IOC inspectors visit Athens

2004-04-19 14:00

Athens - International Olympic Committee (IOC) inspectors began a three-day review of Athens Olympic sites on Monday, including the troubled roof over the main stadium.

Gilbert Felli, the executive director of the Olympics, met Athens organisers, and was to be joined on Tuesday by IOC chief overseer for Athens, Denis Oswald.

The inspection coincides with plans to begin fitting half of the main stadium roof, a string of pre-Olympic test events, and a re-examination of Olympic costs by Greece's new conservative government.

The first section of the roof will be slid into place using tracks placed on either side of the 75 000-seat stadium. The structure is designed to give the 20-year-old stadium a modern look, and shield spectators from the strong August sunlight and heat.

Rotating construction crews are working round the clock to catch up on delays on the roof, and the vital tram system linking downtown Athens to seaside venues.

Greece's conservative government, which defeated the long-governing socialists in general elections last month, has been forced to scale back several delayed Olympic projects but has promised to cover major cost overruns.

While in Athens, Oswald is also expected to gauge the success of several test events held to try out Athens' organisation and venues.

A four-day synchronised swimming qualifier for the Olympics ended on Sunday. Other test events with international participation scheduled for this month are canoe-kayak (slalom) and shooting competitions.

- AP