8th, 9th & 10th day of the Games

8th day - April 1, 1896
A strong cold wind blows, raising dense clouds of dust. Owing to this, most of the events on the programme have to be cancelled.

The programme had included: Twelve hour cycle race of endurance in the cycle track, boat and rowing competitions at Phaleron, rowing contests of naval boats and in the evening illumination of the Acropolis. Because of the weather, only the cycle races took place.

Cycle Races
The winner of the contest is the Austrian Schmal.

9th day - April 2, 1896
It is the worst of all the ten days of the Games. It is cold, cloudy, windy, and rainy. According to this day, the proclamation and the crowing with wreaths of the victors was due to take place in the afternoon. Finally, the ceremony is put off for the next day.

10th and final day - April 3, 1896
The dignified and fine ceremony of this day, reminding by its majesty of the splendour of ancient days, left the most vivid and pleasant memories of all those who are present. The stadium from the early hours starts to have the appearance of the first days, the density of the crowds in the surroundings is great.

After the arrival of the Royal Family, permission is given to the crowds outside the entrance to enter the stadium, without tickets, and thus the stadium is over-filled. On a table to the King's left are the prizes, a branch of wild olive from the Sacred altis, a branch of laurel, the diplomas within blue and white circular rolls, the medals, silver for the first, bronze for the second.

After the distribution of the prizes, the parade of the Olympic Winners takes place in the stadium. Leading by Mr. Manos, director of the Games, the Olympic Winners and those placed second, bearing the honourable prize of a branch of wild olive or laurel, proceed around the arena, at a slow pace, to the enthusiastic playing of the bands. In the first rank is Louis waving a small Greek flag enthusiastically.

At the end of the parade, the King proclaimes in a loud voice:

"I declare the First International Olympic Games terminated".

After the final cheers, the crowds pour out.

Then on impulse a manifestation is organised. The whole of the crowd together with the Council of Twelve and with Mr Philimon at their head, with the bands leading and together with the flags of the various nations moves towards the Palace and demands by shouts for the Crown Prince to appear, who then appears at the propylaea (entrance). As soon as representatives of different groups make their speeches, the crowd disperses.

In the evening, the Acropolis is illuminated with torches. The glory, spread on the Parthenon and the Propylaea and imparting to the glorious ruins incomparable beauty, symbolises triumphantly the new triumph of the ancient spirit by the wonderful success of the Games.

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