www. olympic. orgOLYMPIC REVIEW7 PRESIDENT ROGGE FOREWORD " In Vancouver the anticipation and excitement among aspiring competitors, spectators and fans is growing each day" T he Olympic Games is perhaps the ultimate cooperative endeavour. They succeed because of the hard work of many organisations and individuals, particularly the Organising Committees, the International Sports Federations, National Olympic Committees, volunteers, broadcasters, media, and sponsors. So I believe I speak for everyone in the Olympic Movement when I say we recognise the Olympic Games are not immune from the current economic situation. While I am confident in the Movement's resilience and strength, the world faces unprecedented challenges during what will be a very difficult and anxious time for many people. The Organising Committees of Vancouver, London and Sochi are doing the right thing by staying focused on value for money, managing their budgets wisely and delivering Games which will benefit their host cities and the world. Because even in the midst of a recession, the Games can be a catalyst for excellence and a once- in- a- lifetime opportunity. They can be both a proving ground and a showcase for the best that a host city and nation has to offer. Following the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, surveys show not just increasing interest in the Olympic Movement and ever- growing affection for the Olympic Games. They also show that the world has gained a new perspective on China and respect for the accomplishments of the Chinese people. Record television audiences around the world were inspired by the exceptional Games in Beijing. I want to ensure the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games are every bit as successful – though obviously in their own unique way. During this pre- Games period, with a year until Vancouver's Opening Ceremony and just over three years of preparation to go until London's, it is important that we all plan carefully for a high- impact and long- lasting legacy. It is at this point, when the finishing line can look a long way off, and there's still a lot of work left to do, that future organisers can do the most to maximise the benefits of the Games, while still maintaining the high standards and strict management of costs demanded by the public. The legacy and benefits of the Games can be tremendous. VANOC is working with government and local partners to provide spectacular venues for sport in 2010 which will provide the Vancouver- Whistler region with valuable facilities for both summer and winter sport, community and recreational use after the Games. After the Games, the Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Village will become the first phase of a new mixed- use community, contributing 1,100 residential units, many of which will be low- cost supported housing. The Olympic and Paralympic Village in the mountain resort of Whistler will become a permanent mixed- use neighbourhood designed to support the town's goal of housing 75 per cent of its workers within the community. Clearly there should be a boost for tourism and Canada's high- performance athletes will be inspired to achieve their full potential. However, most importantly perhaps, are the educational programmes which bring the Olympic message of commitment, dedication and passion to schoolchildren across Canada and the world. In Vancouver, the anticipation and excitement among aspiring competitors, spectators and fans is growing each day. The first release of tickets for the Games sold out within days. Meanwhile, in London, the Olympic Park will be mostly mud for some time to come, but managed properly the Games can be just the start of social and economic benefits which accrue for generations to come. Preparations are also underway in Singapore and Innsbruck, respective host cities of the 2010 Summer and 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games. I am tremendously excited about the future of the Olympic Movement and the ideals which it represents. I am confident that in difficult times the Olympic ideals resonate even more, and that future Olympic Games will meet the challenge of inspiring and energising people across the world. ¦ FOREWORDBY JACQUESROGGE PRESIDENT, INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

SNAPSHOT 24/ 01/ 2009 MEN'S DOWNHILL The finish line lies only about a minute away but hundreds of metres lower down the mountain as Didier Defago of Switerland skies to victory in the FIS Ski World Cup race in Kitzbuhel. Photo: Getty Images