Premier Wen Jiabao Tuesday declared his full support for the organizers of the Beijing Olympics during a speech at the opening ceremony of the 5th Sport Accord, being held in the capital.

Wen said the government will honor China's commitments as host nation, strengthen its cooperation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other international sports organizations, and give its total support to Beijing as it prepares to host next year's Games.

He also promised that in the spirit of "One World, One Dream", the government will provide services of an Olympic standard to athletes, officials, spectators and the media in order to facilitate their participation and enjoyment of the Games.

The freedom of foreign journalists in their news coverage will also be ensured, Wen said.

Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, the government has attached great importance to the development of sports programs. By hosting the Olympics, a democratic, open, civilized, friendly and harmonious China will be broadcast to the whole world, he said.

Wen was speaking at the opening of this year's Sport Accord, an international convention, which offers sporting federations from around the world the opportunity to come together to build relationships, exchange knowledge, develop ideas and discuss key issues.

This is the first time the event, which runs until Friday, has been held in China.

Also at the opening ceremony, Jacques Rogge, president of the IOC, expressed his eagerness to see the opening of the Beijing Games.

"This is a fascinating city, which in just 16 months' time will welcome the athletes of the world," he said.

"I'm delighted to confirm to you that preparations are on track and set to culminate in an excellent Games, which start on August 8, 2008."

To mark the opening of the valued sports meeting, Rogge once again stressed the power of sport.

"Sport is a social movement that has the power to offer young people the chance of better and more meaningful lives," he said.

"By collaborating around the same vision, sports bodies and governments can play a key role in ensuring that both young and old have a healthier and more wholesome lifestyle, based on physical activity and physical education.

"Let us all focus our energies in this direction."

(China Daily April 25, 2007)