Olympics chief Jacques Rogge vowed no let up in the war on illegal betting and doping as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) began its three-day session ahead of the London Games.
The IOC president - who is due to step down in September next year after a 12 year tenure - said the battles against the twin threats should also come with good and responsible governance of all sports.
“The fight against doping and illegal gambling remains the absolute priorities for the IOC,” said Rogge. “In the battle against doping, we will increase tests before and after the Games with targeted testing and get National Olympic Committees to increase tests during the Games and we will also test samples that have been taken at previous Games.
“In terms of irregular betting and match-fixing we will rely on in depth monitoring and communicate with bodies. We are fighting against threats that sport face but also good governance of sport is crucial. Sports organisations should have rigorous internal and external audits.”
Rogge, who replaced the late long-serving president Juan Antonio Samaranch when he stepped down in 2001, said he was especially pleased that progress had been made in the IOC’s mission to increase women’s participation.
“With the Olympic Programme, the IOC has increased the amount of women competing and the number of sports, boxing and an increased cycling programme for women are to feature in London.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 25th, 2012.
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