The Greek press is calling it the “new Battle of Marathon”. It’s the latest twist over a water sports area and rowing centre that has raised concerns it will harm wildlife and defile the site of the famous clash more than 2,500 years ago.
The Mayor of Marathon wants the town to be given its promised role in the 2004 Olympic Games or risk a battle over one of the Games’ marquee events.
Marathon town officials have blasted a government decision to move the canoe and kayak centres. The mayor sees the whitewater course and related facilities as an important revenue source following the Olympics. Marathon officials are threatening to obstruct the 2004 race if the government goes ahead with the move, which would leave Marathon with only the Olympic rowing centre and the start of the marathon.
Marathon Mayor Christos Barbas said, “let them take the race away from us if they want. We will go ahead with our protests”.
The decision to move the $30 million canoe and kayak venue put the project at least seven months behind schedule. Construction was to start in November. Government explanations for the move vary from economic cost to environmental concerns.
