Beijing was given a resounding vote of confidence in its ability to
stage the "best ever" Olympic Games from a visiting official of the
International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Michael Payne, IOC marketing director, said China's inexperience in
holding such a vast logistical event would not be a problem.
Work between the IOC and the Beijing organizing committee had been
fruitful since the capital was named as the host city for the 2008 Games
last year in Moscow, he said.
Such unity would ensure the sports extravaganza would be a success
and this was already visible in the preparation work.
"We saw so much enthusiasm, heard support from so many people, and
left with the impression that they committed to learn from previous
Games," Payne said
"So we have great expectations and great hopes for the Beijing
Games."
His words echo those of the IOC Co-ordination Commission which
visited Beijing two months earlier to scrutinize preparations for
the Games.
The commission said they were not dissatisfied with any of the
city's work, saying it was completely in line with IOC wishes.
Payne was in Beijing for a two-day Olympic design conference for
the 2008 Games.
The conference, attended by elite designers from home and abroad,
is expected to spark greater contributions to the Beijing Games in
this field. A design competition for the emblem used for the 2008
Games was also started.
The contest winner will pocket 200,000 yuan (US$24,000).
Payne encouraged more designers to join the race -- and the
Olympics.
"There is only one winner (of the competition), but there are
multiple opportunities to get involved in the Olympics.
"I
believe there will be many winners in the Games because they can
contribute in their own way to Olympic success.''
The emblem design project will finish by the end of next year with
the mascot design being completed before 2006.
(China
Daily July 3, 2002)