Venues Will Be Ready Despite Weather
LOCOG reject claims venue completion is behind schedule, despite complications from wet weather.
James Bulley, LOCOG Director of Venues and Infrastructure said at Thursday’s media briefing that some final touches are being put in place in and around Olympic Park, but it will still open on schedule.
He listed "final touches on the look and signage," landscaping and laying down of some footpaths as the remaining activities needed. These updates are typically done at the last minute he said to keep things as pristine as possible.
"Don’t mistake the fact there is activity in the park going on for the fact that we’re not ready," he said.
Eton Dorney and Greenwich Park were flagged as the two most troublesome venues due to the rain.
Sports minister Jeremy Hunt echoed the sentiments, predicting a smooth Olympics, in the face of media claiming a rocky start thus far with security scandals and reports of lost bus drivers moving athletes around.
"I’m expecting pretty much everything to run smoothly," he responded.
Belts Off for All at Security Checks
There are fewer greater threats to the safety of the Games than belts that hold up trousers. At least in the eyes of the experts who have made up the rules for entering Olympic venues.
Around the Rings is told that "airport style" security will be the rule for entry at checkpoints and that will include removing belts. Other rules will restrict liquids to 100ml containers and ban sharp objects as is normally the case at airports.
The rules are to be enforced for all, ATR is told, meaning media, spectators, athletes, officials and presumably VIPs. Whether there will be photos of IOC President Jacques Rogge putting on his belt after mag and bag remains to be seen.
Romney Plans in London
Former Salt Lake City Olympics president Mitt Romney will come to London for three days next week for an overseas leg of his campaign to become the president of the U.S.
Romney arrives July 26 for a fund raiser, then will attend opening ceremony the next day. He will squeeze in a meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron before leaving July 28. Romney has attended every Olympics since Sydney.
Wife Ann remains behind in London to follow the equestrian events in which the horse she owns will be in the competition.
Olympic Village Check-ins
As of Thursday, 5500 athletes have checked into the Olympic Village. Coming in today are Botswana, Kuwait and Namibia.
Written and reported in London by Ed Hula.
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