Sydney, September 15 The whole city has been once again touched by Olympic spirit as it celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the 2000 Summer Games.

A packed schedule of events involved officials of the SOCOG and the Paralympics organizing committee, international sports leaders, sporting heroes and thousands of volunteers, welcomed by Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates right on the venues of a decade ago.

At ANZ Stadium, the cauldron from the Sydney Olympics was lit briefly by Olympic gold medallist Catherine Freeman, who lit the cauldron as the final torchbearer 10 years ago, together with Paralympic champion Louise Sauvage.

1,200 primary school children, joined by Olympians and Paralympians, experienced a re-creation of the Opening Ceremony and Parade and were taught about Olympic values.

Plaque dedications honoured late Juan Antonio Samaranch, former IOC President, a key figure in Sydneys successful bid for the Games, whose “best ever” Games at the Closing ceremony left a lasting legacy, along with Cathy Freeman, Louise Sauvage and London 2012.

Lord Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the London 2012 Games, took this special opportunity to call for a Volunteers Programme as successful as the Sydney one.

A special concert, open to all, was held at The Overflow Park at Sydney Olympic Park where video highlights from the Games were shown, as well as interviews with athletes and musical performances from the ceremonies.