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Following is a speech by Beijing Mayor Liu Qi in the opening ceremony of the 21st World University Games:
"The eyes of the world are focused on us here today as we announce the opening of the 21st Universiade. On behalf of the organizing committee, the Beijing Municipal Government, and the 1.3 million citizens of Beijing, I would like to extend our warmest welcome to the members of the FISU Executive Committee, to the team officials, athletes, judges and coaches of different countries and regions, to the members of the International Olympic Committee, and to all our guests who are here to participate in his Universiade.
"Ever since the World University Games were established, they have been playing an important role in promoting sports at the university level, and for furthering mutual understanding between your people from around the world."
"The 21st Universiade not only marks the very first international sports meet in the new century, but also the first international sports celebration since Beijing's successful bid for the right to host the Games of 2008 Olympic Games."
"Encouraged and excited by this success, the citizens and particularly the youth of Beijing are working very hard to ensure the Beijing Universiade a truly worthy event for all those involved. All the people of Beijing join me in our hope that the 2001 Universiade, a magnificent event of friendly competition and brilliant performances, will be the best University Games in history."
"It is our sincere hope that the motto of 'Youth, Friendship and Peace', combined with the Olympic spirit summarized in the words 'Citius, Altius, Fortius' will be the theme of all the athletes involved in these vents; and that they will learn from each other, do all they can to fairly achieve their best performance, and display fully the vigor and glory of their youth in this new century."
"To all of our international friends, it is my wish that through this sports meet, you will not only experience magnificent sports competitions, but also have the opportunity to appreciate in person both the historical and modern characters of Beijing, a world-famous capital city.
"I hope this will be an opportunity to deepen your understanding of China and her people, and that you will return home with fond memories of a truly enjoyable and memorable Universiade experience.
"May the 21st Universiade be a resounding success."
"May the friendships built here among the youth last forever."
(Xinhua News Agency 08/22/2001)
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