I understand that, aside from celebrating the muscular achievements of athletes, there will also be a celebration of international culture and art in Athens; this will be held alongside the Olympics 2004 in Athens.
This event, known as Articade 2004, will feature the work of artists from around the world; together with a display of culture from their respective countries.
The artists will, via their medium, try to represent the lives, problems and issues facing the citizens of their respective countries.
Artists were selected on the basis of two submissions they were invited to make, focusing on their countries socio-political background.
Saturday, June 12, 2004
Friday, June 11, 2004
007 Drops In
The original 007, aka Sir Sean Connery and his wife Lady Micheline Roquebrune Connery, dropped in on ATHENS 2004 President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki yesterday.
It is reported that the meeting was at the request of Sir Sean, who claims to be something of an aficionado on the subject of the Olympic preparations.
During a brief press conference Sir Sean noted that Mrs Angelopoulos had a very impressive personality, and that the presentation about the preparations for the Olympics 2004 was also impressive.
By all accounts they had a nice conversation.
Sir Sean hopes to be able to attend the Olympics at some stage. However, that is dependent on his film schedule.
He noted that Greece was different to other countries, a somewhat peculiar comment I feel, but that the Games will be successful.
It is reported that the meeting was at the request of Sir Sean, who claims to be something of an aficionado on the subject of the Olympic preparations.
During a brief press conference Sir Sean noted that Mrs Angelopoulos had a very impressive personality, and that the presentation about the preparations for the Olympics 2004 was also impressive.
By all accounts they had a nice conversation.
Sir Sean hopes to be able to attend the Olympics at some stage. However, that is dependent on his film schedule.
He noted that Greece was different to other countries, a somewhat peculiar comment I feel, but that the Games will be successful.
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Test Run
The Olympic stadium in Athens will be put through its paces today, as various track and field athletes will compete in front of a "guinea pig" audience of 8000.
Those of you with a mathematical bent, may wonder why a stadium with a capacity of 75000 is only going to accommodate 8000 for a test run.
The answer lies in the simple fact that out of the 75000 seats, only 8000 have been installed. That leaves 67000 to be installed by the start of the Olympic Games, in a little over 60 days time.
That means that a over 1000 seats a day need to be put into position, that should be manageable I think.
To some extent you would have thought that the basic infrastructure, such as the seating, would have been in place by now; given the fact that Greece has spent lavishly on this project. However, it seems that the more "sexy parts" of the construction have been diverting peoples' energies.
I understand that the spending, and lavish constructions, planned for the Olympics 2004 have not met with the approval of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC President, Jacques Rogge, has suggested that Greece has misdirected its efforts; and spent far too much on the forthcoming Olympic Games.
It is reported that he and the IOC had only ever wanted simple structures, that would be easy to put into place; and not cost the earth. Instead Greece went "hell for leather" and came up with a plethora of lavish designs and concepts, amongst others, the "whale's rib cage" roof for the Olympic Stadium. This retails at a very "reasonable" 190M Euros.
I think that in future the IOC will pick countries, to host the Games, that already have a decent infrastructure in place.
Those of you with a mathematical bent, may wonder why a stadium with a capacity of 75000 is only going to accommodate 8000 for a test run.
The answer lies in the simple fact that out of the 75000 seats, only 8000 have been installed. That leaves 67000 to be installed by the start of the Olympic Games, in a little over 60 days time.
That means that a over 1000 seats a day need to be put into position, that should be manageable I think.
To some extent you would have thought that the basic infrastructure, such as the seating, would have been in place by now; given the fact that Greece has spent lavishly on this project. However, it seems that the more "sexy parts" of the construction have been diverting peoples' energies.
I understand that the spending, and lavish constructions, planned for the Olympics 2004 have not met with the approval of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC President, Jacques Rogge, has suggested that Greece has misdirected its efforts; and spent far too much on the forthcoming Olympic Games.
It is reported that he and the IOC had only ever wanted simple structures, that would be easy to put into place; and not cost the earth. Instead Greece went "hell for leather" and came up with a plethora of lavish designs and concepts, amongst others, the "whale's rib cage" roof for the Olympic Stadium. This retails at a very "reasonable" 190M Euros.
