Olympics official to talk about what makes a good Games

  • November 18, 2010
Olympics official to talk about what makes a good Games

Denis Oswald is to speak about planning for the London 2012 Olympics.

The man responsible for overseeing the preparations for the 2012 London Olympics is to give his views on what makes for a good Games.

Denis Oswald, a Swiss lawyer and former Olympic rower, is chairman of the 16-person International Olympic Committee’s Co-ordination Commission, a Professor of Law at Neuchâtel University and director of the International Center for Sport Studies, an institute linked to the university.

He will deliver a Gates Distinguished Lecture on 19th November on Host City Selection, Preparation and Running. He says: “It is a long way from becoming a Host City of the Olympic Games to preparing for the Games and running them when the time comes.”

A member of the IOC executive board and head of the International Rowing Federation, Oswald also led the coordination commission of the 2004 Athens Olympics.

He has consistently declared himself happy with the preparations for London 2012 during inspections.

Lindsay Chura, external officer of the Gates Scholars Council which hosts the lecture series, said: “The Gates community is excited and honoured that Mr. Oswald will be delivering a Distinguished Lecture.  The Olympic Games hold a unique place in our culture and global society and we are eager to hear about the preparations in place for the London 2012 Olympic Games.”  

His talk will be held at Judge Business School Lecture Room 2 and starts at 6.30pm. It is open to members of the university and accompanied guests.

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