"The preparatory endeavors in the
past five years have paid off and we've achieved all preliminary
objectives," said President of the Beijing Organizing Committee for
the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG). "As a result we're
confident to host the Olympic Games with distinguishing features on
a solid foundation."
Liu Qi, who is also member of the Political
Bureau of Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and
secretary of CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, made his remarks
while being interviewed by a host of Chinese central media on the
eve of the two-year countdown ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Liu briefed journalists on the BOCOG's work on venue construction.
Up until now, he said, construction had gone smoothly. Work on the
new Beijing venues was underway as was the renovation of existing
facilities. The relevant supporting facilities were being built
according to schedule.
Significant progress had also been made in the organization of the
various competitions themselves and the actual Games schedule had
been agreed. At present, the daily events diary and individual
event schedule have all been approved by the International Olympic
Committee (IOC). Moreover, all event venues have been confirmed and
the executives of 28 sport events have been nominated. Training
venues for the majority of the sports have also been agreed.
In addition the preparatory organization of the Qingdao 2008
Olympic sailing competition and soccer tryout in four Olympic
cities, Tianjin, Shanghai, Shenyang and Qinghuangdao, are now all
in place. The BOCOG has signed a principle relationship agreement
with these cities.
The IOC has confirmed the 2008 Olympic Equestrian Competition will
be held in Hong Kong instead of Beijing. The Hong Kong Organizing
Committee for the Equestrian Competition of the Games of the XXIX
Olympiad was founded in October, 2005. The preparatory work for the
equestrian competition is underway.
On Olympic marketing, Liu said good results had been achieved and
the future was bright. Because of China's rapid economic
development enterprises were displaying high enthusiasm for being
affiliated to, and sponsoring, the Olympic Games.
To date 11 Chinese and foreign companies have become partners in
the Games with another nine selected as sponsors. A total of 248
Olympic licensed stores have been opened up and the first set of
Olympic commemorative stamps has been issued. The development of
the marketing plan has shown that it can fulfill the requirements
for staging the event.
BOCOG's solicitation for Olympic emblems, mascots, slogans and
songs has mobilized various circles within society to take part and
support the Olympic Games. Currently the BOCOG is working on the
program for the 2008 Olympic torch relay and the creative plan for
the opening and closing ceremonies.
Plans for transportation, security, accommodation, catering and
medical facilities are being made ready and solid progress has been
achieved in the provision of media services. City operations are
underway with the objectives, responsibilities, cooperation and
resources provision clearly defined, Liu added.
(beijing2008.com August 7, 2006)
