greeks".

Speaking of the future he added, "We must all work with decisiveness and consistency coordinating our efforts to accomplish the necessary Olympic athletic facilities being well organised and prepared for the Games. Adding that, "for Greek athletes, a new period of intensive preparation starts, giving them the opportunity to shine in Athens' Olympics. The Athens' bid committee deserves all our congratulations for the final success".

Also speaking of future efforts, New Democracy leader Kostas Karamanlis said that the award of the 2004 Olympics is essentially another great bid which Greece must win. Adding that, "Such an important effort needs infrastructure, a jump forward, because ultimately we will all be judged by the performance of our efforts. we Greeks, and the Greece of the 21st century".

Antonis Samaras, Political Spring leader said, "The historical decision to return the Olympic Games back to Greece, even though it was a delay, rebaptises the Olympics in a triple glory that only their homeland can offer them. Olympic Games, Olympic Flame and Olympic origin.

Apostolos Kaklamanis president of parliament said, "Today is a historical day for Athens, for Greece, for athletism".

Former king Constantine of Greece said, "We won thanks to the great effort of the Athen's bid committee. Adding that, "Also to the Great majority of the Greek people in believing we could achieve it".

And, former archbishop of Americas Iacovos said, "I'm deeply moved and very happy. The award of the 2004 Olympics to Athens means a new era rising during which the Olympic spirit won't be just a memory anymore".

The awarding of the 2004 Olympics to Athens was a dream come true for all Athenians.

And especially for Athen's bid committee members, who in their final presentation, viewed by IOC members on Friday showed determination, integrity and national unity...belief in a city which is the birthplace of the modern olympics.

Athens' bid committee members threw a last minute "ace" on the table Friday, offering to cover the transport and lodging expenses of the sixteen thousand athletes participating in the 2004 Olympics. The only other city extending such an exceptional offer was Cape Town.

The Athens' bid final presentation video included statements made by the Greek prime minister, the Athens mayor and the president of the Athens' bid committee.

In his statement prime minister Kostas Simitis said that both the ruling party and the opposition fully backed the Athens' candidacy.

Athens mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos expoused Greece's long and rich tradition in hospitality and safety that is offered to tourists visiting the country.

And in addressing IOC members, Yianna Angelopoulou- Daskalaki, president of the Athens'bid committee, movingly added, "We stand before you a second time within the last decade, bringing the hopes, dreams and desires of all Greek citizens wanting to shoulder the responsibility of the 2004 Olympics.

© ANT1 Radio 1997

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