I think that in future the IOC will pick countries, to host the Games, that already have a decent infrastructure in place.
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
The Great Wall Illuminated by The Olympic Flame
The Olympic flame has arrived in Beijing, the host of the 2008 Olympic Games.
The flame was brought to the Great Wall of China, one of the great construction achievements of mankind.
The torch was carried along a section of the wall by a group of Chinese athletes yesterday. There was a reasonable turnout of spectators, estimated to be around 2000 people.
The official relay with the Olympic torch will begin today, and kick off in Tiananemn Square. It will finish its Chinese journey in the Summer Palace.
Meanwhile in Greece, P. Fasoulas (former President of the Greek Olympic Winners Association) has called those who doubt that the Olympic games will be ready on schedule "moaning Minnies".
In a press conference held yesterday, he expressed the opinion that it was impertinent to suggest that nothing was ready.
No worries then!
The flame was brought to the Great Wall of China, one of the great construction achievements of mankind.
The torch was carried along a section of the wall by a group of Chinese athletes yesterday. There was a reasonable turnout of spectators, estimated to be around 2000 people.
The official relay with the Olympic torch will begin today, and kick off in Tiananemn Square. It will finish its Chinese journey in the Summer Palace.
Meanwhile in Greece, P. Fasoulas (former President of the Greek Olympic Winners Association) has called those who doubt that the Olympic games will be ready on schedule "moaning Minnies".
In a press conference held yesterday, he expressed the opinion that it was impertinent to suggest that nothing was ready.
No worries then!
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
The Secret Opening Ceremony
The day of the Olympic Games opening ceremony, on the 13th of August, draws near.
The exact nature of the ceremony is, to ensure maximum effect, being kept secret. However, it would not take too much brain "muscle" to speculate that it will involve Greek heritage (history, culture art etc) and their gift to the world of the Games.
I think it fair to expect a significant number of references to Greek mythology, I wonder if they will mention Glaux?, and a very large number of people wearing ancient Greek costumes.
It is reported that there will be 8000 volunteers involved in the actual ceremonies, and another 2000 support staff.
Rather mysteriously, a large hole has been dug in the Olympic stadium. It is rumoured to be for some form of water spectacular. Maybe a large amount of water is a good idea, in case of a fire, as it seems that the Olympic cauldron may be suspended over the stadium.
The music for the ceremonies is also being kept a secret. However, I have seen rumours that George Michael may have been commissioned to write something; he has come a long way since working as a waiter in a Greek restaurant in London, all those years ago.
The exact nature of the ceremony is, to ensure maximum effect, being kept secret. However, it would not take too much brain "muscle" to speculate that it will involve Greek heritage (history, culture art etc) and their gift to the world of the Games.
I think it fair to expect a significant number of references to Greek mythology, I wonder if they will mention Glaux?, and a very large number of people wearing ancient Greek costumes.
It is reported that there will be 8000 volunteers involved in the actual ceremonies, and another 2000 support staff.
Rather mysteriously, a large hole has been dug in the Olympic stadium. It is rumoured to be for some form of water spectacular. Maybe a large amount of water is a good idea, in case of a fire, as it seems that the Olympic cauldron may be suspended over the stadium.
The music for the ceremonies is also being kept a secret. However, I have seen rumours that George Michael may have been commissioned to write something; he has come a long way since working as a waiter in a Greek restaurant in London, all those years ago.
Monday, June 07, 2004
It's an Ill Wind
It seems as though Athens has been waiting a few centuries, or so, for the Olympic Games to return.
That at least is the impression one gains from the massive building site that has consumed the ancient city of Athens.
The massive construction and restoration effort is entirely due to the forthcoming Olympics. It seems that without these, the city's infrastructure and monuments would have been left very much alone.
Not all are happy with the makeover, archaeological purists are aghast at the attempts to renovate ancient monuments such as the Parthenon.
Aside from the ancient, there is also the modern such as; 15000 new taxis, buses that use natural gas, a new underground system, a tram link and a spanking new suspension bridge between Rio and Antirio.
The IOC is 100% confident that everything will be ready on time.
