John Sarbanes: “the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, which took place between August 13-29, have added a vivid and memorable chapter…”

“the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, which took place between August 13-29, have added a vivid and memorable chapter to the Olympic tradition, which first took shape in Greece nearly three millennia ago, and which in its modern form dates back to 1896. The Athens 2004 Organizing Committee, the U.S. Olympic Committee, the International Olympic Committee and dozens of other organizations, the U.S. Olympic Team and thousands of athletes from all over the world, the unwavering determination to meet unprecedented challenges and the good will and hard work of the people of Greece all contributed to assuring the success of the Games. In tribute to their magnificent achievement, today I am joined by a number of my colleagues in introducing a resolution to express our gratitude and congratulations. Greece took on a daunting challenge when, in 1997, the nation was designated by the International Olympic Committee to serve as host to the 2004 Summer Games. With the exception of Finland, where the 1952 Games took place, in terms of population Greece is the smallest Olympic host ever.”