Athens 2004 officials answered criticisms in a statement Sunday over the performance of the designer torches used to carry the Olympic Flame around Greece that went out during the March 25 lighting ceremony in Olympia, and the arrival of the flame at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens on Wednesday.
They said on the latter occasion the wind blew out the torch as Athens 2004 President took charge of it. Back up flames were used in both cases. Athens 2004 said that in most cases the gas flame went out “because the bearers had not been fully familiarized (with the torches)”.
Meanwhile Athens 2004 said that athletes, journalists, dignitaries and spectators travelling to and from the Olympic venues during the Games will be provided with safe and comfortable transportation. To accomplish this parameters facilitating movement to the venues will be possible only by public transport which will be free upon presentation of their Olympic ticket.
There will be two zones around the venues in which special traffic and parking arrangements will apply.
Athens 2004 will provide more details at a press conference in May.
