2nd October 1996 Stadium Gold passes. 17th January 1997 Olympic body defends massive casino investment loss. 24th January 1997 Three mascots announced for Sydney 2000 Olympics. 24th January 1997 The threat by Aborigines to disrupt the Olympic Games. 8th February 1997 Aboriginal activist Michael Mansell suggests that some nations could boycott the games. 29th March 1997 "Minister for the Olympics" Michael Knight creates havoc as third SOCOG CEO resigns.