Special report: 2008 Olympic Games

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge smiles before a news conference at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne June 23, 2008.Rogge said on Monday that he was "very optimistic" about the success of the upcoming Olympic Games in Beijing.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    GENEVA, June 23 (Xinhua) -- International Olympic Committee (IOC) head Jacques Rogge said on Monday that he was "very optimistic" about the success of the upcoming Olympic Games in Beijing.

    Rogge was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of a new attached building to the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, the official Swissinfo website reported.

    Rogge told assembled guests that there remained a few elements to refine for the Beijing Olympics, but he was optimistic that the games would be a success.

    The IOC's priorities for the moment were anti-doping activities and curbing illegal betting, which had become a "major problem," Rogge said.

    Swiss Sports Minister Samuel Schmid, present at the inauguration, also expressed his hope that the upcoming Games would bring moments of "intense joy," according to the Swissinfo report.