"G'day Sydney. 
   Yes, the Olympic Games are back down under. 
   Tonight we are gathered together to celebrate the Games of the new millennium, the athletes' Games. A unique tradition that can trace its origins back over 2,500 years to ancient Olympia. 
    Welcome the the athletes of the world. Welcome to 28 international sports federations and 199 National Olympic Committees. 
    Our gratitude must go to: 
    - The people and government of Australia, New South Wales, Sydney and all other communities involved for their friendly welcome and hospitality; 
    - Sydney 2000 for the excellence of its preparations of the Games; 
    - The Australian Olympic Committee for its dedication to Olympism; 
    - The thousands of volunteers for their exceptional services - you have made the Games possible; 
    - The mass media for their contribution to presenting the Games to the world; 
    - Our partners and sponsors for their support and their belief in the Olympic ideal; 
    - And also to all of you, sport loving spectators here and television viewers around the world. 
    And finally, I would like to express our respect to those who have made Australia what it is today - a great country, with a special tribute to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 
    The Olympic Games are unique. They unify men and women of all origins and creeds. The contribution of sport for the understanding and unity of our society is extraordinary. Sport and the Olympic movement is also an essential part of education, which is the real wealth of any country in the world. 
    The entire Olympic movement also pays homage to Greece, cradle of the Olympic ideal whose tradition goes on more than 2500 years. We also honour the Frenchman Pierre De Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympics. 
    To all the athletes of the world, good luck! And also I would like to thank Dawn Fraser for being with me this evening. 
    I now have the honour of inviting the Governor-General of Australia to proclaim the Games of the XXVII Olympiad in Sydney, the Games of the new millennium, open."

    AAP