| 1. |
Welcome to the unveiling of the 117th IOC Session
Emblem in Singapore. Thank you very much for your presence.
I wish to specially thank our two Advisors, Minister RAdm Teo
Chee Hean and Minister Yaccob for gracing this occasion. |
| 2. |
With the support of our Prime Minster Singapore, we won the
honour in 2002, to host this IOC Session. An organizing committee
consisting of senior officials from SNOC and SSC was set up
immediately to ensure that the Session will be well organized
and that all the participants are warming welcome and have a
wonderful time in Singapore. |
| 3. |
The IOC Session is the annual meeting of IOC members and the
highest decision making body of the Olympic movement. The 117th
Session will be a watershed event as two important decisions
will be made. |
| 4. |
Firstly, the Session will decide on the Host City for the
2012 Olympic Games. As you know nine cities – London,
Paris, New York, Moscow, Madrid, Leipzig, Istanbul, Rio de Jeniero
and Havana have applied to host the Games. IOC will make a short
list on 18 May and the final decision will be made in Singapore
next year. It is the first time that so many major cities around
the world are bidding for the same Games and we can expect a
very keen and exciting competition. |
| 5. |
Secondly, there will be a review of the summer games sports
programme. Currently, there are 28 sports in the summer games
and this review will determine whether any of the 28 sports
will be dropped and if any new sports will be included.
It is both a prestige, and an honour to be part of the Olympic
Games. Also, many of these sports receive the Olympic status
and revenue from the share of TV rights from the Games –
2 factors that are critical for the sports’ popularity
and survival. We can expect intense lobbying for these sports
to stay on the Olympic Programme and for new sports to try to
get in. During the IOC Session in 2002, IOC members debated
on whether to drop baseball, softball and modern pentathlon.
No decision was made then, instead members decided to go for
a full review during the session in Singapore in 2005. |
| 6. |
For the Session in Singapore, we will see the attendance of
IOC members, high ranking officials from International Sports
Federations, bid cities for the 2012 Games and more than 1,500
personnel from print media and TV. All in all, we are expecting
more than 5,000 people in Singapore. |
| 7. |
Come July next year, all eyes will be on Singapore. According
to IOC estimate, more than 1 billion people from 200 countries
will watch the proceedings in Singapore where the announcement
of the Host City will be telecast live. |
| 8. |
The Session will enhance our efforts to develop a Sporting
Singapore and help build a vibrant sports industry. It is a
rare opportunity to showcase Singapore as an ideal city for
international sports meetings, marquee sports events and also
as a unique tourist destination.. The Session will also create
excitement and generate interest amongst Singaporeans for more
to enjoy and play sports. The Singapore Tourism Board has estimated
that the economic impact from the Session will be about S$40million. |
| 9. |
We are all excited about the 117th IOC Session, it is the
next best thing to hosting the Olympic Games. |
| 10. |
Once again, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your presence
and have an enjoyable afternoon. |
