Angelopoulos: Greeks Can Repeat the 2004 Miracle

Greeks can repeat the “miracle of 2004” and deserve a much better fate, said Gianna Angelopoulos, during the presentation of her book, My Greek Drama, in an event organized in the cultural hall of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Manhattan on May 17.

Talking about her book which will soon be released in Greek, she referred to her personal opinion of the organization of the 2004 Olympics and the legacy left to the country, proving for the first time, as she said, that “we are not wretches.”

Angelopoulos answered many questions, refuting criticism on the organization of the games, stating that we should not blame the Olympic Games for the economic crisis, but the politicians and their choices.

While talking to journalists after the event organized by the Cultural and Educational Committee of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, the ambassador-at-large of the Greek State, answered a question posed by AMNA.

“First of all, I wanted to write this book and I did it in order to show the world and especially America another Greece. A Greece which is capable and has already accomplished excellent things, which made a miracle, the Olympic Games and has learned many lessons. But then the politicians took over and the life of the world changed.”

Angelopoulos said that she is presenting her book in many cities in America in order to stop blaming Greeks. “There’s no stereotype of the lazy or the failed Greek,” she stressed and continued, “I know the Greek who can do miracles and I’m proud. I talk about our country, about all the good things. I talk to people abroad and urge them to help Greece, to visit Greece, to help young people in Greece, as I do by financing projects for children and by sending them to the Clinton Global Initiative. But there are many more ways. I have served my country and I am proud. I have always wanted to help my country and I will be doing this forever.”