Rogge unconcerned by 2012 budget cuts

International Olympic Committee president, Jacques Rogge, has said he is unconcerned by the US$40 million cuts to the London 2012 Olympic Games budget announced by the British Government.

The new Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government announced the cuts as part of a wider US$9 billion programme of savings in public spending.

However, Rogge said: “I think the budget of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), including the cuts requested by government, is a sound budget.

“They have a lean but very workable budget. The same goes for the London 2012 Organising Committee. We are in a period where every pound has to be really very well spent.

“The Prime Minister reassured me of the government’s continued support for London 2012 and we are looking forward to continuing the bi-partisan approach so vital to a successful Games.”

Rogge is currently in London on a three-day visit to inspect the progress of the Olympic Games. Yesterday he toured the Olympic Park, where over 65 per cent is already Games-ready. He also met Prime Minister David Cameron.