[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 161 (Thursday, December 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2546]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DORA BAKOYANNIS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 15, 2005

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dora 
Bakoyannis, Mayor of Athens, Greece, who was chosen to receive the 2005 
World Mayor Award. This recognition is part of the World Mayor Project, 
which aims to bring greater attention to mayors who have well served 
their own communities as well as other national and international 
cities.
  The World Mayor Project was launched in January of 2004 by City 
Mayors, an internet based platform designed to raise awareness about 
issues facing the world's cities. City Mayors was created by a group of 
economists and journalists from Europe, the Americas and Asia in April 
of 2003. From January to October of 2005, over 87,000 people worldwide 
voted in the annual internet based. World Mayor contest.
  After being elected in 2003, Mayor Bakoyannis had the great challenge 
of preparing the historic city of Athens to host the 2004 summer 
Olympic Games. Due to her outstanding leadership, Athens rose 
magnificently to the challenge and demonstrated the pride and honor 
that comes with hosting the biggest sporting event in the world.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing Dora 
Bakoyannis whose work has not only brought physical transformation to 
Athens, but also a renewed sense of national pride for her citizens 
which reflects true leadership. We wish her continued success as she 
works to enhance the quality of life for all Athenians.

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