ATHOC Chief Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki on Friday welcomed 395 delegation chiefs from 191 countries that will participate in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, with an optimistic message about the success of the Event.
''Our optimism does not mean that we are not aware of the problems which we might be called to confront. On he contrary, it is based on recent experience which has taught us that focus and determination will help us overcome all hurdles'', she said.
The head of the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee offered a detailed analysis of the Olympic preparations and promised that the Games next year will be ''unique in History''.
On the first day of the seminar, ATHOC officials also briefed the delegation chiefs on the venues that were put to test during the pre-Olympic trial events in August.
Executive Director Organizing Committee Marton Simitsek said that approximately 1,280 athletes participated in the events held in Athens this month, while a total of 1,322 ATHOC personnel, 1,973 volunteers, 5,120 contractors and several security personnel had been employed at seven venues.
''I will not say we were satisfied with everything that we tested'', Simitsek said, adding ''We will be satisfied only after the Closing Ceremony of the Games.''
Athens 2004 Consultant Spyros Kapralos offered an analysis of the Games Services sector.
The seminar, which will run from August 22 through 24 will allow NOC chefs de mission the opportunity to clarify questions they may have in a number of issues and also tour some of the venues.
It marks the first time that representatives from East Timor and Kiribati will participate at such a session, will also be attended by representatives of Torino 2006 and Beijing 2008 organizers.

Source: Athens News Agency

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