Olympic and Paralympic athletes, national sports figures, and Athens 2004 employees and volunteers gathered in the Greek capital to mark the anniversary of the Games, while a video message from International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach was also played.

"It would have been a great pleasure to be with you today in Athens to mark the 10th anniversary of a very special event in the history of the Olympic Games, the return of the Olympic Games to their ancient home in Greece," he said.

"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.

"What a nice idea to hold this celebration in the Olympic Village.

Olympic and Paralympic athletes, national sports figures, and Athens 2004 employees and volunteers gathered in Athens to mark the anniversary of the 2004 Games ©HOC


"There is no better place to recapture the spirit of unity and fellowship that the Games promote on a global level.

"I know that in particular the Olympians who competed in 2004 are glad to come home again.

"Greece has undergone many changes over the past ten years.

"But there should be no doubt that the Games had a positive impact on your beautiful country.

"No need to remind you that the Games legacy includes a new international airport, two metro lines, a tram and a suburban railway, all of which continue to serve Athens' residents and visitors until today and for many, many years to come.

"Many of the sporting venues also remain in use.

"Others venues have found new life and others will hopefully find new life.

"The legacy of the Games lives on as well in all who were inspired or moved by the events of that magical time ten years ago.

"People around the world will long remember when the Games came home to Greece.

"And you helped show the world what Greece can do."

Special plaques were presented in memory of the late Anna Pollatou, Panagiotis Poikilidis and Giorgos Sifakis, who have all died this year ©HOC


The late Olympic medal-winning gymnast Anna Pollatou, wrestler Panagiotis Poikilidis and Paralympic athlete Giorgos Sifakis, who have all died this year, were also remembered at the event as Hellenic Olympic Winners Association President Voula Kozomboli presented marble nameplates of the athletes to the city.

"We are here today, employees and volunteers of Athens 2004 having worked back then for the organisation of the Olympic Games and those who worked in the public sector for the same goal," HOC President Spyros Capralos said.

"Greece made a great achievement.

"All of us, all of you, almost all Greeks with passion, enthusiasm and the feeling of togetherness, showed outstanding skill that helped to carry out an extremely difficult and sophisticated project for such a small country.

"And all that in times when few in the whole world believed that our country could make it.

"Yet, small Greece not only did make it, but also made those who predicted a failure, apologise in the end and admit that Greece organised 'Dream Games' as the IOC President of that time Dr Jacques Rogge said.

"Dream Games."

HOC chief Spyros Capralos, pictured third from right, hit back at critics of the Athens 2004, which then IOC President Jacques Rogge called a "Beautiful Games" ©HOC


Capralos also used the occasion to hit back at critics of the Athens Games that have questioned how Greece has benefited from hosting the multi-billion dollar event.

"I am sure that you too, like me feel very sad, on one hand for seeing photographs of abandoned sports venues, and on the other hand listening to malicious and bitter comments, that the Games are to blame for all the problems of our country," he said.

"Those comments multiplied on the occasion of the 10-year anniversary, attempting to tarnish the anniversary and discredit this great national effort.

"The truth is that many used and still use the Olympic Games as a pretext to cover their own responsibilities or inadequacy.

"And they forget  that for 17 days Athens was the centre of their world and that for the first time the whole world was commenting Greece in such a positive way.

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

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