Sold out signs for Olympic fans

WELLINGTON - New Zealanders have been slow out of the blocks in preparing for the Sydney Olympics in September - catching sight of a Kiwi medal-winning effort other than on the telly could now take a truly Olympian effort.

New Zealand has precious few genuine medal hopes and seats at such events already seem out of reach, says SportsWorld Travel, of Auckland, the country's sole agent for tickets.

Equestrian and cycling events are sold out, as are the athletics days when former world champion Beatrice Faumuina competes.

Single-sculler Rob Waddell is one of the big hopes, but only tickets for rowing heats are available.

The sailors are also among the best medal bets - and watching is free - but most of the racing takes place outside the entrance to Sydney Harbour, not an easy place to get to.

It may be possible to catch sight of Hamish Carter biking or running to glory in the triathlon, but the stand at the finish line is fully booked.

SportsWorld general manager Malcolm Beattie reports a dramatic rise in interest.

"It's been slow and then steady over the last two or three months, and now quite frantic, which seems to typify most New Zealanders in leaving things to the very last," he says.

"We get people ringing up saying, 'What do you mean it's sold out? It's 87 days to go.'

"This is a global event, not just for New Zealanders. Tickets are sold in 200 countries."

SportsWorld was appointed by Oceania Olympic committees to handle ticket sales - and in line with Olympic policy, for each type-1 (main event) ticket bought, a type-2 (minor event) ticket must also be bought.

The agency also offers packages starting at $1763.

It is still possible to get in to some high-profile events, including the men's 100m final - at a price.

Athletics prices range from $A45 ($57) to $A455 and the closing ceremony costs $A505 to $A1382.

- NZPA

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