The Hindu : Sport / Olympic Games : London gains in race for Games

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jun 06, 2005

Sport

Sport - Olympic Games

London gains in race for Games

Denis Campbell and Gaby Hinsliff

LONDON: London's bid to host the 2012 Olympics will receive a major boost on June 6 when inspectors from the International Olympic Committee declare that the capital is as well-equipped as the favourite, Paris, to stage the world's biggest sporting event. Insiders say the long-awaited report from the IOC's evaluation commission will confirm that London would hold a well-run Games.

It will praise the British capital for having made major progress in improving three areas previously identified as weaknesses: the transport system, and the level of public and political support.

The 114-page technical report, which will be released at 1.30 p.m. (London time) on Monday, will enhance London's chances of securing the event when the IOC's 117 members meet in Singapore next month to award 2012 to London, Paris, Madrid, New York or Moscow.

Plans have been made to move events to alternative sites to ensure the Games are more compact. A series of improvements to London's public transport network are either already under way or approved.

IOC members say bid chairman Sebastian Coe's leadership, and Tony Blair's high profile backing, are boosting London's chances. Mr. Blair, double Olympic gold medallist Kelly Holmes, England football captain David Beckham and other prominent Britons will travel to Singapore to lobby ahead of the crucial vote.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport