Ten years after Olympics, venues stand derelict

August 22, 2014
Written by E.Tsiliopoulos

Ten years after hosting the Olympic Games, Greece is in the spotlight again. Euronews has published a video, with interviews from the Athens Olympic Game Committee members and volunteers, showing how the luster of the sports venues, has been lost.

“While some believe the capital Athens benefited from the Games, images from Hellinikon seem to tell another side to the story.

In contrast to the splendor seen in 2004, today pictures of neglected sports venues are making the headlines around the world.

Used for just 15 days, many sites have fallen into neglect. Some believe the cost of the Games contributed significantly to the financial crisis in Greece.” Euronews says.

The video tries to give answers to many questions, such as why have some sites been allowed to fall into disrepair? Are the two governments who took power since the Games responsible for failing to capitalize on Greece’s Olympic history?

“The Greek government recently revealed that sites will be cleaned up and used for public good. The Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund is now responsible for the privatization of some venues.” Euronews adds.