During his opening speech, IOC President Jacques Rogge said: ?The Olympic Games exist for the athletes, but they are not just an epic sporting contest. The Games bring Olympic values to life for a global audience. By providing a stage for the world?s best athletes, the Games give meaning to the concepts of friendship, excellence and respect, and all the qualities that they embody.? He continued: ?London has a special place in Olympic history. London will be the first city to host the Games three times.?
President Rogge also highlighted the long-lasting benefit that the Games, which have been the catalyst for the physical transformation of a huge area of east London, would have for the city and for the UK as a whole. He added: ?I am confident that these Games will leave a lasting positive legacy for London and the country.?
Click here to read President?s Rogge full speech.
The IOC Session, which is the general meeting of the members of the IOC and is its supreme decision-making body, will feature discussions on reports from all areas of the IOC?s activities, a presentation by London 2012 chairman Lord Coe on the final preparations for the Games which open in London on Friday, the election of new IOC members and votes on positions in the IOC Executive Board.