London 2012 Olympics to cost about CFA 7 trillion

Great Britain would be striving to better the record set by China

By Yemti Harry Ndienla

Though the 29^th Olympics is still fresh in our memory, that of 2012, is around the corner. According to Syd Maddicot, British High Commissioner to Cameroon, the next Olympics which is expected to be hosted by his country, would cost an estimated CFA 7 trillion. It would be hosted under the theme: “Britain, be a part of it”.

He made the disclosure Sunday as he symbolically received the Olympic flag from the Chinese ambassador to Yaounde, Huang Chang Quing ,marking the start of London’s tenure as host of the 30^th edition of the games coming up in 2012. The ceremony in Yaounde, was in remark of what took place in China where the Mayor of Beijing, Gud Jinlang, handed over the Olympic flag to the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. As Britain assume host to the 30^th Olympics, the flag will be hoisted over the closed to 400 diplomatic representations of the UK in the world.

The Yaounde event witnessed among others by Cameroon's minister of Sport and Physical Education

Augustin Edjoa and Ama Tutu Muna, of culture, gave Maddicott an opportunity to laud China for organizing the 29^th games described by many as a very successful event. Hear him “They have been truly memorable from the magnificent opening to the closing ceremonies. The richness of the spectacle, the enthusiasm of the Chinese crowds, the wonderful venues, the Olympic spirit and sportsmanship of the athletes have taken these games down the records as a memorable one,”
Like in previous Countries, the high commissioner believe the Olympics, would help boost development and economic activities in his country
Though prior to the games, there were fears of pollution and insecurity, that almost marred the build-up to the games the Beijing Olympic would be remembered among others for the records it created. The president of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge, described the Beijing games as one in which new stars were born and those from previous games continued to shine. By tis statement every one would think of America’s greatest Olympian of all times Michael Phelps who set a new record, winning eight gold medals in swimming and the world's fastest man Jamaica’s Usain Bolt who won three gold medals breaking three world records were of great reference to the games.

Cameroon’s would also think of the person who brought glory to the nation Françoise Mbango Etone who retained her 2004 Athens gold medal in women’s hop, step and jump, setting a new Olympic record of 15.39m.
Infrastructure-wise, China reportedly possessed some of the best ultramodern playgrounds among which were the famous Bird-Nest stadium, which hosted the opening and closing ceremonies. China reportedly spent more than 40 billion dollars preparing for the games, ensuring state-of-the-art facilities and orchestrating a dramatic anti-pollution campaign that helped temporarily clear Beijing’s famously toxic air. On the other hand the Beijing games were marred by complaints from Tibetan and Muslim minorities of repression, dissidents were intimidated into silence or detained, and the Internet remained censored for foreign reporters despite promises it would be unblocked.
However, as Great Britain would be striving to better the record set by China, it would also seek to right the wrongs of Beijing 2008 so that London 2012 would be near perfect.