The IOC EB today concluded in Athens its last meeting before the start of the Games, with the presentation of the reports by the Organising Committees for the Games in Athens 2004, Turin 2006 and Beijing 2008.

Congratulations to ATHENS 2004¨

The EB heard a presentation by the Organising Committee for the Olympic Games Athens 2004 (ATHOC) represented by President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and Chief Operating Officer Marton Simitsek. The report outlined the completion of preparations for the Games, describing the finishing touches being applied across the city and the move to full operational status, with the activation of Olympic transport plans already proving to be one of many successes. IOC President Jacques Rogge, Coordination Commission Chairman Denis Oswald and the members of the EB congratulated Mrs. Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and her team on the tremendous work they have completed and will continue to do to ensure the successful celebration of the Games.

Turin 2006: Looking ahead

The President of the Organising Committee for the Turin 2006 Olympic Winter Games (TOROC) Valentino Castellani and his team presented the work being done to prepare the next Winter Olympic Games. Construction continues to maintain the pace necessary for holding the test events that will ensure Olympic Games operations run smoothly. Plans to bring improved results in areas such as communications and marketing were also presented. The EB noted that the world's attention and the IOC's support will soon be fully focused on Turin 2006, with the time remaining to the Winter Olympic Games passing quickly.

Beijing 2008: impressive progress

Presenting the impressive progress towards the Games of Beijing 2008, the Beijing Organising Committee (BOCOG) was lead by its Executive Vice-President, Liu Jingmin. Construction of venues and infrastructure continues at a more than satisfactory pace. Some plans will be reviewed following the recommendations of the Olympic Games Study Commission. Marketing agreements have been signed in many of the categories that will support the Games. Planning for operations is being supported by the presence of many Beijing 2008 secondees in Athens learning the valuable organisational lessons that will serve the organising committee well during the coming years. The Executive Board congratulated Beijing 2008's team on the volume and quality of its work.

Vancouver 2010: already in the transfer of knowledge process

A report on Vancouver 2010 was given by IOC Olympic Games Executive Director Gilbert Felli. The Organising Committee (VANOC) has hired key staff, and started its planning and is participating fully in a transfer of knowledge process that will see it learn the lessons of Games past and present.