FISA President Monitors Athens 2004 Progress

The sub-group of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordination Committee for the 2004 Olympic Games led by FISA President Denis Oswald finished its two-day inspection visit in the Greek capital Tuesday.

The meetings focused on several areas including accommodation, construction, the Olympic Village and transportation.

The six-person team comprised experts in various fields and met with the Athens Organising Committee (ATHOC) and representatives of the relevant ministries of the Greek government to review progress since the last sub-group visit in November 2001.

“We were particularly happy to see the progress in the construction of the Olympic Village even if the finalisation of the International Zone is still pending” said Mr Oswald in an IOC press release Tuesday, “We certainly look forward to seeing more of the same at various key sports venues next April.”

However, despite progress made in several crucial areas, Mr Oswald has expressed concern regarding the overall volume of work that remains on tight deadlines.

“Globally, we are satisfied that the cruising speed reached in November has been kept, but a lot of projects are still very tight due to time lost early in the organisation.” He said. “We consider the situation will be at risk until the opening of the Games because we have no reserve of time for unexpected delays. It is therefore very important for us to continue to monitor the delays.”

The next IOC Coordination Commission inspection visit takes place in April of this year.

The 2004 Olympic Games will take place from 13 to 29 August 2004. The rowing events, held in Schinias which is approximately 60 km northeast of Athens run from 14 to 21 August.