Re: `Stamp of Class' by VIKKI CAMPION, July 18, 2005. There is a historical error in this article. A common mistake. Baron Pierre de Coubertin did not found the modern Olympic Games. He founded the International Olympic Committee in 1894. The IOC was preceded by Olympic Games held in Athens in 1859, 1870 and 1875. A Greek billionaire and philanthropist, called Evangelis Zappas, sponsored the earlier events and paid for the refurbishment of the ancient Panathenian stadium that was used for the Olympics of 1870, 1875, 1896, 1906 and for events in 2004. He also paid for the building of the first indoor Olympic arena that was used for Olympic fencing in 1896 and 1906 and as the press centre for the 2004 Olympics.

Yours faithfully,
Zappas.org