Jacques Rogge, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) president, said on Monday, July 23 he was certain the 2012 London Games would capture the spirit of “this great cosmopolitan city’’ as dignitaries enjoyed a night of classical ballet and opera at the Royal Opera House, The Telegraph reported.

Rogge said: “I am certain of a few things. I am confident that these Games will capture the spirit of this great cosmopolitan city.

"I am confident that these Games will leave a lasting positive legacy for London. And I can predict with certainty that we will all leave London with memories to last a lifetime.’’

He thanked all tiers of the British Government for their contribution to staging the Games and acknowledged Britain’s role as birthplace of modern sport.

“It was here that the concept of fair play was first codified in formal rules and regulations,’’ he said.