A 16-strong team of IOC staff and experts, led by IOC Coordination Commission chairman Denis Oswald (pictured), is currently in Athens for a progress review and to observe and advise on the current programme of test events, as the operational phase of the Games takes on greater and greater importance.
The visit encompasses the full range of facilities required to stage a successful Games, from building work on venues, to transport and city improvements.
Said Oswald: “Good progress has been made in a number of key areas since my last visit to Athens less than three weeks ago.
“Back then, for example, the huge steel frame was only just in place over the velodrome, and now the finished roof is rapidly taking shape. With only 115 days to the Opening Ceremony, I am encouraged to see how much has been completed in such a short time.
“There’s no denying that there remains much work to do before the Opening Ceremony on August 13, but there is still enough time to ensure the core needs of the Games are properly serviced, building on the huge amount of work that has already been carried out in Athens and throughout Greece. There has been very positive feedback from the test events over the past days, in particular from the athletes, which is very positive news.”
ATHOC president Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki said: “We are delighted to welcome the IOC to Athens, to show them first-hand the work being completed, and the operations we are putting in place. The successful sport events just held at the aquatic centre - where new measures are being deployed to ensure excellent conditions for the athletes this summer - were vital steps along the way to what promises to be unique and historic Games.”
“We look forward to welcoming the full Coordination Commission on May 10 and the prospect of showing them even more impressive progress at that time.”
