LONDON, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- International Olympic
Committee (IOC) reiterated their confidence in the success of the London 2012
Olympics despite the economic downturn at the conclusion of weeklong Beijing
Games debriefing on Thursday.
Hein Verbruggen, chairman of the IOC coordination
commission, believed that London would do no worse than Beijing although it
cannot match the 2008 host city on human resources.
"Can London do the same thing as in Beijing? My
answer is: Yes," he said.
"Of course we were impressed in Beijing, but we will
not forget its difference from other cities. There are unlimited resources,
human resource available, a great number of volunteers, which you can't expect
in many cities.
"But when it comes to organizing the Games, you
shouldn't forget four years ago, we also had a very good organization in
Athens."
Verbruggen also summarized the significant legacies
left to Beijing in particular and China in general on environmental,
technological issues.
IOC Olympic Games executive director Gilbert Felli
praised Beijing for setting "new standards for organization, venues and athletic
performances" and expected London to do even better.
"We can always improve," he said, "I'm confident that
the London organizers will host a first-class event with a uniquely British
atmosphere."
Hit by the global financial crisis, London is
struggling to secure private funding for major Olympic construction projects.
Organizers have also scrapped some temporary venues planned in the original bid
to stay within a 9.3-billion-pound budget.
But IOC president Jacques Rogge Monday gave relief to
London organizers by claiming "London has just to be London".
"There is no 'best' or 'greatest', there is just
'different'." said the IOC chief.
"Each Games is unique. It is not the amount of money
spent that determines how good a Games is, it is also the unique and inspiring
atmosphere created within the city. I'm sure London will do very well there." he
said.
Sebastian Coe, chairman of London Organizing
Committee, insisted that London was better prepared than ever "to deliver a
great Game" and reported that the London budget was "balanced and on
target."