The countdown to the Olympics has ended, and the Games have at last returned to their nation of origin Phevos and Athena are brother and sister and the official Athens 2004 Mascots. While their creation was inspired by an ancient Greek doll, and their names are indeed linked to ancient Greece, the two siblings are children of modern times. The names of two Olympian gods: Phevos, name of the Olympian god of light and music, known as Apollo. Athena, goddess of wisdom and patron of the city of Athens. In this way, Phevos and Athena represent the link between Greek history and the modern Olympic Games, representing the values of Olympism: participation, brotherhood, equality, cooperation, fair play. The two dolls of Athena and Phevos are intended to remind us of the pleasure of indulging in games; they highlight that the value of participation is higher than that of victory. At the same time, they are brother and sister, a boy and a girl, symbols of equality and brotherhood around the world. Above all, the two children showcase the everlasting Greek value of human scale and remind us that humanity was, is, and will remain, at the heart of the Olympic Games. The mascots as children Phevos and Athena are two children, simple and joyful, full of vitality and creativity, perhaps mischievous and hence lovable. Phevos and Athena see sports like a game, as all children do. In this spirit, they add small flags to shooting; they find new ways to overcome hurdles; they discover additional uses for their feet in rowing and synchronised swimming; Athena teaches Phevos how to dive by pushing him from the spring-board; they enjoy themselves on the trampoline; they hit their targets in archery. Their efforts are always marked by team spirit, noble competition and equality. By Abeer Anwar
