The International Paralympic Committee ( IPC ) welcomed "encouraging" progress from Greek organizers at the end of a three-day January review of preparations for Athens 2004 Games.

"The progress made has been very encouraging. There are less than 600 days to go to the opening ceremony and we are entering the critical phase," IPC chief Francois Terranova told a news conference.

Construction fever

The Greek capital has been turned into a large construction site with dozens of Olympics and Olympics-related projects well under way, including roadworks, expansions of the subway and construction of a railroad and a tram line.

Terranova saluted progress on transport and accomodation issues as well as medical provision for the 4,000 competitors expected in September 2004.

"There are still speceific areas where we need to see particular progress such as IT sponsorship, the finalising of the budget and promotion of the Games," he said.

The IPC visit arrived to receive a commitment from the Greek Culture Ministry to make Athens' most famous landmark the Acropolis accessible to the disabled for the first time.

Acropolis access

"With the opportunity of the (2004) Olympics and Paralympics ... two or three possible technical solutions are under consideration ... to ensure handicapped persons access to the Acropolis rock," said Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos.

Specific proposals to adapt the fifth-century BC monument which sits atop a hill in the city centre will be unveiled in February, officials said.

Access to the complex temples including the Parthenon is largely unchanged since classical times with visitors ascending the stairs of the Propylaia.