Two IOC officials will be in Athens Thursday to get updates on the “most critical” concerns for 2004 preparations.
Denis Oswald, head of the inspection team, won’t be there because of another commitment but said of the visit, “they have a few points on the agenda. They want to review, let’s say, the most critical issues they have”.
The IOC is concerned about the venues being built on time, about transport in the traffic-clogged city, and finding accommodations for spectators because all the main hotels will be filled with IOC delegations, sponsors and other dignitaries.
Also, the team wants to know the details of efforts to build a sports complex at the old international airport. Work had been tied up in legal challenges. But all the other venues were approved in July by the country’s highest administrative court, the Council of State.
Premier Costas Simits has pledged that bonuses will be given to construction companies that build the venues quickly.
Oswald said, “I am prepared to believe what he says, but I would like the work to progress”.
As for the location for the soccer finals, Greek Olympic Committee President Lambis Nikolaou has said there is no time to refurbish the stadium where the matches were originally planned and asked Athens organizers to find a solution.
According to media reports the finals may be played at the main Olympic stadium in the afternoon.
Oswald said he wants to know if they’ve made progress looking for another venue.
The IOC wants to ensure that there will be accommodations for spectators. Oswald said, “I personally think it is also part of our duty to make sure that spectators, visitors, supporters, families find places where to stay. The Olympic Games are for the athletes and that’s the first concern, but we should not totally ignore the other people wishing to come to the Games”.
Transportation plans, including the proposed tramline and suburban rail line, will be inspected along with the construction of roads to Olympic venues, said Oswald.
