Athens 2004: Games of the XXVIII Olympiad (TV Mini Series)

Opening Ceremony (2004)

Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki: Self - ATHOC President

Quotes 

• [the President of Athens 2004 Organizing Committee for the Olympics Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and the President of the International Olympic Committee Jacques Rogge began their long walk to the podium, where under an Olive tree, the olive branch symbolism was everywhere, to deliver the opening addresses before the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad officially declare open. Speaking in Greek translates in English] 

  Self - ATHOC President : Kalosílthate! - Welcome!

  [Speaking English] 

  Self - ATHOC President : Welcome to the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad. Welcome to a unique Olympic Homecoming. Athletes of the World, you are the true and worthy heirs of Coroebus. He was the first reported Olympic Champion nearly 3,000 years ago. And now you will become Olympians here in Greece, where it all began. You've been at the heart of our preparations. You are at the center of our Games. With your valor, and form, and youth, you give life to our highest ideals. You compete fiercely, but you compete peacefully. Your achievement of excellence on the field of play are for us the very definition of beauty. You give flight to our souls. In your contest, division between nations and race disappear. Citizens of the world, for the second time in 108 years, Greece stands before you. As host country of the greatest celebration of humanity. With a sense of solemn pride and responsibility. Pierre de Coubertin said, "Célébrer les Jeux Olympiques c'est se réclamer de l'histoire"; "Holding an Olympic Games is evoking history. For the next 16 days, you will see that the heritage of Greece finds a new and modern expression in the accomplishment of our country, of our people, and our wonderful volunteers!

  [Applauses] 

  Self - ATHOC President : And this is... this new Greece that we want you to discover. You will be moved. You will be awed, inspired, and exhilarated, watching the best athletes of the world give their best here in Athens. Greece is going to fire the world's imagination. Last night, the flame lit Acropolis. Tonight, it will complete it's global journey and shine before us all. In one day, it has traveled 3,000 of our history, from the Acropolis to this modern stadium, the symbol of our modern Games.

  [Speaking in Greek which translates into English] 

  Self - ATHOC President : I Elláda eínai edó! Eímaste étoimoi! Ekatommýria Éllines me tin kardiá kai tin psychí tous ergástikan sklirá gia na ftásoun os edó. Mazí gráfoume éna néo kai panémorfo kefálaio stin Istoría ton Agónon. Apópse, gráfetai Istoría. Apópse, mazí sas kai chári se esás. Periméname Polý aftí ti stigmí. As to charoúme loipón. Kai as yiortásoume mazí me tous kalesménous mas me tous athlités, me tous eposképtes. Na giortásoume me ólo ton kósmo. - Greece is here! We are ready! Millions of Greeks worked hard body and soul, in order to be here at this very moment. Together we will have a new and wonderful chapter in the history of the Games. Tonight we make history. Tonight with you and thanks to you. We looked forward to this moment. Let us enjoy it. Let us celebrate together with our guests, the athletes, and visitors. Let us celebrate with the whole world.

  [In Greek] 

  Self - ATHOC President : , Olympiakoí Agónes, Kalós írthate.

  [in French] 

  Self - ATHOC President : , Jeux olympiques, Bienvenue.

  [And in English] 

  Self - ATHOC President : , Olympic Games, welcome home.

  [the athletes are coming home to the finish line in Athens] 

  Self - ATHOC President : And now, I have the honor of inviting Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee to speak. Jacques.