Beijing Games will be vital lesson for London

By Rachel Yan  |   2008-7-10  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

LONDON, host city for the 2012 Olympics, will send a delegation of observers to study the experience and possible problems of hosting the upcoming Olympics in Beijing next month, visiting London officials said in Shanghai yesterday.

Ian Clement, deputy Mayor of London, also told Shanghai Daily that he would come back to attend the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony on behalf of London on August 8.

"I get the feeling that Shanghai and Beijing are very much prepared for the hosting of both the Olympics and Expo - London needs to learn about that," said Clement, the newly-appointed deputy Mayor who is on his first trip abroad since taking office in May.

"We can't afford to be arrogant or to preach - we need to learn lessons."

The observing delegation is scheduled to come over to look, listen and learn about Beijing's solution to certain issues, such as transport, mass movement, security, emergency planning and administration of the game's ticketing.
Delegation members are expected to draw lessons from that, the deputy Mayor said.

The Olympic Games will not only bring tangible facilities but also spiritual benefits to its people. Tens of thousands of job opportunities, educational opportunities, sports legacies and a booming tourism market are also expected, Clement noted.