Olympics Transform China's Image, Says Rogge

Each Games are important for the Olympic Movement. But each has its own particular identity," says IOC President Jacques Rogge. (Getty Images) (ATR) On the eve of the Beijing Olympics, IOC President Jacques Rogge says the Games will change people's perceptions of China for the better and provide a major boost for the Olympic Movement.

"They will see a country with a history, tradition and culture of 5,000 years. I think this will change the perception of China to the world," Rogge said at a press conference Thursday following the conclusion of the IOC Session.

"I believe the spotlight on China will help the world to understand China better and maybe for China to understand the world better. I think this will extend beyond the closing ceremony of the Games on Aug. 24."

With less than 24 hours until the Games open, Rogge says he is excited about the prospects for the Beijing Games.

"We have prepared for seven years with BOCOG. I feel like the athlete who knows he or she has done everything possible before the competition," he told a packed news conference at the Main Press Center in Beijing.

Rogge also said the Beijing Olympics would add much to the Olympic Movement.

"China will be opening up Olympism for one-fifth of mankind, 1.3 billion people. That is the unique picture that only China can offer." The haze in Beijing is due to heat and humidity more than pollution, says Jacques Rogge. (Getty Images)

Rogge denies that the persistent smog hovering over Beijing will ruin the opening ceremony and cast a shadow over the Games, saying the haze was linked to heat and humidity and not necessarily pollution factors.

"We prefer clear skies, but the most important thing is the health of the athletes," says Rogge, claiming the IOC's medical commission supports BOCOG's view that there is no risk to athletes for the majority of sports events apart from some endurance events such as the marathon.

"The Chinese authorities have done everything feasible and humanly possible to address the situation. What they have done is extraordinary," he says, noting the anti-pollution measures undertaken, including the removal of over one million cars from the city's roads in recent months.

Despite IOC pressure on the governments of North and South Korea, Rogge confirms that the teams will parade one behind the other at the opening ceremony Friday, the order of teams dictated by the mandarin alphabet.

Rogge The North Korean women’s football team won its first game against Nigeria ahead of the Games. (Getty Images) said he had sent letters to the presidents of North and South Korea to encourage them to come to a deal "but unfortunately to no avail.”

"We tried to have this in Beijing, but unfortunately it was not possible. The IOC has taken many initiatives to bring together the two NOCs. There was great willingness on the side of sport to have a joint march like we had in Sydney and Athens.

"But the political powers both on the south and the north did not agree," he says. "I regret this very much because this is a setback for peace and harmony."

Meanwhile, Rogge also warned athletes planning to protest against China's alleged human rights abuses to confine their protests to the right areas.

"The athletes have the full right to express their views outside the accredited zones while respecting the laws of the country," he says.

"We do not want demonstrations or propaganda, for instance, on the podiums, in the Olympic Village or in venues."

Written by Mark Bisson in Beijing For general comments or questions, click here