Athenians Celebrate Olympic Anniversary

(ATR) Athens residents and Olympians alike celebrated the tenth anniversary of the 2004 Olympic Games on Monday.

Athens 2004 medalists, volunteers, and employees gathered in the Olympic Village to celebrate Athens' tenth anniversary of hosting the Summer 2004 Olympics, according to a statement from the Hellenic Olympic Committee.

"Tonight is a night of true joy and emotion," HOC president Spyros Capralos said.

"Today, at the Olympic Village, along with the residents of this symbolic for the Games place, with the warm hospitality of the mayor of Acharnais, we celebrate an anniversary that honors, above all, the qualities and virtues of the Greek people that made our country shine."

"No one can steal from us our beautiful moments experienced in 2004, and for this we will always honor those who made great, strenuous efforts and finally realized this achievement," he added.

In a televised speech, Thomas Bach praised Greece’s tenacity during the 2004 games.

"Your dedication and hard work brought the ancient gift of the Greek people to all human culture into the modern era."

"The results transformed the city, inspired the nation and activated the entire world."

"There should be no doubt that the Games had a positive impact on your beautiful country," he concluded.

Written by Andrew Murrell

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