Tickets for the 2004 Olympic shot put competition that will take place at the Games’ ancient birthplace in Olympia will be free, said Athens 2004 organizer deputy director Spyros Capralos.
According to Capralos the event would only be open to 15,000 spectators and 290 journalists in order to preserve the 2,500-year-old stadium.
The men’s and women’s events will both take place on August 18 with the medals’ ceremonies on August 20 at the Olympic stadium north of Athens.
Capralos said, “we have set very high requirements to respect the historical aspect of the site in Ancient Olympia. We are not going to create any adverse or hazardous conditions that might damage the archaeological site of Olympia.
“The shot put event will be held in Ancient Olympia without any visual alteration of the competition ground; without any, even prefabricated, temporary structures and grandstands; and without any electronic boards and artificial lighting.
Meanwhile, about 50 prostitutes marched to Greece’s Parliament Monday to protest a government decision to withdraw legislation that would have made it easier for brothels to operate during the Athens 2004 Games.
The bill, which was a key demand of unions representing Greek prostitutes, was withdrawn in late November after discussions between Socialist Premier Costas Simitis and Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis.
The Greek Orthodox Church and other groups were opposed to the new legislation, which would have allowed bordellos to operate closer to public buildings, churches and day care centres.
