LONDON, England, March 30 – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) praised preparations for the 2012 Summer Games here Friday, declaring London was on track to deliver an “outstanding” event.
Speaking at the conclusion of the 10th and final IOC co-ordination commission visit to the city, IOC official Denis Oswald said construction on all venues was complete with only a few “refinements” remaining.
“We still have 119 days to go but I can tell you that London is ready to welcome the world,” Oswald told a press briefing in central London.
“Seven years ago in Singapore the London team presented a very strong Olympic and Paralympic bid and we are very pleased that this vision is becoming a reality and that (London) is preparing an outstanding event.”
Oswald, the chairman of the co-ordination commission, said the myriad of well-attended test events at Olympic venues had demonstrated that London was “feeling the fever of the Games.”
“We have no doubt that this summer will be a summer like no other in Britain,” he said. “The world expects a lot from London but we know London is ready and that people will not be disappointed.”
However he urged the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) to maintain their focus in the months left before the July 27-August 12 extravaganza.
“There is a lot to do still, mainly refinements, mainly details, no major issue,” Oswald said. “But sometimes the details make the difference.
“If you are in a race these details might be the few hundredths of a second that make the difference between gold, silver and bronze.
“So our advice to LOCOG was to say: ‘You have done a tremendous job, but remain focused, remain concentrated and you will reach the finish line.’
“But we are very confident they will do so and we will have an excellent Games this summer.”
