IOC executive director Gilbert Felli, left, and IOC coordination commission chairman Rene Fasel meet the media Wednesday.  IOC executive director Gilbert Felli, left, and IOC coordination commission chairman Rene Fasel meet the media Wednesday. (Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press)

The International Olympic Committee declared Wednesday that it was "extremely happy" with the work done by the Vancouver Olympic Committee, and promised further financial support for the cash-strapped 2010 Winter Games.

"The organizers of the Games in Vancouver and Whistler are ready for 2010," IOC said in a news release issued after the committee's co-ordinating commission made its ninth visit to Vancouver Tuesday and Wednesday.

"We are extremely happy with what we have seen and heard, and are confident that [VANOC] will deliver," the release said.

Commission members also said the IOC is prepared to pay more to help cover any deficit the Games may incur.

VANOC has struggled to balance its books and in December 2008, reported a $68-million deficit. VANOC did not update that deficit figure at its last major reporting in January of this year, but the Vancouver committee said it was confident its budget would be balanced by the times the Games end.

The co-ordinating commission said Wednesday it would not necessarily be responsible for the entire deficit, if there was one, but declined to specify how much it would be willing to cover.

"The venues are spectacular and the plans for next February are very good," said commission chair Rene Fasel.

"The great venues, the outstanding natural setting and hugely knowledgeable and enthusiastic fans will guarantee that these Olympic and Paralympic Games will be an unparalleled success," Fasel said.