Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited Athens’ Olympic Athletic Center (OAKA) on Monday to inspect ongoing renovation work, saying the government has invested more than 160 million euros ($186 million) to transform Greece’s flagship sports complex into a destination for recreation and green space.
Speaking to state broadcaster ERTNews during the visit, Mitsotakis said the government inherited the complex in poor condition in 2019 and has since undertaken extensive upgrades, including the restoration of its iconic steel roof designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava for the 2004 Summer Games.
“We have made a very significant investment, exceeding 160 million euros,” Mitsotakis said. “Our goal is not simply for OAKA to be a sports venue, but to transform it into a space for recreation and greenery, giving the northern suburbs another major green area.”
The prime minister said the project is part of what he described as Greece’s largest sports infrastructure modernization program in decades, with stadiums being renovated across the country. He also pointed to the development of new sports facilities, parks and recreational spaces at the former Athens airport site in Elliniko.
Mitsotakis also highlighted the “Marietta Giannakou” program, named after the late conservative education minister, which includes the renovation of school sports courts alongside upgrades to school buildings to expand opportunities for children to participate in sports.
