Opening of the first modern Olympic Games in Athens

Background. The International Olympic Committee was created during a congress in Paris in 1894, where Athens was selected as the host city for the inaugural modern Games. Pierre de Coubertin initially proposed holding the Games in 1900, but concerns about public interest led to the decision to hold them in 1896. The event was organized by the IOC, with Crown Prince Constantine assuming the presidency of the organizing committee in 1895.

Funding and Venues. The Games were funded by the legacies of Zappas and George Averoff, who sponsored the refurbishment of the Panathenaic Stadium. A statue of Averoff was unveiled outside the stadium on April 5, 1896, just before the opening. The main venue for athletics and wrestling was the Panathenaic Stadium, while other venues included the Neo Phaliron Velodrome for cycling and the Zappeion for fencing.

Opening Ceremony. The opening ceremonies occurred on April 6, 1896, in Athens. The event was officially declared open with the phrase, "I declare the opening of the first international Olympic Games in Athens." This marked the beginning of the Games of the I Olympiad, which ran from April 6 to April 15, 1896.