Olympic preparations have entered a decisive phase as work
continues apace on venue construction, city infrastructure
development, competition oversight systems as well as the
recruitment of talent pools, Jiang Xiaoyu, executive vice president
of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX
Olympiad (BOCOG) said on Tuesday.
Jiang gave a comprehensive update on preparations for the 2008 Games and answered a range of questions on
the opening ceremony, ticketing system and other matters during his
talk with a China International Publishing Group (CIPG) delegation
led by Deputy Director-General Huang Youyi.
"As we all know, a spectacular opening ceremony approximates
half success of an Olympics," said Jiang, adding that the initial
plan for the 2008 Games opening gala had been finalized during the
fourth BOCOG session on Tuesday morning.
Giving priority to the Olympic spirit and traditional Chinese
culture, cutting-edge technology would be employed to their full
extent to showcase the themes of civilization and
harmoniousness.
The cost for the 2008 Olympic Games ceremony is still
unavailable, but Jiang stated it would be inferior than that of 2006 Doha Asian Games which totaled US$180
million.
The directorial team for the opening and closing ceremonies of
the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games was released to an expectant world
community on April 16, 2006 with Chinese director Zhang Yimou being
named chief director for both ceremonies.
Rounding out the creation "dream team" are many big names from
both the domestic and global scenes, such as Chen Weiya, vice
director of the China National Song and Dance Ensemble, Honorary
President of the Chinese Olympic Committee and IOC member He
Zhenliang, world-renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg and American
music impresario Quincy Jones.
All venues, numbering 37 for active competition and 76 for
training purposes, will be completed by the end of the year except
for the iconic "Bird's Nest" main stadium to be finished in 2008. A
total of 26 test events will be held in 2007 to put both these
constructions and the Olympic organizers through their paces.
According to Jiang, the precise ticket release date has
attracted a lot of attention following the unveiling of the
affordable ticketing program on November 29 last year.
"The date will be publicized in April and we have been
cooperating with relevant government department in fighting against
scalpers and corruption."
The ticketing policy stipulates that prices will range from
30-1000 yuan with around 14 percent of available tickets being set
aside for Chinese students to maximize the viewing opportunities
for the Chinese public. The highest-priced ticket for the opening
ceremony will stand at 5000 yuan.
Talking about the volunteer program for the 2008 Olympic and
Paralympic Games which began in Beijing last August and went
national last month, Jiang noted that over 330,000 applications
have poured in from around the country. Furthermore, international
recruitment drives will start in March, involving ever more
enthusiastic and talented people.
Discussing options for the Olympic torch relay, Jiang revealed
that the torch's trail has basically decided with its final circuit
to be finalized and announced in two months.
BOCOG Snapshots:
(China.org.cn by Staff Reporter Li Xiao, February 14, 2007)
