The Atlanta 1996 Summer Games were the centennial celebration of the modern Olympic Games, held from July 19 to August 4, 1996. This event featured over 10,000 athletes from 197 countries competing in 26 sports. The games were notable for their diverse range of events and the introduction of new sports like softball and beach volleyball. The opening ceremony took place at the Cotton Bowl, showcasing American culture and history. The games were marred by a tragic bombing in Centennial Olympic Park, which resulted in two deaths and over 100 injuries. Despite this, the event was remembered for its spirit of unity and athletic achievement.