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quarta-feira, 12 de maio de 2010

Britain's leadership change not to affect London Olympics: IOC

NAIROBI, May 12 (Xinhua) -- International Olympics Committee (IOC)president Jacques Rogge told reporters in Nairobi Thursday his association was not concerned about London 2012 Olympics following Conservative leader David Cameron taking over Britain's leadership from Labour's Gordon Brown.

The Belgian national who is on a two-day visit to Kenya disclosed London 2012 Olympics Local Organisation Committee led by Lord Sebastian Coe had engaged all political parties in Britain in dialogue when the city won the bid and change in administration would therefore, not impact on the Games' preparations.

"It is the standard policy of IOC to involve all political groups in a country, government and opposition in dialogue and it was not different in Britain where Labour, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats were engaged. This is due to the fact that today's opposition could be tomorrow's government and we are not worried about London 2012 due to change of Government," Roggesaid at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport upon his arrival from Lusaka, Zambia.

He expressed his wish that an African city would bid to host the 2020 Games without giving assurances it was the continent's chance to host the quadrennial event that is the biggest sporting carnival on earth.

"Cape Town came a credible third when they bid for the 2004 Olympics (that went to Athens, Greece) in 1997 and since then, South Africa focused on and got the FIFA World Cup that will be the biggest event this year. I hope an African city can show willingness to host the 2020 Olympics since we cannot say it is Africa's time."


Rogge noted rugby sevens that was included in the roster for the 2016 Olympics Games would make an impact at the occassion, singling out Kenya as one of the nations that have potential of achieving a medal in the shorterned version of the game in what would be a first team podium finish in the history of the event.

"Kenya should aim to develop into the top nation in Africa and I believe Rugby 7s will be a great success story of the 2016 Games," added the Belgian who played rugby for his national team.

Rogge is in the country to open the Kipchoge Keino Secondary School in Eldoret on Friday and a private visit to world famous Masai Mara National Game Reserve the day after.

It is the second time for the IOC chief who inaugurated a multi purpose training centre in Lusaka during his Zambian visit following his first call in 2005.






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