From Singapore: Preparations for 117th IOC decision (6th July)

All eyes on S'pore this week ahead of 2012 Olympics host city vote

By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia



SINGAPORE: Singapore takes centre stage this week as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) meets to vote for the host city of the 2012 Summer Games.

IOC members will choose between London, Paris, Madrid, Moscow and New York to host the world's biggest sporting event during the 117th session from July 3-9.

The result will be announced by IOC president Jacques Rogge at about 1130 GMT on July 6.

The session officially starts on Tuesday with a big opening ceremony at the Esplanade.

However its Executive Board got down to business on Sunday at the Raffles City Convention Centre.

Led by Rogge, the 15-member Executive Board met to discuss various issues from marketing, TV rights and even the contract for the winning city for the 2012 Games.

Of keen interest will be an update on the Olympic programme which includes a review of the 28 sports for the 2012 Games.

The Sports Federations have requested that IOC not reveal details of the vote to be made on 8 July.

Giselle Davies, IOC Communications Director, said: "The Federations asked that the details of the vote not be given in order to avoid any ranking between the different sports, so the info will simply be 'yes' or 'no', whether a sport is on the programme for 2012."

Away from the meeting, the 5 cities have been busy making their last-minute preparations.

All have been given a chance to rehearse at the actual venue - the Raffles Ballroom - but behind closed doors.

Sports celebrities too have been busy giving their support, among them Australian swimming sensation, Ian Thorpe.

Nicknamed "Torpedo", the multiple Olympic gold medallist is putting his weight behind New York as he was a September 11 survivor.

He said: "I am also playing the role of speaking to IOC delegates while I'm here and try to encourage support of this bid. I have been involved in this bid for a long time."

13-year-old Griselda Khng may not be a celebrity yet, but will have the whole world's attention on 6 July.

She has been chosen to present to the IOC President, the envelope containing the name of the city chosen to host the 2012 Olympics.

A national sailor, Griselda admitted she is looking forward to catch a glimpse of - you guessed it - English footballer David Beckham. - CNA>