Officials also say that protestors in Melbourne are expected to travel to Sydney in time for the Games. Thousands of protestors today were blockading the World Economic Forum, a meeting of world business, financial, NGO and sometimes government leaders there to discuss the impact of economic globalization on the Asia Pacific region. The protestors reportedly included students, unionists, environmentalists, and socialist and anarchist groups. To clear a path for busloads of delegates, and separately Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, about 200 police in riot gear smashed their way through the blockades on Tuesday, sending 11 people to the hospital, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. Busloads of American basketball players, in Melbourne, were reportedly blocked and then released by protesters, after one with a Mohawk confirmed for the crowd that the buses did contain athletes, according to other news reports.
Many groups have announced intentions to protest the Sydney games, police officials say.
IOC Director General Francois Carrard says authorities will be able to deal with the demonstrations, Australian Broadcasting Corp. radio reported today. The NSW Police Service, which has personnel who are specifically trained in public order management, has said it would try to first consult or negotiate will protest leaders, with the hope of avoiding any forcible removal of disruptive demonstrations. Countering Hooliganism Officials have prepared for, though do not expect, the post-soccer match hooliganism occasionally seen in Europe. Nevertheless, Australian officials will be receiving assistance from European intelligence agencies so they can keep an eye on high-profile protagonists, said McKinnon. Anti-Terrorism And an Israeli defense official recently expressed concern his nation's Olympic delegation could be a target for terrorists.