The Greek government has cancelled plans to build a seaside multisports complex to be used during the 2004 Games and is moving the venues to other locations.
A second team of IOC inspectors, headed by executive board member Jacques Rogge, will arrive for a two-day update on February 15. At its last visit in November, organizers had assured Rogge that all venue locations had been finalized.
The complex that was to be the site for judo, tae kwon do, wrestling and handball was to have been built on the site of a horse-racing track in the Faliron district of Athens. The government said delays in moving the track resulted in the latest change.
International sports federations would have to approve any venue changes, which could further delay any move.
According to culture minister Evangelos Venizelos, two of the sports will be moved to Flisvos, a seaside area next to Faliron, and one sport will go to the site of Athens’ international airport at Hellenikon. The airport is to be moved to a new facility east of Athens in March.
Hellenikon is also to be the site for six other sports, including baseball and softball.
