Greece

The new Greek government is bracing itself for a Olympic budget overspill – and has committed itself to picking up the extra costs.

Just when it needed full-steam ahead, organisers of the Athens Olympic Games find themselves today facing a major national strike which will further delay overdue projects.

Organisers of the Athens Olympic Games have received a boost after tennis sensation Serena Williams confirmed she would be competing, despite some reports suggesting security fears would keep her away.

Plans for a baseball World Cup are on track according to the commissioner of Major League Baseball, Bud Selig.

The IAAF, world governing body for athletics, has been assured by organisers of the Athens Olympic Games the main stadium will be ready in time for pre-Games tests in June.

As organisers of the Athens Olympic Games prepare for today’s symbolic lighting of the flame, the Greek government has confirmed the latest successful security test.

Satellite services company GlobeCast has team up with Brazilian telecommunications group, Embratel, to contribute broadcast services, internet and telephony for Brazilian terrestrial broadcaster, TV Globo for this year’s Olympic Games in Athens.

Athens continues to come under fire in the run up to the Olympic Games this summer, with swimming’s world governing body FINA hitting out at plans to scrap a roof over the Olympic pool.

Greek organisers of the Athens Olympic Games have just days to prove they can deliver facilities on time – or face the IOC parachuting in two technical experts to monitor progress.

Sportswear giant adidas has signed a deal with the IOC to become an official supporter of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

After its success last year, a major UK consumer sports exhibition is returning for 2004.

The Olympic Stadium in Athens will be finally complete by July 20, according to Greek government officials – just three weeks before the Games get underway.

Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki – president of the local organsing committee for the Athens Games – says it is ‘now running the 100-metre race’ after top level meetings underlined once again the need to speed up preparations.

A leading member of the organising team for the Athens Olympic Games has quit – the first casualty of the change in power in Greece following the weekend’s general election.

Adidas says it is banking on a glorious summer of sport to boost its brand – while Nike is predicting a bumper profit, as the two sportswear giants reveal their latest financial positions.

Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki – head of the local organising committee for the Athens Olympic Games – is expected to land a new government role, following the Greek elections at the weekend.