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London 2012 Olympics on track

Source ITN

Updated on 09 July 2009

Seb Coe says the London 2012 Olympics preparations are on course and within the budget despite the global financial crisis.

Coe was in Nigeria to give an update on London's preparations for the Games to the 13th meeting of the Association of National Olympics Committees of Africa in Abuja.

"The global financial crisis has made life difficult for many people but I have to say that strength of the Olympics brand and the quality of our commercial teams in London have helped punch through those difficult times," said Coe.

"We have raised more more money than any other Olympic host city, and in construction terms we now have a large construction project that is employing people, that is creating opportunity and excitement in east London and it is ahead of schedule and the budgets on both sides of the project are resilient."

The double Olympic gold medalist said that a London Assembly report raising concerns about the legacy of the Games was legitimate, but pointed out that any structures which are being built for the Games are ones needed in the capital.

"It is very important that Olympics cities now and in the future do not leave 'white elephants' behind," he said.

"Our communities are much more sophisticated, they want to know not just that they are going to have sixteen days of Olympics and Paralympics sport, they also want to know these venues are going to be used by the public afterwards and used to inspire young generation of competitors."

© Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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