For the second time in three years, Athens has been severely reprimanded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Speaking at a meeting between the IOC Executive Board and the head of Athens 2004, Jacques Rogge called it a “serious situation. It is really getting urgent”.
“Six weeks ago I was in Athens and delivered a positive message. I regret to say that since then there has been a slippage in deadlines. There is (now) a sense of urgency which needs to be found.
“We expressed our concerns and have sent a message to the Prime Minister”. But he said there was no question the Games would not take place in Athens.
Rogge was most concerned with security. “The fact they have not signed the tender for security is of most concern. It is getting late and security is one of the most important elements. We were told six weeks ago that it was a matter of days away. It still has not been signed. This does not allow much time for training the people”.
Rogge warned that eight test events, scheduled in the run-up to the 2004 Games, could be in jeopardy as venue construction is behind schedule. He said there were fears some venues may not be fully completed along with problems with roads, but did not specify what they were.
He said organizers may have to resort to temporary constructions and sports facilities, rather than the planned permanent building.
He also highlighted problems with the proposed stadiums to stage football, which was behind schedule.
On a positive note, the IOC Executive Board unanimously approved the Athens 2004 Olympic Torch Relay route. The Olympic flame will visit each of the five continents represented by the Olympic rings, and for the first time ever the torch will travel to Africa and South America. It will include every city that has ever hosted an Olympic Summer Games and Beijing, the host city of the 2008 Games.
It will travel the world for 35 days, visiting 27 cities before returning to Greece of the final segment of its route. On August 13, 2004, the Olympic Cauldron will be lit in Athens Olympic Stadium to introduce the 2004 Games.
Athens 2004 estimates that 10,000 torchbearers from around the world will cover the route – 3,500 during the international section and 6,500 within Greece. On average each bearer will carry the torch 300-500 metres.
