2004 Olympic Games
The Summer Olympic Games will return to Greece in 2004, and will be held in Athens from August 13 to 29. They will be followed by the Paralympics, which will take place from September 17 to 28.

Preparations for the 2004 Games continue, and are overseen by Yianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki, who was appointed president of the Athens Olympic Organizing Committee (ATHOC) by Prime Minister Simitis. Olympic security, infrastructure projects, accommodations, and volunteer involvement are the focus of Games organizers and government officials' efforts. This is a crucial year for Olympics preparations, and the city remains under the scrutiny of International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials to ensure that the 29 venues and crucial transportation and other infrastructure projects are completed on time.

Until August 2004, Athens will continue to be transformed by projects such as the Attiki Odos (a ring road designed to reduce traffic in the congested capital), extensions of the suburban metro and train lines, and the creation of tram lines. There also are plans for beautification projects in the capital and measures aimed at increasing accessibility for the disabled before the Games.

Tickets for the Games became available to the public in May 2003. U.S. citizens can purchase tickets from the official U.S. Olympic ticket agents, Cartan and JetSet Sports.

Greece's embassy in the United States is located at 2221 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008; tel: (202) 939-5800; fax: (202) 939-5824.