Jacques Rogge, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), met with the new British Prime Minister David Cameron at No. 10 Downing Street . The visit to see the new British leader was part of a full day of Olympic events for the President in the next Olympic host city.
He started the day by addressing London 2012?s staff, before going on to visit the Olympic Park venues and later met the Mayor of London Boris Johnson.
Following his meeting with Prime Minister Cameron, President Rogge said, “We had very productive discussions with the Prime Minister and the Mayor about the London 2012 Games and the development of sport in the UK. It is a sign of the government’s commitment to the 2012 Games that such a meeting was organised so early in the life of the new government. The Prime Minister reassured me of the government?s continued support for London 2012 and we are looking forward to continuing the bi-partisan approach so vital to a successful Games. LOCOG and the ODA have done amazing things, and huge progress has been made – as we enter the crucial final delivery phase. But we are confident, not complacent. LOCOG and the ODA are doing a great job in what are tough financial circumstances – and we all continue to ensure we make intelligent use of available resources.”
The meeting with the British Prime Minister at No. 10 Downing Street also included Olympic sport leaders Lord Moynihan, Lord Coe, Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt and Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson.
Speaking after the meeting Sebastian Coe, Chairman of LOCOG, the organisers of London 2012, added, “The meetings today demonstrate the commitment the Government and the Mayor have to delivering a great Games that will energise the country. Every day we focus on hosting a Games that delivers pride and value for money to the nation and we look forward to taking the IOC through the progress we are making right across this project over the next few days.”
As part of the Olympic Park visit, Rogge helped to put in place the 2012th seat in the Olympic Stadium. The President was assisted in his task by the Chairman of the IOC?s Coordination Commission Denis Oswald, Chairman of London 2012 Sebastian Coe, IOC member Craig Reedie and some of the children who were present in Singapore for the 2012 vote. In a little over two years’ time, these seats will be where thousands of spectators will be able to watch the world’s best athletes compete.
At a meeting later in the day with Mayor Boris Johnson, President Rogge was able to listen to the Mayor’s plans to energise the capital and its people in the run-up to, during, and after the Games of 2012.
