taking part, during antiquity. By tradition, Greece is since then the first country to enter the stadium, during opening ceremonies. 2004 Summer Olympics The 2004 Summer Olympics witnessed the returning of the Olympic Games to Greece, where they were born. They were held, for the second time, in Athens, while a few events were hosted in a small number of other cities including Thessaloniki, Patras, Volos and Heraklion. The Games' motto was Welcome Home (Καλώς ήρθατε σπίτι). The 2004 logo consisted of an olive tree branch (κότινος), with the colors of the modern Greek flag. The olive tree was a symbol of the city of Athens, while "kotinos" represented the Olympic spirit, as it was the only reward that the athletes were receiving in Olympia, during the ancient Games. The logo was revealed in 1999. See also List of flag bearers for Greece at the Olympics :Category:Olympic competitors for Greece Greece at the Paralympics Notes One gold medal of Greece listed in the IOC website for the 1924 Paris summer Olympics is not about a sport but for an artistic competition (sculpture) won by Konstantinos Dimitriadis. References External links