Athens 2004, by the Numbers

June 26, 2003 -- The 2004 Olympic Games wil be rich with history. The ancient games were born in Greece 2,500 years ago, and were revived in Athens a little more than 100 years ago, in 1896.

The 2004 Games will begin on August 13 and end on August 29.

There will be 301 medal ceremonies, 28 sports, 38 Olympic venues, 10,500 athletes and 5,500 team officials.

199 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and 45,000 volunteers are expected to participate in the games.

Also attending are more than 21,600 media representatives, which includes some 16,000 broadcasters.

Four billion people will watch the games on television. There will be 5.3 million ticketed spectators. The average ticket price is around $35 — one-third cheaper than in Sydney.

The torch relay will encompass five continents, reaching South America and Africa for the first time in Olympic history. It will start in the Spring of 2004.

The marathon for the 2004 Olympics will follow the classic route for the first time in 108 years.

Source: Athens 2004 International Media Desk