-- PRESS RELEASE

Greek football internationals visited the ATHENS 2004 headquarters to sign their volunteer applications for the 2004 Olympic Games, shortly before departing for Portugal, where they will be playing a friendly match with the team of the EURO 2004 host country.

The President of the Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, said how happy she was to be receiving their applications. In word that came from the heart, she told them that their presence meant more than just a handful of new applications. “Your presence demonstrates that we need everybody”, she said. “In your case it has a special significance. Here are winners – people who know how to achieve victory and stir the Greek spirit. We are especially honoured to have you here. There are a number of events I want you to be present at the pre-Games period – and of course at the Games itself. I will ask Mr. Caramitsos-Tziras [ATHENS 2004 Volunteers General Manager] to make sure you have something really enjoyable to do in the Volunteerism department at Games-time”.

Later Mrs. Angelopoulos-Daskalaki noted that by hosting the EURO 2004, Portugal was “passing the ball” to Greece and the 2004 Olympic Games. 126,000 Volunteer applications had been submitted to date, and applications by the football internationals were particularly important. “You are the ones who can mobilise, inspire people, you are the ones who can convey a message to the children and to all those watching us. To us, you are a symbol of victory for Greece”.

Sports Undersecretary, George Lianis, who was present with the national team, said that applications were not a mere formality but showed a great sense of responsibility. “This is a life attitude”, he told them, “a highly symbolic act. These Greek football players are essentially opening the pathway to the Olympic Games with their test in Spain. Moreover, some of these youngsters here today will be taking part in the Games – a moment that will certainly be a high point in their lives”.

The President of the Greek Football Federation, Vassilis Gagatsis, expressed his warm gratitude to the players for their fine and historic performance in coming through the preliminary rounds. “We also have other aims too”, he said, “lofty ones that recall the triumphs of the past. Hectic preparations are going on for the Olympic football tournament. There, too, we are aiming high so as to make Greece proud of us”.

Federation Coach, Otto Rehhagel, said that he and the Greek international team had done wonders, and had made a huge leap forward as regards the national team’s image. In Portugal, he said, they must prove that they had the class to face the ‘greats’. But the ‘big one’ is the 2004 Olympic Games. “In August the eyes of the world will be on Athens. When I go to Germany, my friends ask me about the public works [in Athens]. What I say to them: “Don’t worry, they will all be ready on time”. He also wished the ATHENS 2004 President every success in what he called her “difficult task” and pledged his support wherever needed.

The captain of the Greek national team, Theodoros Zagorakis, said that the football players’ decision to sign up as Volunteers expressed their wish to do their bit for the Olympic effort now under way. “We, the players, perhaps hope more than anybody else that things will go well at the Games. Any time you need us, just tell us”.

Mr. Zagorakis presented to Mrs. Angelopoulos-Daskalaki two team shirts and a ball with the signatures of all the players in the national team.

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