The International Olympic Committee (IOC) concluded its ninth visit to London and found that good progress had been made project-wide for the London 2012 Summer Games, praising the efforts of organizers to bring the 2012 experience to the whole of Great Britain and beyond.
IOC Coordination Commission Chairman Denis Oswald said, “London 2012 continues to make good progress toward delivering great Olympic Games next summer. We have once again been impressed by the overall level of planning and by the results of the first group of test events that were held this summer”.
Over the three-day inspection (October 5-7), the commission heard reports from LOCOG, the British Government, the Greater London Authority, and Transport for London, as well as updates on areas such as services to the athletes, National Olympic Committees, International Federations, the media, the Paralympic Games and spectators, and on topics such as marketing, technology, culture, education and communication.
The commission remarked on how the strong collaboration and impressive detailed integrated work between LOCOG and its external delivery partners has stood the organizers in good stead in the face of the huge task of staging a Games.
The commission noted that since its last visit in April LOCOG was responsible for the launch of a very successful ticket program, great coverage generated by one-year-to-go celebrations, as well as popular Olympic Torch Relay and volunteer programs.
Also well received were programs such as the Cultural Olympiad, Get Set Education, International Inspiration and London 2012’s live sites.
Oswald said, “the Olympic Games is a unique event that brings the world together every four years. We are delighted that London 2012 is focused on ensuring that the experience and atmosphere inside and outside the venues are of the highest standard and that everyone can feel a part of London 2012”.
The commission also noted that the Games were on track to leave a great legacy to London, Great Britain and the Olympic Movement. Initiatives such as the Get Set education program, International Inspiration, and the other sporting, social and economic programs associated with the Games are all playing a role in ensuring that the spirit of 2012 will survive well after the Games are over.
The commission has its final pre-Games update in London March 28-30. The London 2012 Summer Olympic Games are July 27-August 12.
