(In
French) Mr President, IOC members, distinguished
guests. I am sorry I can't be with you in person. My responsibility as
host of the G8 summit, which starts today, means I must be back in the UK.
It is the only reason I am not at your historic session. I was, however,
honoured to meet many of you over the last few days, and delighted to
renew old friendships.
Last year I was privileged to attend the superb Olympic Games and
Paralympic Games in Athens. And proud to be one of 20,000 Britons, the
largest group of overseas spectators.Athens inspired me - and taught me
much about the Olympic Movement. Our goal is to witness its power in
London.
(in English) It is a unique honour to act as Host City. I also
understand it is an honour which comes with a great responsibility - and
which requires the highest levels of co-operation with the IOC.
My promise to you is that we will be your very best partners. All of us
who have made guarantees to you are ready to deliver on them now. On
security. On finance. On every single undertaking we have given. If you
award London the Games, I pledge to you personally we will continue to
give the highest level of support to Seb Coe and Keith Mills as they lead
the Organising Committee, backed up by our Olympic Minister Tessa
Jowell.
My entire Government - and the main Opposition parties too - are united
behind this bid. It has total political support. It is the nation's bid.
It has excited people throughout the country. More than three million have
already volunteered their support. And that support goes beyond our shores
too. We were honoured to receive the endorsement of the most inspiring
statesman of our age: Nelson Mandela. He said this: `I can't think of a
better place than London to hold an event that unites the world. London
will inspire young people around the world and ensure that the Olympic
Games remain the dream for future generations'.
Those words remind us that as leaders, in government or sport, we have
a duty to reach beyond our own time and borders. To have a vision which
serves those who come after us.
Our vision is to see millions more young people - in Britain and across
the world - participating in sport, and improving their lives as a result
of that participation.
And London has the power to make that happen. It is a city with a voice
that talks to young people. And, with more than 1,000 foreign media
correspondents based here, it is a city with a voice that is heard all
around the world.
It is that unique combination of strengths which London offers - a
global platform for the Olympic message to young people. Not just for the
17 days of the competition, but for the years leading up to the Games, and
beyond.