Lifting hall a weight off organizers’ minds
The Nikaia Indoor Hall for weightlifting, the pride of the Greek Weightlifting Federation and the joy of Nikaia and neighboring municipalities, who fought to have the work included in the original plans for the Olympic Games, will probably be the first Olympics work to be ready. International weightlifting federations have also expressed satisfaction at getting – for the first time – a permanent structure for the sport, which has proved a goldmine for Greek weightlifters. The buildings Although the facility will be turned over to the Greek federation after the Games, it was designed in such a way that it can host cultural and social events as well as sports competitions. Budgeted at 38.5 million euros and funded by the public investment program, the structures will cover an area of 27,500 square meters (90,223 square feet). The plot of land on which it is being erected, on Selepitsari hill, has been the object of announcements of various projects for the past 20 years. The main part of the complex, the gym, covers a total of 2.4 hectares (5.93 acres) and has a capacity for 5,000 spectators. Apart from the arena, it contains the warmup and rest areas, training areas, a medical center, a swimming pool, administrative offices, press center, spectator and VIP areas, and the necessary auxiliary areas. Apart from the large warmup areas for daily training, the building has six training rooms. The medical center, with its massage, physiotherapy and sauna facilities as well as a hydrotherapy pool – not to mention the drug-testing center – is regarded as second to none. The media center includes a work area for 100 people, an interview room that can hold 50 people, television and radio studios, bars and toilets, and other facilities. Special needs The facility is designed to serve people with special needs, whether athletes or spectators. The training areas, changing rooms, toilets and canteens are to be specially adapted in view of the September Paralympics of the 28th Olympiad. Spectators with special needs will have independent access to the arena from the ground floor. In a separate, 3,500-square-meter (11,483-square-foot) building, there are accommodation facilities for athletes and official visitors. Built on a slope, it has a superb view of the Saronic Gulf. The three levels all have access to the surrounding area, and contain 15 single rooms (82 square feet each), 22 double rooms (98 square feet each) and four VIP suites (147.6 square feet each), all with en suite bathrooms. There will also be a lounge and recreation area and a restaurant for the athletes. The surrounding area will also be designed to have separate walkways for pedestrians and roads as well as works to link it to the road network. The project also foresees the creation of green areas and seating. The entire complex is being constructed with a view to their post-Olympic use (including conferences and concerts). «I have no doubt that it will be an extremely successful Olympic Games. I have no doubt that between now and then there will be occasions when you will wonder about that, but could I assure you. .. that was exactly the same in the lead-up to the Sydney Olympics,» Howard said.
