INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE president Jacques Rogge has described the London Olympics’ legacy planning as a ‘blueprint’ for future hosts.
Ahead of Prime Minister David Cameron’s final inspection visit on Wednesday, Rogge was delighted with the organisers’ focus on legacy having delivered on the promise they made in 2005.
“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,” Rogge said.
“This great historical city has created a legacy blueprint for future Games hosts.”
It was London 2012 chairman Lord Coe’s vision in 2005 that investing in the Games can be a driving force in regeneration and leave a lasting legacy that separated the bid from those of rival cities.
Cameron said it was the government’s biggest challenge to deliver on these promises but also its greatest opportunity.
“Legacy has been built into the DNA of London 2012,” Cameron said.“But by definition, of course, the true legacy of London 2012 lies in the future.
“Though much has been done, I am acutely aware that the drive to embed and secure the benefits of London 2012 is still to come.”
The focus on ‘legacy’ is part of the government’s justification for investing 9.3 billion pounds during a time of economic uncertainty.
