Jacques Rogge, the recently elected President of the IOC, has confirmed that the Winter Olympic Games "will take place as planned" at Salt Lake City from 8 to 24 February 2002.

After the events of last week there was a question mark over the games, but Mitt Romney, president of the organising committee, has spoken at length with M Rogge and they are confident the Games will go ahead.

Mr Romney was in Washington at the time of the multiple terrorist attacks, ironically so he could lobby for additional federal funding to complete the 2002 Olympic security package.

However tragic the events of the week, they have undoubtedly bolstered Romney's case and the Organising Committee will receive more than the $13m requested.

"It's clear at this stage that there will be significant enhancements to what is already a very solid public safety plan" Romney said. "Everyone sees these Games as America's Games."

The beefed-up plan is likely to include more officers and more equipment, he said. The additional personnel will be used to secure places and events that weren't slated for the highest security.

One possible candidate for more protection is the nightly "downtown festival" in Salt Lake City, where an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 people are expected to gather and party in the streets.

The ongoing review of the 2002 security plan will include a look at what kinds of packages and objects are allowed inside Olympic events, and what types of screening will be required.

What do you think? Tell us on the Message Boards