Athens chief vows readiness

The mastermind behind the Olympic Games today insisted Athens could at last claim victory in its race to stage the greatest show on Earth.

Gianna Angelopoulos Daskalaki, president of the Athens Olympic Committee, admitted she had been reduced to the verge of tears by last night’s full dress rehearsal of Friday’s opening ceremony in the main stadium here.

But she insisted that after months of doubt and anxiety over the state of Greek preparations they would have been tears of joy.

“Athens is ready, traffic is moving rapidly through the city, the Olympic lanes are being respected,” said Daskalaki.

“One million people each day are using the trams, the suburban rail and the Metro. What we promised we have delivered. Most important, the most comprehensive, best-staffed and best-funded security strategy in the history of the Olympic Games is in place.

“We successfully tested out all the different parts of the ceremony, how long it takes to get into the stadium and how easy it is to get out.

“We are writing a new chapter in Olympic history and Greek history because the people of our country are working together as a team. With these Games, Athens wanted to show the world a modern Greece.”

The stadium, packed with 70,000 volunteers and guests, took 17 minutes to empty after a ceremony which lasts three and a half hours, celebrating Greek culture and heritage both ancient and modern.

Ticket sales, which have struggled thus far, are also said to be picking up. More than 89,000 were sold on Tuesday, with the football competition accounting for 29,958 and athletics 15,248.

Overall ticket sales have passed 2.6 million and organisers are confident they will reach their revenue target of €183m, which requires 3.4 million tickets to be sold.

“We are very excited and can’t wait for the Games to begin,” said Daskalaki.

“At the rehearsal, each time I went into the stadium I was ready to cry.”