IOC praise London's early work

Denis Oswald, Chairman of the IOC's Coordination Commission, speaking at the conclusion of its first full visit, also praised London's "very professional approach".

"The IOC, as the ultimate guardian of the Olympic Games, is very proud to guide the London 2012 organisers through the preparation and implementation of Olympic Games that will transform the local landscape physically, socially and economically," he said.

"We are especially delighted by the fact that London has really understood the ethos of the Olympic Games and the Olympic values, whereby the Games are a vehicle and catalyst for development and provide a platform to educate society through sport.

"London's project is ambitious and visionary, but as sporting people we admire this ambition and look forward to playing our part in London's Olympic journey."

IOC member Mr Oswald was commenting at the conclusion of the three-day Commission visit, hosted by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG).

The Commission heard from LOCOG Chairman Sebastian Coe and Chief Executive Officer Paul Deighton, as well as from key members LOCOG administration on the progress of several key functional areas, such as sport, Olympic venue construction, and finance.

The Commission was also briefed by key leaders of the different stakeholder groups involved in the London Games, including Richard Caborn, Minister for Sport; Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London; Colin Moynihan, Chairman of the British Olympic Association; and David Higgins, Chief Executive, of the Olympic Delivery Authority.

Mr Oswald praised LOCOG's "very professional approach", adding: "What is particularly encouraging is the way in which the London team has been thinking about all aspects of Games preparation and planning, and how each area of the project is intrinsically linked.

"This understanding, and the putting of it into practice by sharing information between departments and entities, will stand LOCOG in good stead for the coming years, and we encourage them to continue in this vein."

Lord Coe said the IOC visit had provided an important opportunity to demonstrate progress made in planning for the Games, highlighting commitments to delivering a lasting legacy of community and sporting benefits from hosting the Games.

"We are united in our desire to see spectacular Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012," he added.

"We are also committed to ensuring that the Games leave a lasting legacy of social, environmental, economic and community benefits for London, the UK and for sport that demonstrate the power of the Olympic Games to change lives."

Full IOC Media Release