The British Embassy in Phnom Penh came up with a short but sweet presentation on the preparations for the 2012 London Olympics during the final session of the Extraordinary General Assembly of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia yesterday.

The Embassy’s Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy, Lesley M Saunderson, described the Olympics as exciting times for the United Kingdom. “As far as venues are concerned, we are on time and on budget,” she said.

“We have an ambitious green agenda and the largest re-generation project in Europe. The rebuilding of East London will be our lasting legacy.

“It is more than just the Olympics, it is more than just London, and it is more than sports. It is culture, health, community and education.”

Saunderson revealed that the Olympic Stadium, which will host the athletics events as well as the opening and closing ceremonies, has been built by the same team that constructed the Emirates Stadium for Arsenal Football Club in London and the ANZ Stadium used in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

“It was in August 2008 that China handed over the torch to London, and on December 20 last year, lights were up at the main stadium,” added the Embassy official.

Ticket sales for the Games will start on May 15 this year, marking the 500 day countdown for the July 27 opening next year.

Saunderson also noted that several events leading up to the Olympics would be jointly organised in Cambodia by the British Embassy, the NOCC and some British-owned businesses here.

A special category visa called the ‘Family Visa’ is set to be offered for Cambodians visiting London for the 2012 Olympics. “By family we mean the Olympic family,” Saunderson added.