Beijing Olympic planners make marathon effort By Lei Lei (China Daily) Updated: 2006-08-08 05:56
The "Bird's nest" and the "Water Cube" are taking shape in the northern part
of Beijing, the mascots and the theme slogan have been unveiled to the world,
the teams for the opening and closing ceremonies have been appointed.
The National
Stadium, also known as the "Bird's nest," is under construction. [China
Daily] | As the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
countdown reaches the two-year mark today, China's capital city is showing to
the world it is gearng up to its best ability to ensure a successful Games.
"In the past five years, preparations for the 2008 Olympic Games have gone
smoothly, thanks to the support of people from all over the country," said Liu
Qi, president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX
Olympiad (BOCOG), in a recent interview with Chinese journalists.
"We have achieved our target for the period and laid solid foundations for a
high level Olympic Games with distinguished features."
Construction of the Olympic venues is in full swing, with the structures of
all 12 of the new Beijing-based venues expected to be completed by the end of
this year.
Work renovating nine existing venues and five temporary sites is also in
progress.
"Venue construction is well under way; the blueprints are turning into
reality," Liu said. "According to the schedule, all the venues will be completed
by the end of next year."
Launched on September 1, 2003, the Beijing 2008 Marketing Plan now boasts 11
partners, nine sponsors and six suppliers.
On June 5, the Paralympic Marketing Plan was also launched.
As promised in the bidding report, the profits from the Games will be used
for public welfare causes.
"Although the marketing plan is running well, we will not host a luxurious
Games in 2008," Liu said. "As stated in the bidding report, we will use profits
from the Games to set up funds to help develop sports among ordinary people. The
rest will be used for public welfare."
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