Following the sports theme, I just wanted to bring to light some of the upcoming sporting events that somehow have managed to go under the American media.

Euro 2004 – Portugal [June 6th - July 4th]

The groundwork for a European national-team competition began in 1956, two years later the first European Nations’ Cup, now known as the UEFA European Championship, was under way. This year, Portugal will be host to defending champion France and 15 other coutries for one of the most coveted trophies in all football. The tournament starts on June 6th while the final match will be played July 4th.

Copa America 2004 – Peru [July 6th - 25th]

The oldest National teams tournament in the world, the Copa America was created in 1916, when Argentina decided to organize a soccer tournament to celebrate the first centennial of its independence. With the participation of Brazil, Chile and Uruguay the event attracted the spotlights of that time being decisive for the foundation of the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) in the same period. In this way then, the first National teams competition was created. This year, Peru will be the hosting 12 countries as they battle for bragging rights. Copa America starts July 6th and Mexico will be in the final being played on July 25th!

Athens 2004 [August 13th - 29th]

There is little that I can say about the Olympic games that it is not known to the world. However, this year, Greece is the smallest country to ever host the event and some organizational issues have been well covered by the media. I wish media outlets would also cover the sport side of the event as there has been very little coverage thus far. Athens will host the world from August 13th through the 29th.

If you have any other sporting events of relative importance, please make sure you add them with a comment. Shane, I know you can tell us more about Le Tour.