The central stadium of the Olympic Athletic Center of Athens (OAKA) is set to reopen after a five-month hiatus, as announced by the General Secretariat of Sports in Greece on Friday (23/2).
According to the official statement from the General Secretariat of Sports, the central stadium at OAKA is deemed “completely safe for use.” This news comes after a thorough examination and a third Expertise Report delivered by the President of the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE), George Stasinos, to the Deputy Minister of Sports, Giannis Vroutsis.
The report concludes that following the removal of polycarbonate sheets from the Calatrava Roof, there is no risk involved. The meticulous process involved the installation of a state-of-the-art monitoring system to ensure the stability of the structure.
“The findings, as detailed in the third Expertise Report, confirm that after the removal of the polycarbonate sheets from the Calatrava Roof, there is no cause for concern,” states the announcement from the General Secretariat of Sports.
In a significant step towards transparency and safety, George Stasinos handed over the report, enabling the full operation of the stadium once again. The Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, had previously mentioned that the removal of the polycarbonate sheets is expected to be completed by the end of April, ensuring the absolute functionality of the Roof.
At the same time, the TEE experts revealed plans for the installation of a comprehensive monitoring system for the Calatrava Roof, providing real-time insights into its behavior. The government’s commitment to prioritizing the safety of athletes, spectators, and workers is emphasized, with a proactive approach to identify and address any potential issues promptly.
Giannis Vroutsis expressed gratitude towards George Stasinos and the TEE experts for their swift response to the government’s call. He stated, “We are pleased to announce the reopening of the central stadium of OAKA, which had temporarily suspended its operations due to safety concerns related to the roof. The third Expertise Report from Mr. Stasinos allows us to make this iconic stadium available for public use.”
He further highlighted the government’s dedication to enhancing the Olympic Complex, with ongoing projects funded by the Recovery and Resilience Fund. OAKA has already received €57 million for repair, maintenance, and improvements. Additionally, a substantial increase in annual funding for National Sports Centers, including a €7.5 million allocation for a new multi-purpose indoor gym within the OAKA premises, has been approved.
Notably, a fourth report from selected TEE experts is anticipated after the completion of the new assessment and interaction with the advanced monitoring system. The commitment to ongoing upgrades and safety measures underscores the government’s pledge to maintain the integrity of this sporting landmark.
