London marks 100-day countdown to opening of 2012 Olympics

**Admin** Thu Apr 19, 2012 12:44 am

Britain Wednesday marked the 100-day countdown to the opening ceremony
of the 2012 London Olympics with an array of celebrations and the
pledge that it would deliver the "greatest show on earth." Globally
77 newspapers ranging from Spain's El Pais to the China Daily published
an article by British Prime Minister David Cameron said that Britain was
looking forward to "welcoming the world" for what would be "the best
Olympics ever." Meanwhile in London, Sebastian Coe, chairman of the
Olympic organizing committee defied cool temperatures and a persistent
drizzle, telling his audience: "Welcome to a wet and windy London."
"Expectations are high and we won't disappoint," said Coe at a ceremony
in Kew Gardens park, where he unveiled a giant set of Olympic rings,
made up of 20,000 flowers. He also revealed the official motto for
the Games: "Inspire a generation." Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt
said he was confident that "Olympic fever" would become more evident in
Britain as the Games moved closer. "We are in the early stages. The
torch hasn't arrived yet," he said, predicting an upsurge in enthusiasm
once the Olympic torch arrived in Britain in mid-May. Despite the
unwelcoming skies, dancers and musical stars staged "Welcome the World"
performances at London's central Trafalgar Square Wednesday. And in
Horseguards Parade, the central London square for military parades and
royal events, 260 members of British elite guard regiments formed the
figure 100 in the sandy ground. Jacques Rogge, the president of the
International Olympic Commitee (IOC), said he was confident London would
meet the expectations of the world. "Around the world, the
excitement is growing and expectations are high but I am confident that
Britain and London will deliver a great sporting event and a warm
welcome too," he said. The Olympic Games take place in London from
July 27 to August 12, to be followed by the Paralympic Games from August
29 to September 9.

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