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all his energy, time and money in educating orphaned children and others, and
in training future athletes.
Other Olympic athletes are also involved in humanitarian and social activities
in favour of their communities. This is proof that Olympic education and values
are even instrumental in the well being of our society.
As I always say, education is the best tool and wealth than an individual can
possess.
As you well know, 2001 is the International Year of Volunteers. The foundation
of the Olympic Movement is volunteerism. This is why we are all mobilised to
pay tribune to all volunteers around the world. In this framework, I would like
to pay special tribute to the President of the International Olympic Academy, my
colleague and friend Nikos Filaretos, for his dedication to the cause of Olympic
education.
Let me also pay tribute to the Hellenic Olympic Committee and its president,
my colleague and friend Lambis Nikolaou, and the members of the national sport
movement, for their contribution to the Olympia Ideal.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the Hellenic political
and sports authorities, for their close Cupertino and friendship during my Presidency.
I am convinced that the Organising Committee of the Games of the XXVIII
Olympiad, ATHOC, under the able leadership of Mrs. Gianna Angelopoulos-
Daskalaki, will be successful in its undertakings.
I wish you all good luck and goodbye.
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