IOC president has fond memories of Malta 2003

International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge and his predecessor Juan Antonio Samaranch were two distinguished guests at the Andorra Village yesterday as they toured the venues hosting events from the Games of the Small States of Europe.

Rogge and Samaranch have been here for the past two days after attending Monday night's opening ceremony at the Camp de MI Consell General in Andorra la Vella.

Journalists met both Rogge and Samaranch when they paid a short visit to the press centre. The Times asked for their views about the Games of the Small States of Europe and their importance for the promotion of sport among the Olympic family.

They both share the same ideals, contending that the GSSE provide the perfect stage for the participating small countries to introduce their athletes to the international scene before making a move ahead in more prestigious world events.

"I think that for all participants the GSSE represent an excellent opportunity not only to taste international success but also for the National Olympic Committees to promote sport in their own countries," said Rogge.

"Hosting the Games inevitably pushes the governments of these countries to invest more in sports infrastructure," said Samaranch who was IOC president when the Games were first held in 1985.

"The construction of various sports facilities boosts the preparation of the athletes and guarantees a better future for the young aspiring athletes to start a sporting career."

Rogge said that he has fond memories of the Malta 2003.

"I think that the Malta GSSE was the biggest and most memorable edition of these Games," the Belgian surgeon said.

"I was there and I could see that organisation and the level of competition were very good. It was a great advert for sport within our Olympic family.

"Andorra has a tough job ahead to match the Malta Games but the early signs are very positive. However, it's still too early to make any judgments but the IOC is monitoring the proceedings and keeping a close watch on the competition as well."

Asked about the future of the GSSE, Rogge quickly replied: "I think these Games will be here for many more years to come. We know that this event is getting bigger by every edition and at the IOC we are ready to support the needs of the organisers for many more years. For us, the GSSE are a very important part of our sporting calendar.

"However, we expect local governments to increase their financial support to Olympic committees who prepare athletes for international competition. This is vital if sports culture is to flourish in small countries like those in the GSSE."

Rogge took over the IOC presidency from Samaranch who stepped down from the post after his term came to a close in 2001.

Asked to comment on Rogge's tenure so far, Samaranch, who hails from Barcelona and was elected to the highest IOC post in 1980, said: "He is a great president. Jacques Rogge is heading the IOC with great determination and spirit. His fight against doping is commendable and so far he has been very successful.

"I think it will be difficult to clean sports from doping once and for all but the president has the right attitude to lead the IOC in this fight."