The question is, are these modern wonders as durable as their ancient forebears; will they still be around in the centuries to come?
That at least is the impression one gains from the massive building site that has consumed the ancient city of Athens.
The massive construction and restoration effort is entirely due to the forthcoming Olympics. It seems that without these, the city's infrastructure and monuments would have been left very much alone.
Not all are happy with the makeover, archaeological purists are aghast at the attempts to renovate ancient monuments such as the Parthenon.
Aside from the ancient, there is also the modern such as; 15000 new taxis, buses that use natural gas, a new underground system, a tram link and a spanking new suspension bridge between Rio and Antirio.
The IOC is 100% confident that everything will be ready on time.
The question is, are these modern wonders as durable as their ancient forebears; will they still be around in the centuries to come?
Sunday, June 06, 2004
The Games of Smiles
The clock is ticking, there is now a little over two months left until the start of the Olympic Games on the 13th of August.
Bearing this in mind, the Greek hosts are testing the facilities.
A basketball game will be played today in the new sports complex, which is built on the site of the former Athens airport.
Next week swimming and track cycling will be performed at the Athens Olympic Sports Complex; track and field events will be held in the Olympic Stadium, which is still classified as "work in progress".
It is reported that the President of Athens 2004, Gianna Angeloulos, has put pressure on the Greek Prime Minister to "pull his finger out"; in respect of hurrying things along.
Gianna Angeloulos is quoted as saying: "These Games must be the Games of smiles and not the Games of misery. Whatever outstanding issues there are, they must be solved."
Well said!
Bearing this in mind, the Greek hosts are testing the facilities.
A basketball game will be played today in the new sports complex, which is built on the site of the former Athens airport.
Next week swimming and track cycling will be performed at the Athens Olympic Sports Complex; track and field events will be held in the Olympic Stadium, which is still classified as "work in progress".
It is reported that the President of Athens 2004, Gianna Angeloulos, has put pressure on the Greek Prime Minister to "pull his finger out"; in respect of hurrying things along.
Gianna Angeloulos is quoted as saying: "These Games must be the Games of smiles and not the Games of misery. Whatever outstanding issues there are, they must be solved."
Well said!
Saturday, June 05, 2004
Flame Ignited
And so it begins; the Olympic flame has been lit in Sydney Australia, from a lantern flown in from Greece.
The Olympic flame will now travel the globe, and visit the world's Olympic cities.
Cathy Freemen, who lit the Sydney Olympic cauldron in 2000, had the honour of first holding the flame. The flame is symbolic of the hope, more important today than ever, of the Olympics bringing the world together.
The flame was carried by 144 different people, it will now be returned to the lantern; and flown on to Melbourne, then Tokyo and another 31 cities before the start of the Games on the 13th of August.
The Olympic flame will now travel the globe, and visit the world's Olympic cities.
Cathy Freemen, who lit the Sydney Olympic cauldron in 2000, had the honour of first holding the flame. The flame is symbolic of the hope, more important today than ever, of the Olympics bringing the world together.
The flame was carried by 144 different people, it will now be returned to the lantern; and flown on to Melbourne, then Tokyo and another 31 cities before the start of the Games on the 13th of August.
Friday, June 04, 2004
Peace and Goodwill
In the true spirit of the Olympic Games, Greece has steadfastly refused to officially allow foreign security services to sport weapons outside the designated secure zones. The Greek constitution prevents foreigners from bearing arms.
However, the reality will be somewhat different. The Greeks have admitted that whilst they will not condone the carrying of weapons, there is nothing they can do to prevent it; unless they want the US, UK and Israelis to walk out of the games.
The Greek government, of course, still officially denies that delegations will have their own security teams.
However, the Greek media have smelt a rat; and have reported that there is a secret agreement between the Greek government and the USA, to allow US armed security teams into Greece.
What price the peaceful fellowship of the Games?
In other news, there was a rumour circulating in the Greek press that Mr Souflias (the Public Works Minister) has been advising the Greek government to postpone the start of the games; from the planned opening date of the 13th of August.
Mr Souflias has strenuously denied this, saying that the report was a hoax.
So I can still book my trip then?
