The Universiade, a meeting of college athletes from around the world, will run in the capital from August 22 to September 1.

"We made a solemn promise when we won the bid in 1998 that the 21st Universiade would turn out to be the best in history. To make good on our pledge, we have been doing our utmost during the past two years. Now we can declare that we are ready," Liu said, two days before the event kick's off.

Since Beijing was awarded the privilege to host the 2001 Universiade in 1998, Beijing has gone all out in an effort to be fully prepared in terms of both facilities and services.

Now, as the final countdown begins, the city is confident the 21st Universiade will indeed be the best global student sporting event in history, Liu claimed.

He explained Beijing's Universiade would boast unprecedented scale and extreme efficiency while bearing the marks of Chinese culture and characteristics.

At present, more than 6,000 athletes and sports officials from 166 countries and regions have registered to attend, which makes the 21st Universiade the largest in history.

To provide these athletes with a favorable environment for training and competition, Beijing has modernized 52 gymnasiums and stadiums, including those used for the Asian Games in 1990, and built seven new venues.

The event's three central venues, including the Workers' Stadium, the National Olympic Sports Center and the Capital Indoor Stadium, have been renovated according to Olympic standards.

To provide athletes with comfortable living conditions, the capital city has spent nearly two years building a Universiade Village with multiple services, beautiful scenery and advanced facilities.

Covering 220 square meters, the village is a huge housing complex consisting of 10 apartment buildings for athletes, one building with multi-functional offices and a hotel. Visiting sports authorities have praised Beijing's efforts.

"Your facilities are excellent. For example the village -- no one nothing can match what you have in the Village," George E. Killian, president of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) told reporters.

Besides facilities and equipment, the Organizing Committee is also ready to provide all-around services concerning medical treatment, transportation and security to all the people involved in the Universiade.

Over 40,000 volunteers, mainly from universities and colleges nationwide, have registered to serve as interpreters, welcomers, consultants, tour guides and ushers during the event.

(China Daily 08/21/2001)