These first games were marked by an event dear to the hearts of the Greeks, it was the marathon. This event was included in the programme at the request of the Frenchman Marcel Bréal. But we also find the first official boycott, it is Turkey, which had already planned to issue stamps but in the end refused to take part in these Games. However, the funds needed to organize them, despite the donation from Zappas, were not sufficient, so all those of good will were appealed. Mr. Averoff, a wealthy Greek shipowner living in Egypt, made a donation of several million drachmas for the reconstruction of the ancient stadium. In his honour, a statue was erected at the entrance to the Stadium. March 25 was chosen as the date of the opening ceremony because it is the national holiday