London 2012 blog

I have just returned from a trip to Beijing to attend the Sport Accord conference and visit our Colleagues at the Beijing 2008 Organising Committee (BOCOG).

After a ten hour flight, I headed out for dinner straight away with my equivalent at BOCOG - who to my great disappointment turned out to be a Manchester United supporter.

At dinner it was very striking that many of Beijing's senior team were women - something they have in common with us.

The aim of the dinner was to get help with our observer and secondee programme for the 2008 Games and talk to them about the Handover Ceremony at the Beijing Closing Ceremony. To this end our Head of Culture Bill Morris attended.

Our Head of Security, Chief Inspector Andy Amery was the happiest man at the dinner after being compared to 007 himself, James Bond.

The next day I had a free afternoon and went on a bicycle tour of the city, which was great fun.

While in Beijing, I had the chance to look at the accommodation the London 2012 staff that will be part of the observer and secondee programmes will be staying.

The next day I met representatives of the international sporting federations - who were all in attendance. They are mostly focussed on Beijing 2008 of course now, but we know they will soon focus in on us and it was a great chance to meet them all together.

My final night was spent working with our Communications team on Seb's keynote speech which went down very well in the main hall.

We then jumped on a plane and got back just in time for Seb to get to the Chelsea game. In fact, due to an issue with the baggage, I waited for and collected his luggage while he headed off to the game. Talk about fulfilling my Chief Executive duties. But I know he would do the same for me if Arsenal were playing at home.