"These were unforgettable, dream Games," said Rogge.

"Athletes, you are role models. When you get home, promote the message of the Games - promote respect f or others and, above all, promote clean sport. Give back to sport what sport has given to you," he said.

The Olympic flag was passed on to Wang Qishan, the mayor of Beijing, the host to the 2008 Olympics. Enditem

The closing ceremony for the 28th Olympic Games is held at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece, August 29, 2004. (Xinhua Ph(Xinhua photo/Lan Hongguang)

A performance entitled "May the dances last forever" is staged at the closing ceremony for the 28th Olympic Games is held at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece, August 29, 2004. (Xinhua Ph(Xinhua photo/Qi Heng)

A pyrotechnics burst is fired at the closing ceremony for the 28th Olympic Games is held at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece, August 29, 2004. (Xinhua Ph(Xinhua photo/Luo Gengqian)

A local singer performs at the closing ceremony for the 28th Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece, August 29, 2004. (Xinhua photo/Guo Dayue)

The performance entitled "May the dances last forever" is staged at the closing ceremony for the 28th Olympic Games is held at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece, August 29, 2004. (Xinhua Ph(Xinhua photo/Liao Yujie)

A traditional Greek wedding ceremony is staged at the performance entitled "May the dances last forever" at the closing ceremony for the 28th Olympic Games is held at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece, August 29, 2004. (Xinhua Ph(Xinhua photo/Liao Yujie)

A performance entitled "May the dances last forever" is staged at the closing ceremony for the 28th Olympic Games is held at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece, August 29, 2004. (Xinhua photo/Liao Yujie)

Fire dancers leap over fires set around the flattened wheat in a harvest show at the performance entitled "May the dances last forever" at the closing ceremony for the 28th Olympic Games held at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece, August 29, 2004. (Xinhua photo/Liao Yujie)

Wheat is being gathered in a harvest show at the performance entitled "May the dances last forever" at the closing ceremony for the 28th Olympic Games held at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece, August 29, 2004. (Xinhua photo/Liao Yujie)