(ATR) LOCOG chairman Sebastian Coe says the London Games will be safe and secure, despite the controversy over shortages of private security staff.
Coe was peppered with questions regarding the security situation at the first press briefing for Olympic journalists.
"We’re ready on security," he repeatedly told the reporters.
G4S, the firm contracted to provide security during the Games, has come up short by about 3500 staff. British troops and police will take up the slack. G4S leaders faced a Parliamentary question session Tuesday over the Olympic contract. The head of the firm said he was "deeply sorry" for the situation.
As soldiers assumed a more visible role in security operations on Tuesday, Coe reiterated that LOCOG would deliver a safe and secure Games.
"There’s no point in being naïve or coy about it but the challenge we have was never about numbers. It was about the mix and making sure that G4S are able to provide as many people as they possibly can. I think we’ll get them to agood position but at the moment that is the challenge. This has not nor will it have any impact on the safety or security of the Olympic Games."
Coe also addressed weather issues. London has been in the midst of a historically wet and cool July with rainfall a constant presence in the Olympic city.
"This is actually proving to us quite a challenge," Coe admitted. "We are a northern European country; people do need to be wearing the right footwear and the right rain-proof clothing," he advised spectators.
The wet weather has caused two venues, Eton Dorney and Greenwich Park to become in his words, "waterlogged". As a result, LOCOG has installed tracks for foot traffic and shelters for staff to take refuge.
Despite the added challenge, Coe says it will not impact when venues open.
"We will be ready on time, our venues will open on time," he said, adding that "dressing and tidying up" is all that remains on LOCOG’s to do list.
Coe said 733 athletes from 96 countries checked in to the Olympic Village on Monday, it’s first day of operations. Some of the big names to move in were Brazil, Cuba and the United States.
Reported from the Main Press Centre by Ed Hula III
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