Other Sport
IOC inspection team in London
2011-10-06 11:48
London - Less than 10 months before the opening ceremony, IOC inspectors are back in London to check on preparations for the Olympics.
The International Olympic Committee's coordination commission began a three-day visit Wednesday - its penultimate trip to London before the games start on July 27 2012.
"This is really about the ascent to the summit," London organizing committee chairman Sebastian Coe said.
It's the first time the commission has been to London since the capital was rocked by riots in August, violence that was triggered by a fatal police shooting in the Tottenham area.
With most of London's venue construction complete, policing, security and transportation are likely to figure high in the talks.
The IOC team will receive updates from organizers and tour some of the venues, including the Olympic Park in east London and the archery site at Lord's cricket ground, where a test event is taking place this week.
This is the IOC's ninth visit to London since the city was awarded the games in 2005.
London Mayor Boris Johnson said the capital was far ahead of any other host city at this stage.
"Our venues are ready. Our park is ready. Our transport system is being transformed," Johnson said.
"Excitement, is already reaching fever pitch and there is no doubt that the capital will live up to everyone's expectations, but there is still much to do over the coming months."