A great first day cover from 20 March 1996 of the Official Souvenir Postcard issued by the Amateur Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong.  The 1996 Summer Olympics were held in Atlanta, United States. There were 10 318 athletes, in 271 events, from 197 National Olympics Committees.  Athens was the popular choice to host the centennial games, but their bid was described as "arrogant and poorly prepared," being regarded as "not being up to the task of coping with the modern and risk-prone extravaganza" of the current Games. Athens also faced political instability, potential security problems, air pollution, traffic congestion, and the fact they would have to spend US$3 billion to improve its infrastructure of airports, roads, rail lines, and other amenities. Athens would be awarded the 2004 games.  Toronto finished third in voting, followed by Melbourne, Manchester, and Belgrade.  The United States won the most medals, with Canada finishing 21st. Hong K...