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in Athens, 14 NOC's were present with 245 participants. Today, 199 NOC's are part
of the Olympic Movement and in 2004 in Athens, more than 10,000 athletes are
waiting to participate in the games of the XXVIII Olympiad.
The results obtained until now, encourage Olympic Solidarity to continue its
efforts to put in place programmes which correspond to the needs and the
expectations of the NOC's, on which, the careers of many athletes depend.
These convincing results are the work of the IOC President, HE Juan Antonio
Samaranch and we wish to conclude by paying a particular tribute to him. At the
origin of the changes in the heart of the Olympic Movement, he lead Olympic
Solidarity to become an important element of the Olympic Movement in favour of
the NOC's, to help with sports development in general and, in particular for the
athletes. His constant support encouraged the binding of the IOC, the IF's and
the NOC's, and therefore creating a united Olympic Movement. This unity has
allowed the resolution of problems caused by the stress of balancing the
requirements of the different elements within our movement.
Of course, we must not rest on our laurel but we turn to the future with
confidence. On behalf of the Director and all our colleagues at Olympic Solidarity,
we send you are deepest respect and our best wishes.
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