IOC president Jacques Rogge said here on Tuesday that the Greek people must make their own judgment on whether the record cost of the 2004 Athens Games was worthy or not.

"This is something on which the Greeks have to comment themselves because they are spending it themselves," Rogge told reporters at the sidelines of an awarding ceremony, during which he and ATHOC President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and Hellenic Olympic Committee President Lambis Nikolaou were awarded the gold medal by the Athens Municipality.

"That there is a great legacy, there is no doubt. Was it at thebest price? It is up to you, the Greeks, to make that decision," he added.

Greece spent roughly 14 billion US dollars on the Olympics, but Rogge said the issue is a domestic matter.

Rogge reiterated that the Athens Games, which he described as "unforgettable, dream games" at the closing ceremony last August, were a tremendous success, adding that Greek organizers never lost their optimism during the stage of preparations, even in the face of concerns by the general public and media.

He also said Athens and Greece deserve kudos because they showed the country's modern face to the world.

"You were the ones who, with your hard work and determination, produced such impressive results," Mayor Dora Bakoyianni said, placing a gold medal around Rogge's neck.

The IOC chief described it as "an emotional moment ... a very high award that shines on the entire international committee."

Angelopoulos-Daskalaki also echoed the growing concerns in Greece that Olympic venues haven't been properly used since the games ended.

"It would be a real shame for everyone if the effort and achievement of organizing the games remained only as a powerful, unforgettable memory," she warned. 

Editor: Donald