INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC ACADEMY 7th JOINT - IOA

handling international issues in a globalized era, which has changed
negotiation and communication conditions between states. Perhaps the
excessively centralized structure of the Organizing Committee for the
Athens 2004 Games has not made it possible for other government
bodies to take initiatives, thus leading to inertia. Maybe the whole
enterprise was planned in a manner more ambitious than what the
country could carry through, particularly at a time when international
conditions are steadily deteriorating. Maybe, finally, our tendency to
accuse one another continuously, not to stand united in promoting our
national interests, thus making the task of our critics easier, could be
attributed to the uncertainties of all kinds that affect our daily lives.
Political bickering - before the elections and at other times – and the
personalized relations between citizen and politicians make the
situation worse.
As a result, Greece is unable to respond to the often unfair
criticism and promote the very many positive aspects and the
important changes that have taken place in Athens these last years. It
has also not been able to promote a cohesive cultural image, despite
the outstanding events of the Cultural Olympiad. In short, many
opportunities have been lost because the country’s relations with the
international media have not been systematically cultivated.
Finally, it should be noted that Athens has been rather unlucky as
regards the time-period of the celebration of the Olympic Games, as
developments at international level have not helped its projects. I
refer, above all, to the various terrorist attacks, the war in Iraq and the
epidemics, which create a climate of insecurity and fear among
visitors when it comes to traveling and attending world events on the
one hand and dramatically increase the cost of organizing the Games,
on the other.
In any event, persisting negative comments influence public
opinion and give rise, gradually, to negative feelings. Moreover, they
do not contribute to fostering a sense of identification among the
pubic and a willingness to be part of the Games. This kind of situation
cannot easily be reversed, in spite of any good efforts made by
Greece. On the other hand though, the Greeks are speed runners, as
we know, and they always achieve a miracle at the very last moment.
Could it be that they may win the wager in the end and prove their
critics wrong?
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