The ATHENS 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games represent a major opportunity to improve the quality of life in Athens and in Greece.

In view of the Games, which will take place in Athens in 2004, the contribution of the business world is considered absolutely vital. The positive consequences of the Games do not only concern the improved image and the infrastructure of the city, but also the quality of the services rendered to all customers. This also includes the improvement – inter alia – of the services offered by businesses to Greek citizens-consumers and visitors of the Olympic and Paralympic Games before and after 2004.

In this sense, the Organising Committee for the Olympic Games ATHENS 2004 in cooperation with the Chambers of Commerce of the Olympic cities (Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chamber of Achaia, Chamber of Heraklion, and Chamber of Magnesia) are running the project “ERMIS – accessible choice”.

The aim of the project “ERMIS – accessible choice” is to improve the accessibility of businesses for all citizens. Businesses like shops, pharmacies, cafes, restaurants, etc. can become accessible through simple and inexpensive adaptations, which will benefit not only people with a disability, but also people with special needs such as the elderly, pregnant women and little children. This category includes approximately 50% of the total population in Greece.

The ERMIS programme is now in its final stage. Up until the end of December 2003, the Organising Commitee for the Olympic Games and the Chambers of Commerce and Industry accepted applications to the programme. From January to April 2004, an inspection committee examined the businesses in Athens as well as in the other Olympic cities in relation to the accessibility of their premises.

The adaptations that were undertaken by the businesses constitute an important legacy for people with a disability as well as for all the citizens and visitors. The recognition and promotion of the businesses will be done through the Guide of the businesses that participated in the programme.

This Guide, which contains all these businesses by type and city, will be published in June 2004 and will be made available to all interested parties, i.e. Greek public, Games visitors, athletes, journalists, etc.

Finally, during the month of June 2004, award ceremonies will be held (dates to be announced) to honour the businesses, which – on a voluntary basis – have become disability-friendly. During these award ceremonies, certificates and window stickers will be handed out and will document the accessibility of the businesses.

The ERMIS programme as well the “Guide of Accessible Businesses” are sponsored by VISA International.

Guide of Businesses of the "ERMIS accesible choice" programme (PDF* format)

* (In order to see the pdf files you will need a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader. Adobe Acrobat Reader can be downloaded with no charge from  here).