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LAUSANNE, Switzerland: International Olympic Committee president
Jacques Rogge wrote to Chinese President Hu Jintao to express
condolences after China’s earthquake disaster, the IOC said.
“We send our deepest felt condolences for the
victims. The Olympic Movement is at your side, especially during
these difficult months. Our thoughts are with you,” said Rogge in
his letter.
Fortunately, all 31 venues and related sites in
Beijing and facilities in six host cities around China were
unaffected by the major quake that was felt as far away as Hong Kong
and Taipei.
The IOC also said in a statement late Monday
that Rogge also commented earlier in the day that the scale of the
disaster is “only just becoming apparent”.
“I feel deeply for those affected and join in
solidarity with the people of China,” Rogge said.
The IOC added that it has sent messages to Lui
Qi, the President of the Organising Committee for the Beijing 2008
Olympic Game, and to his staff.
The Olympic torch relay continued its epic
odyssey around China on Tuesday, state media reported, despite the
7.8-magnitude quake that left tens of thousands of people dead or
missing.
China’s official news agency Xinhua announced
that the torch had embarked on its 12th domestic leg in the
southeastern province of Fujian, one day after the quake devastated
vast areas of southwest China.
Deputy director for the Olympic media and
communications department Sun Weide also said after the quake that
sports venues built for the Beijing Olympics were undamaged.
-- AFP
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