June 16, 2007	Saturday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 30, 1428

LONDON, June 15: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) praised London 2012 organisers on Thursday for their preparations, including the contentious new logo.

Denis Oswald, the head of the IOC’s coordination commission, said he was pleased with all levels of planning and hailed the long-term legacy aspects as a model for future host cities.

“Two years after London got the games, we are impressed by the level of detail in the preparation,” Oswald said. “London is on track and on time.”

Oswald, who has been involved at various levels in 18 Olympics, said London was further ahead in planning five years out from the games than any other recent host city.

Oswald’s 15-member inspection team reviewed every aspect of London’s preparations, including venue construction, sport, staffing, media and technology. It was the group’s first visit since April 2006.

“We don’t have any specific area of concern,” Oswald said. “Compared to other organising committees, London is really on time and on track.”

Oswald added that London’s ambitious legacy plans were as promised when it won the bid in July 2005.

“This legacy is very important,” he expressed. “We really consider that London will be a model for a future host city of the Olympic Games as far as legacy is concerned.” —AP