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thens_2004_1

IOC: Athens `Taking Olympic Shape'
Fri Nov 8,12:52 PM ET
By LISA ORKIN, Associated Press Writer

ATHENS, Greece (AP) - International Olympic Committee inspectors gave Athens
a positive progress report Friday, saying the site of the 2004 games is
"taking Olympic shape."

Denis Oswald, the chief IOC overseer, warned there is little room for delay,
but delivered an upbeat review after IOC officials completed a three-day
inspection of Athens' preparation for the 2004 Summer Games.

"I am very pleased to report that Athens is really taking Olympic shape,"
Oswald said. "I don't want to give the wrong impression. The schedule will
be tight until the end. It's very crucial that (Athens organizers) and the
government keep the pace they had at the moment in order to be ready on
time."

Oswald warned "there are still a number of critical areas," including the
preliminary basketball venue at the former international airport site. The
venue has been stalled by legal challenges.

Greece's highest administrative court is studying petitions by construction
firms arguing over contracts to build parts of the complex.

Oswald said that there is no contingency plan if the venue is further
delayed.

"Any fall back position will be weaker," Oswald said. "If the works start
immediately, I am confident the work will be finished on time."

Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, head of the Athens 2004 organizing committee,
said her team is seeking "to find solutions to problems and ensure their
implementation."

"The task ahead of us is challenging. In the past few months, as some
projects matured, we faced legal and legislative issues,"
Angelopoulos-Daskalaki said.

"Anyone can clearly see that we have made great strides."

Construction delays at the main Olympic stadium could threaten the proposed
glass-and-steel dome. Officials will decide whether to go ahead with plans
to construct the roof in April.

"It's worthwhile to take the risk because if it will work it will be
wonderful and, if not, at least we tried," said Alex Gilady, a member of the
IOC inspection team.

No venue has been selected for the soccer games to be played in Athens
because of delays and other problems in refurbishing stadiums. A team from
FIFA, the governing body of world soccer, will visit Athens in December,
Oswald said.

The next full IOC inspection is scheduled for April.