(ATR) A historical marker dedicated to the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta was unveiled by the Georgia Historical Society in the city’s center at Centennial Olympic Park.
The park was constructed as a central gathering place for visitors and spectators around the world who came to Atlanta during the Games.
The Marker reads:
"1996 Summer Olympics, Games of the XXVI Olympiad
From July 19 through August 4, 1996, Atlanta hosted the Centennial Summer Olympic Games, the largest event in Atlanta’s history. In 1990, the International Olympic Committee chose Atlanta over five other cities. Atlanta attorney Billy Payne and Mayor Andrew Young were the prime architects of the winning bid. Preparations had an estimated economic impact of at least $5.14 billion. Civic leaders built new sports venues, created park space, improved sidewalks and streets, and altered housing patterns. During the Olympics more than 2 million visitors came to Atlanta, and an estimated 3.5 billion people around the world watched on television. For the first time, all nations invited sent athletes, more than 10,000 competitors from 197 nations. The 1996 Olympics promoted Atlanta’s image as an international city, positioning it to play an important role in global commerce."
The ceremony was led by President and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society (GHS) W. Todd Groce. Other speakers for the dedication includedcurrent and former Atlanta mayors Kasim Reed and Andrew Young,former Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG) chief executive Billy Payne andGeorgia Historical Society board member and former University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley.
"The 1996 Olympic Games were a watershed moment in Georgia history," Groce said in a statement.
"They brought the world to our state and played a fundamental role in shaping Georgia’s political, economic, and cultural landscape in the twenty-first century. The story of the Centennial Olympics and the GWCCA will be available in exciting new ways to Georgia students and teachers through GHS educational resources and the new historical marker that we dedicate today."
In conjunction with the ceremony the GHS also took the time to recognize the achievements of the owner of the park - the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) - and named it an honoree of the Georgia Business Initiative.
This marker is around the 250th erected by the GHS included in its Business History Initiative.
Mayor Reed said "This historical marker will serve as a reminder to everybody who crosses its path … that the city of Atlanta is a place where you can bring and build your dreams" reports the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Homepage Photo: ATR
Written by Courtney Colquitt
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