Last minute dash for Olympics fans

IRISH sports fans are adding a new event to the Olympic programme — the last minute dash.

With the Athens games beginning a month from today, a relatively small number of supporters have booked all-in package trips through the officially designated travel agent.

However, the word around the track is that many others are making their own way to Greece through a combination of 11th hour flights, cancellation tickets and late accommodation deals, and at least 5,000 are expected to fly the flag for the 48 Irish competitors.

Official travel agent Treacy Tours and Events (TTE) have 150 mainly corporate customers travelling on their prestige package a €2,599 per week deal that includes five-star accommodation on the island of Evia 50 miles from Athens plus daily transport to the Olympic Stadium.

However, agent Tatiana Soukhanova said the company had sold 90% of its allocation of 2,600 tickets to people intent on making their own arrangements.

"It was very slow in the beginning. We started selling the package last September but we had very, very little demand until April or even May. There didn't seem to be so much publicity about the games this time," said Tatiana. "But recently we've had a lot of interest, especially for the athletics, the equestrian, rowing and sailing all the events the Irish are competing in and we are sold out for the opening and closing ceremonies."

Fans can still buy tickets through the central Olympics online ticket bureau operated by Ticketmaster International.

Availability is limited for some of the bigger events such as the athletics finals and only the most expensive seats are left for the opening and closing ceremonies at prices between €500 to €950, but prices are as low as €10 for many other stages of the various competitions.

While official prices for accommodation have soared by five and six times the normal rate even for budget hotels and hostels, Olympic Council of Ireland spokesman Jim McGouran said many Irish were holding off until the very last moment when hoteliers were expected to slash prices to fill rooms.

"There are horror stories going around about the price of accommodation, but we know from the groups who are going out to support the team, particularly in the sailing and equestrian, that they are managing to get good deals.

"Based on our last experience, in Sydney, we are expecting at least 5,000 people to travel. Our athletes have a very loyal following and supporters tend to come out of the woodwork once the starting gun is fired."

Fiona McCabe of the Irish Embassy in Athens said there were about 6,800 Irish people who were long-term residents of Greece, but she said many others were in the country working on temporary contracts.

"From what we hear a lot of people are combining a week on the islands with a trip to at least part of the Olympics so, between the residents and the visitors, we are expecting to see a bit of green around."

The Embassy in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs have issued a travel advisory with tips on security, transport, health and emergencies. Details are available on www.foreignaffairs.gov.ie.