No games at Ancient Olympia
2006-04-19 15:49
Athens - An archaeological committee has denied permission to hold an international athletics meet at Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic games, authorities said on Wednesday.
The Culture Ministry's Central Archaeological Council ruled late on Tuesday that the event, planned for May 21, and arrangements to accommodate 15 000 spectators could damage the historic site.
"We have approved that a medal awards ceremony can be held at the site but the games must be held outside the archaeological area," said Christos Zachopoulos, general secretary of the Culture Ministry.
Officials from the Hellenic Olympic Committee hope to hold an annual track event at Ancient Olympia after the successful staging the shot put contest there during the Athens 2004 Olympics - for the first time in 1 600 years.
- AP