Olympic Flame handed from Greece to Beijing

(ATHENS NEWS AGENCY) The Olympic Flame was turned over to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games organisers on Sunday 30 March afternoon during an internationally televised ceremony at Athens’ venerable Panathinaiko Stadium, the site for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, essentially inaugurating the reverse countdown for the closely watched upcoming Summer Games. (The Beijing Olympic Torch Relay 2008: torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en  ; Beijing 2008 Olympic Games: en.beijing2008.cn  )

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The Olympic Flame Arrives in the City of Athens

(CITY OF ATHENS)  Memories of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games are being revived as the torch carrying the sacred Olympic flame arrives in the City of Athens tomorrow, Saturday, March 29, as part of its journey to Beijing. Seven torchbearers will represent the City of Athens in the historic Olympic Torch Relay, which was launched on March 24 in Ancient Olympia. Faithful to the principles of Olympism, Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis will run together with Paralympian Athanasios Barakas.

Mini Guide of 2008 Events in Greece

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)   Always admired for its history, cultural heritage and beautiful landscape, Greece is now respected for the whole spectrum of its comparative advantages. From its status as an energy hub, a financial centre and overall gateway to Southeastern Europe to its leading role in shipping, Greece counts an increasing number of accomplishments and an growing number of friends.  Greece is a well established brand and a timeless destination. A variety of exhibitions, conferences, business fairs, cultural events and research colloquiums are taking place throughout the country on a yearly basis. The following is a selection of such events during 2008.

Olympic Games Exhibitions

Olympic Torches in Athens

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)   An exhibition dedicated tο the Olympic Torches from 1936 to the Athens Olympic Games 2004 was presented under the auspices of the City of Athens, at the Technopolis Cultural Centre in Athens until March 19th. Rich photographic and audiovisual material, as well as the costumes of the priestesses participating throughout this 68-year-old journey were some of the exhibitions’ jewels showcased . YouTube: Athens 2004 Olympic Flame

Athens 2004 memorabilia in China

Within the framework of the Cultural Year of Greece in China, an exhibition of objects, photographs, videos and costumes from the opening and closing ceremonies of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games will be presented at the Capital Museum in Beijing. Beijing Olympic Committee has chosen to elevate the succesful Athens ceremonies, as attested to by comments in the world press, in order to welcome the new 2008 Games. The exhibition will run until June 25th.

Fashion Made in Greece

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA) With 31 runway shows at Zappeion Megaron, many designers’ stands, round table discussions and plenty of parties, the Hellenic Fashion Designers Association is organising the 7th Hellenic Fashion Week from March 12 to 16. The events will run under the auspices of the City of Athens, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Development. French designer Chantal Thomass is the fashion week’s special guest star. The Hellenic Fashion Week is a newly established yet much anticipated institution, aiming at the promotion of Greek fashion brands locally and abroad and subsequently, at the development of ties between the local and international fashion industry. The Athens Collections 2008 will be also attended by fashion experts from Italy, France, Turkey, the Netherlands and other countries. Hellenic Fashion Designers Association: Hellenic Fashion Week Schedule   (SI APRES TEXTE EN FRANCAIS)

New Park and Football Stadium in Athens

(CITY OF ATHENS)  Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis and Panathinaikos Football Club representative Yiannis Vardinoyiannis today signed an amended agreement for the construction of sports facilities at Votanikos, as approved by Athens City Council  Following the signing of the agreement, the following statements were made:    

Agreement for New Football Stadium in Athens

(CITY OF ATHENS) Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis today announced details of a new agreement on the construction of sports facilities at Votanikos involving the City of Athens, the special purpose company Double Regeneration Votanikos – Alexandras Avenue SA and Panathinaikos Football Club. (GREEK FOLLOWS)

Athens Mayor announces Greenery Charter

(CITY OF ATHENS) Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis today presented the City of Athens Greenery Charter, which comprises three new environmental initiatives. The aim of the charter – the first such document in Greece – is to expand, improve and protect green spaces within the City of Athens.