Samaranch gives Sydney the seal of approval
12 May 1998International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Juan Antonio Samaranch has given his seal of approval to Sydney's preparations for the 2000 Games after five days of inspections and meetings.
"Things are going well," he said. "I very much appreciate the job being done by SOCOG [the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games].
The 77-year-old Samaranch said the 115,000-seat Homebush Bay stadium was "impressive" and the only improvement would be for more unity - a reference to the political bickering that has overshadowed his visit. International Olympic Committee member Jacques Rogge said the real problem would be transport. "Transport is going to be difficult, but it is difficult in all Olympic cities," he said. "This will require a discipline from Sydneysiders.
"That's the price you will have to pay to stage a fantastic event which leaves a great legacy to your city - that for 16 days you will probably have to switch to public transport."
