ICC chief praises London's legacy
IT HAS not come cheaply, but this morning the president of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge, will hold up London's Olympics as having provided a "legacy blueprint for future hosts."
Having spent GBP9.3bn of public funds in preparing for the Games - some reports claim the final figure could reach GBP11bn - the backing of the head of the Olympic movement is timely for the government.
Legacy played a key part in the winning bid in 2007, but efforts to boost the numbers of people taking part in sport have so far failed. The bricks and mortar side has been more impressive, with the construction of the Olympic Park in a deprived area of east London set to be complete on time and within the building budget. The IOC's final inspection begins today.
Rogge said: "London has raised the bar on how to deliver a lasting legacy. We can already see tangible results in the remarkable regeneration of East London. This great historical city has created a legacy blueprint for future Games hosts."
Rogge is meeting David Cameron and Hugh Robertson, the minister for the Olympics, at Downing Street this morning to discuss what remains to be done: the heads of state guest list, tickets, transport and security will be on the agenda.