However, the reality will be somewhat different. The Greeks have admitted that whilst they will not condone the carrying of weapons, there is nothing they can do to prevent it; unless they want the US, UK and Israelis to walk out of the games.
The Greek government, of course, still officially denies that delegations will have their own security teams.
However, the Greek media have smelt a rat; and have reported that there is a secret agreement between the Greek government and the USA, to allow US armed security teams into Greece.
What price the peaceful fellowship of the Games?
In other news, there was a rumour circulating in the Greek press that Mr Souflias (the Public Works Minister) has been advising the Greek government to postpone the start of the games; from the planned opening date of the 13th of August.
Mr Souflias has strenuously denied this, saying that the report was a hoax.
So I can still book my trip then?
Thursday, June 03, 2004
Who Pays?
It seems that all is not well in South Korean Olympic circles.
It is reported that the head of the South Korean Olympic Committee, Un Yong Kim, has been found guilty of bribery and embezzlement by court in Seoul. He will now serve 2 years in jail.
I thought that the Olympics was not meant to be about money?
I hope that the people of Greece have that attitude; as it seems that the Greek government's estimate of the cost of holding the Olympics, originally 2.5BN Euros now 4.6BN Euros, may still be way off target.
PWC estimate that there may be another 1.9BN Euros unaccounted for in Greece's budget.
It seems that the citizens of Greece will be paying for these games long after the Olympic flame has been extinguished.
It is reported that the head of the South Korean Olympic Committee, Un Yong Kim, has been found guilty of bribery and embezzlement by court in Seoul. He will now serve 2 years in jail.
I thought that the Olympics was not meant to be about money?
I hope that the people of Greece have that attitude; as it seems that the Greek government's estimate of the cost of holding the Olympics, originally 2.5BN Euros now 4.6BN Euros, may still be way off target.
PWC estimate that there may be another 1.9BN Euros unaccounted for in Greece's budget.
It seems that the citizens of Greece will be paying for these games long after the Olympic flame has been extinguished.
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
Bums on Seats
At the end of the day the name of the game is to ensure that the Olympics in Athens are fully attended, and that there are no empty seats.
The Athens 2004 Olympic organisers gave an update of the seat sales yesterday.
In summary:
Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Marton Simitsek, in a candid admission pointed out that doing things at the last minute, including buying tickets, is typical of Greece.
If you want to buy tickets the prices are as follows:
The Athens 2004 Olympic organisers gave an update of the seat sales yesterday.
In summary:
- The total number of tickets sold as at 16 April is 1833919
- The total face value of the tickets sold is Euro137M (approx 75% of budgeted sales)
Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Marton Simitsek, in a candid admission pointed out that doing things at the last minute, including buying tickets, is typical of Greece.
If you want to buy tickets the prices are as follows:
- Opening Ceremony: limited number of tickets in price categories Á (Euro950), Â (Euro750) and C (Euro350)
- Closing Ceremony: limited number of tickets in price categories Á (Euro750), Â (Euro500) and C (Euro100)
- Men's Basketball Finals (Gold Medal and Bronze Medal matches): limited number of tickets in price categories A (Euro300) and B (Euro150)
- 64% of the tickets remaining (2250000) cost less than Euro20
- 43% of the tickets remaining (1500000) cost Euro10 or Euro15
Monday, May 31, 2004
The Blame Culture
It is reported that Greece's new finance minister, Giorgos Alogoskoufis, has admitted that the cost of hosting the Olympic games in Athens this year is higher than expected.
He has also said that the rewards are less than Greece anticipated.
In a fine example of "high politics" he has blamed the previous socialist administration for the delays and cost overruns. Alogoskoufis's party defeated them in the March elections, and now have the pleasure of getting the preparations on track for the opening on the 13th of August.
Greece was awarded the Olympics in 1997, but adopting a "laid back attitude"; did not start work on construction and other important areas until 2000. This was only at the behest of the IOC, who warned them they games were in danger.
It seems that the estimated costs have risen by a "whopping" $1.19 billion, on top of this the delays in construction have damaged Greece's "brand value".
Why do countries still bother trying to hold these?
It is reported that Greece's new finance minister, Giorgos Alogoskoufis, has admitted that the cost of hosting the Olympic games in Athens this year is higher than expected.
He has also said that the rewards are less than Greece anticipated.
In a fine example of "high politics" he has blamed the previous socialist administration for the delays and cost overruns. Alogoskoufis's party defeated them in the March elections, and now have the pleasure of getting the preparations on track for the opening on the 13th of August.
Greece was awarded the Olympics in 1997, but adopting a "laid back attitude"; did not start work on construction and other important areas until 2000. This was only at the behest of the IOC, who warned them they games were in danger.
It seems that the estimated costs have risen by a "whopping" $1.19 billion, on top of this the delays in construction have damaged Greece's "brand value".
Why do countries still bother trying to hold these?
Sunday, May 30, 2004
Hanging On The Telephone
It seems that issues with regard to site construction and security aren't the only causes for concern, as preparations continue for the Olympics 2004 being hosted in Athens.
In a rather unwise move (to my view), only one company has been given the contract to supply all the communications infrastructure for the games. The infrastructure will have to feed a news hungry world-wide audience, estimated to be 4BN.
Putting all your eggs in one basket is a high risk strategy, which may not pay off.
The telecommunications infrastructure has to provide services to 60 Olympic facilities in Athens, and the rest of Greece. A network has to be built to carry a broadcast signal from all Olympic facilities to the international broadcast centre, which houses over 1500 fiber-optic cables.
43000 phone lines will have to be set up, along with 6000 high-speed computer connections and 5000 broadband data connections. Secure lines also have to be put in place for the police, and other emergency services.
The telecom infrastructure, used by ordinary Greek citizens and visitors, has to be up the task of handling the load during the games as well.
The company entrusted with this Herculean task is OTE.
Rumours are circulating that there have been setbacks and delays in their efforts to finish on schedule. Greek newspapers have reported that they have only completed 50% of their scheduled tasks.
However, OTE are confident that everything will be alright on the night; and blamed the situation on the delays in building construction, not their responsibility.
It seems that issues with regard to site construction and security aren't the only causes for concern, as preparations continue for the Olympics 2004 being hosted in Athens.
In a rather unwise move (to my view), only one company has been given the contract to supply all the communications infrastructure for the games. The infrastructure will have to feed a news hungry world-wide audience, estimated to be 4BN.
Putting all your eggs in one basket is a high risk strategy, which may not pay off.
The telecommunications infrastructure has to provide services to 60 Olympic facilities in Athens, and the rest of Greece. A network has to be built to carry a broadcast signal from all Olympic facilities to the international broadcast centre, which houses over 1500 fiber-optic cables.
43000 phone lines will have to be set up, along with 6000 high-speed computer connections and 5000 broadband data connections. Secure lines also have to be put in place for the police, and other emergency services.
The telecom infrastructure, used by ordinary Greek citizens and visitors, has to be up the task of handling the load during the games as well.
The company entrusted with this Herculean task is OTE.
Rumours are circulating that there have been setbacks and delays in their efforts to finish on schedule. Greek newspapers have reported that they have only completed 50% of their scheduled tasks.
However, OTE are confident that everything will be alright on the night; and blamed the situation on the delays in building construction, not their responsibility.
Saturday, May 29, 2004
Money Well Spent?
It seems that the delivery of the IT security system for the Athens Olympics will be delayed until the end of June.
The system is being supplied by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), who had promised to deliver it by the end of May.
There are unconfirmed reports that even when delivered, the system will only be 85% functional; does that give you a feeling of confidence, or not?
Security is proving to be an expensive headache, the cost is estimated to be 1BN Euros. Given the cost, one might have expected that the authorities would get a system that was 100% functional.
It seems that the delivery of the IT security system for the Athens Olympics will be delayed until the end of June.
The system is being supplied by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), who had promised to deliver it by the end of May.
There are unconfirmed reports that even when delivered, the system will only be 85% functional; does that give you a feeling of confidence, or not?
Security is proving to be an expensive headache, the cost is estimated to be 1BN Euros. Given the cost, one might have expected that the authorities would get a system that was 100% functional.
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