London Olympics dedicated to victims
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-07-16 14:02

London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe said on Friday the preparations for the Olympic Games will be dedicated to victims of the bombings in the capital.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke will lead a Cabinet-level Olympic security committee, and the 225 million pounds Games security budget could be increased if necessary.

"Our actions now are dedicated to those people who so grievously suffered last week," Coe told a news conference.

"Those people who suffered will not be forgotten by anybody."

Last Thursday's suicide bombs, which killed more than 50 people, took place the day after London beat four other cities for the right to stage the 2012 Games.

It is believed the explosions had no connection with the Olympic decision, but they have brought security for the Games sharply into focus.

"We made it very clear in our bid that security would be the most important concept in the 17 themes in our candidate file," said Coe.

"Security has underpinned everything to date in our plans."

Britain has provided expertise for previous Games through former Metropolitan police chiefs, Peter Ryan and Sir David Vanness, and Coe said they would also be used for London.

"Policing and security in this country has been central to security at the last four Olympic Games and those experts will continue to work closely with us," said Coe.

"There has hardly been a major sporting event anywhere in the world in the last 20 years which has not been underpinned by British security expertise."

Coe said the 225 million-pound security budget for 2012 included 25 million which was specifically dedicated to internal security inside Olympic venues.

He revealed headhunters had been appointed as London looked to appoint a chief executive of the organizing committee as quickly as possible.

"We want somebody who is frankly of the highest commercial quality. This is probably the most important role," he said.

Businessman Keith Mills, who was chief executive of the bid, will be Coe's deputy chairman.

The pair will visit Sydney, where the successful 2000 Olympics were held, to garner useful background information.

"We consider them the high water mark of recent Games," said Coe.

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