Ready for the Games: the Athletes' Village has officially been
openedThree years ago it may have seemed a dream yet now the
breathtaking Athletes' Village for the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006
has officially been opened.
It marks an incredible and rapid transformation that has turned
an area of sand in March 2004 into a state-of-the-art accommodation
for more than 10,500 participating athletes.
A polyclinic, dining hall, swimming pool and tennis courts are
all features of a site that has impressed all who have seen it.
There is also a retail centre, local cultural village and athletes'
entertainment area.
"No words can really express my joy," Abdulla Khalid Al Qahtani,
Director General of Doha Asian Games Organising Committee, told
Qatar Tribune. "You just can't explain the thrills I'm getting
while standing in the middle of this dream project.
"Brick over brick was laid and wall over wall erected.
Everything was done as planned and the Athletes' Village has come
up as an architecture wonder, more beautiful than I dreamt of."
Sharing the same enthusiasm, Ahmed A. Al Khulaifi, Mayor of the
Athletes' Village said: "As a team we understand the enormous
responsibility Qatar has to show hospitality to all those arriving.
We are honoured to be the host and prepared to meet the challenge.
It is the optimum setting for athletes and together we will make
history."
Hamad Al Tamimi, Director of the Athletes'? Village
said:"Through dedication and hard work we have made a fully
functional Athletes' Village.
"People can learn about Qatar and its people, arts, crafts and
pastimes. They can feel relaxed and refreshed and enjoy the
community spirit."
Mr Al Khulaifi and Mr Al Tamimi cut the ribbon to signal the
grand opening on Wednesday 15 November.
Teams from the competing 45 countries and regions have begun
arriving at the Athletes' Village ahead of the Games' Opening
Ceremony on 1 December.
The complex will be converted into a Medical City when the Games
are over.
(dohaasiangames.org November 19, 2006)