UK Olympics

IOC and LOCOG hold seminar on Olympic Games preparation

Orientation seminar sets framework for 2012. London Games vision, values and objectives also announced

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) today announced further details of their partnership over the next seven years.

Speaking at a press conference to highlight the first IOC-LOCOG seminar to inform stakeholders and partners of the challenges and opportunities that come with being a Host City, both organisations stressed the importance of a partnership approach.

The IOC has implemented an approach to managing the Olympic Games that helps Organising Committees learn from their predecessors, from start to finish.

The transfer of knowledge now begins long before the Host City is even elected. The London 2012 Orientation Seminar aims to provide key guidance for the early part of London 2012’s work.

Denis Oswald, Chairman of the IOC Coordination Commission, said: “The IOC has been very impressed with the progress that LOCOG and the UK authorities have made since July 6th.

“There is a real sense of commitment and purpose in the approach being taken and this two-day seminar will help to further strengthen the partnership between the IOC and London 2012.

“The London Orientation Seminar marks an important milestone on the road to 2012.

“It gives the IOC and the London Organising Committee a real opportunity to bring together many of the key players who will be involved over the next seven years and map out the way ahead.

“Delivering an Olympic Games and Paralympic Games is a huge and complex challenge. This event allows the IOC to transfer knowledge, setting London 2012 off on the right course.

“It also provides a forum for us to develop relationships, through London 2012, with all those partners contributing to the Games.”

Sebastian Coe, LOCOG Chairman, said: “To mark the importance of this event we are today publishing the London Organising Committee’s vision, values and objectives, which will guide our work all the way to 2012.

“Our vision is ‘to stage inspirational Olympic Games and Paralympic Games that capture the imagination of young people around the world and leave a lasting legacy.’

“We are determined to deliver on that vision and the promise we made to the IOC on 6th July. We have made an early and positive start and the next two days will be another boost to forging the partnerships we need on the road ahead.”

The Rt Hon Tessa Jowell, Olympics Minister, said: “There is no doubt that we have hit the ground running since London was chosen as Host City for the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. We have made good early progress on every front.

“In the last week I have announced the names of the Chair and Chief Executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority and work is already underway to prepare the site for the Olympic Park.

“We are taking a phased approach, working in close co-operation with the IOC and all our stakeholders and partners, to ensure that we deliver in the right way, on time and on budget.”