IOC head Rogge praises Beijing Games

BEIJING, Aug. 24 (UPI) -- International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge praised the Beijing Olympic Games Sunday as a positive for the Olympic Movement.

Rogge said during the closing press conference for the XXIX Olympiad that the Summer Games in China not only brought positive changes to the country but to future Olympic contests, as well, an IOC release said.

"It is clear that China has put the bar very high," Rogge said.

Rogge said among the numerous tangible benefits of staging the Summer Olympics in Beijing were the related venues and improved mass transit options.

"That means that no white elephant has been built and the after-Games use of these venues will be optimal," the IOC official said. "These venues will be used by the students of the universities, by the owners of the different venues, the workers' unions. This is, I believe, a great legacy."

Rogge also said the Beijing Games will likely turn out to be the most-watched Olympics in history thanks to digital coverage around the world.