Liu Qi: Beijing is ready to stage quality Games

2008-08-06T08:08:00.002-07:00

(BEIJING, August 6) — BOCOG President Liu Qi told the International Olympic Committee that Beijing has completed the preparatory work for the 2008 Olympic Games, which will write a new page in the development of the Olympic Movement.

The host city has entered the Games-time phase, with all competition and training venues as well the Olympic Village in place, he said at the 120th IOC session in Beijing on Tuesday, August 5.
Arrangements have been made to receive members of the Olympic Family and VIPs, and the Main Press Center (MPC) and the International Broadcast Center (IBC) for accredited media as well as the Beijing International Press Center for non-accredited media are open 24 hours a day, holding daily press conferences and making arrangements for interview applications, Liu added.

Speaking of Olympic educational and cultural activities, he said an annual Olympic Cultural Festival has been held since 2003, while 556 schools across the nation have been involved in the Olympic education program, benefiting 400 million primary and middle school students. With the theme of “Youth Creates the Future,” the Beijing 2008 Olympic Youth Camp will open on August 6 to further understanding between youth from various countries. The Olympic torch has completed its global journey and spread the message of peace, friendship and progress.

Over the years, Liu said, Beijing has invested 140 billion yuan into improving the ecological environment. Consequently, 70 percent of this year’s days have met the goal of good or fair air quality. During the Olympic Games, Beijing will take various measures to cope with extremely unfavorable weather and ensure good air quality. Meanwhile, the city’s infrastructure has been boosted and traffic will be smooth for the Games. Security has been reinforced to create a safe and auspicious atmosphere.

In his remarks at the session, Hein Verbruggen, chairman of the IOC Coordination Commission for the Beijing Olympics, said mutual confidence has been established between his committee and BOCOG during the seven years of Olympic preparations. Giving a thumbs-up to the preparatory work, including the test events, he expressed confidence that Beijing will stage a high-quality Olympics and leave a valuable Olympic legacy in environmental protection, education and cultural fields.

Source: SportNation.CN

Asia Daily Sport.

Liu Qi: Beijing is ready to stage quality Games