What could be another setback to Athens 2004 is a report that construction delays may force Athens organizers to move test events and miss critical dry runs at venues prior to the 2004 Summer Olympic Games. About 20 events are scheduled this year.
Government spokesman Tilemahos Hitiris said Monday “there is a chance many of the test events will not happen at the Olympic sites”.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said most of the test events for the 2000 Sydney Games took place in Olympic venues while other secondary tests were held at temporary locations. One year before the Games most of Sydney’s venues were completed.
Meanwhile, Greece said the IOC’s worries about delays in the preparation of the Games, of concern to IOC president Jacques Rogge, are exaggerated.
Greek Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, the government official in charge of preparations, told reporters, “nothing justifies a climate of urgency. It does not appear there are significant problems”.
Government spokesman Tilemachos Chytiris said that Rogge’s comments were based on an inaccurate report.
Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis said he will send Rogge an official letter. “The letter will say there are no problems in the Olympics’ preparation that would justify such dramatic comments”.
Hitiris blamed the latest delays on court challenges from residents and others.
