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Sport

As if Athens' cultural and architectural achievements are not enough, the city can also boast the modern Olympic Games and the marathon among its lasting legacies. Panhellenic athletic contests were held in Athens from the fourth century BC and reinstated as the modern Olympic Games in 1896. After the initial disappointment of seeing the millennium Olympic Games go to Sydney, Athens is preparing to welcome the Games home again in 2004.

The marathon commemorates the Greek soldier Phidippides who ran 26 miles from the battlefield at Marathon to Athens to announce Greek victory over the Persians (490BC). He delivered his one word message - 'Nenikamen' (we have won) - and then collapsed and died. The annual Athens Marathon retraces his footsteps from the battleground to the 1896 Olympic Stadium.

Although the Greek national team has not seen much success in recent years, football is by far the nation's favourite sport. In the domestic league, the local giants are Panathanaďkós and AEK in Athens and Olympiakós in Piraeus. The season runs from September to June and most major football matches are played at the Athens Olympic Stadium. Basketball and volleyball are also hugely popular. The General Secretariat of Sports, Panepistimiou 25 (tel: (01) 323 8025), provides information on sport in Athens.

Fishing: There are plenty of opportunities for sea fishing in the Aegean. Details can be obtained from the Anglers and Maritime Sports Club in Piraeus (tel: (01) 451 5731).

Golf: There is a professional (18-hole, 72-par) golf course at Glyfada close to the East terminal of Athens airport (tel: (01) 894 6875). The course is open Tuesday to Sunday 0730-sunset and Monday 1300-sunset. Admission Monday to Friday costs Dr12,000 and Saturday and Sunday Dr16000. A handicap card is requested.

Horseracing: The Faliro Ippodromo racetrack is located at the end of Syngrou (tel: (01) 941 7761). There is racing on Monday from 1400, Wednesday and Friday. Admission costs from Dr200 to Dr1000 (concessions available).

Riding: The Athens Riding Club (tel: (01) 661 1088) is based at Gerakas, Agia Paraskevi.

Running: The Athens Marathon provides the opportunity to run along the original route. It takes place twice a year and details can be obtained from SEGAS, Syngrou 137 (tel: (01) 935 9302; website: www.athensmarathon.com).

Sailing: The Greek Yacht Brokers & Consultants Association (tel: (01) 985 1228) or the Hellenic Professional Yacht Owners Association (tel: (01) 428 0465 or 452 6335) provide information on yacht hire. Information on races and clubs is available from the Hellenic Yachting Federation (tel: (01) 930 4825).

Swimming: The best beaches are located at Glyfada but are spoilt by airport noise. Other areas to try are VouliagmÉni and Varkiza. Alternatively, the Athens Hilton (tel: (01) 722 0201) and the Caravel Hotel (tel: (01) 729 0731) both have swimming pools open to the public.

Tennis: Tennis is available at the Glyfada Golf Course, Kypros/15 Panopis, Glyfada (tel: (01) 894 6820) and the Athens Tennis Club (tel: (01) 923 2872).

Windsurfing: All EOT-run beaches have windsurfing equipment for hire. The Hellenic Windsurfing Association (tel: (01) 323 3606) provides information on windsurfing.



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