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)
