Beijing Reconfirms Commitment to 'Frugal and Open' Olympics

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, July 12, 2002

Beijing Reconfirms Commitment to 'Frugal and Open' Olympics

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Beijing organizers reconfirmed on Thursday their commitment to putting on the games in a frugal and open manner.

Liu Qi, President of Beijing organizing committee of the 2008 Olympic Games (BOCOG), made the remarks on the eve of Beijing's first anniversary of its Olympic bidding success. Beijing was awarded the top sporting prize at Moscow on July 13 last year.

Liu said that it is appropriate for such a developing country as China to stage the Olympics in a frugal manner.

"Our Central Government has made clear that in the course of preparing for the Olympics, we should follow the principles of being frugal, pragmatic instead of seeking luxury," said Liu, also Beijing Mayor.

Since Beijing is a city of a developing country, "it is more necessary for Beijing to show its singularity and attach importance to the frugality and pragmatism in hosting the Games," he added.

The principle of frugality has been embodied in the construction of Olympic venues, he said. "We wouldn't build new venues if those existing ones could be renovated, and we would not build permanent venues if temporary facilities are practicable," he said.

In addition, Beijing will make the games-hosting an open process in the construction of Olympic venues, or the recruitment of organizing staff.

"We will invite the world to bid for the construction of all Olympic facilities and the city's infrastructure," he said, "We would also employ foreign experts to help us".

One highlight---culture aspect of Olympics

What distinguishes Beijing Olympics from the other Games lies with the host country's rich culture and history. "The culture aspect of the Olympics would be one of its highlights," said Liu .

His remarks echoed the concept "People's Olympics" which Beijing has promoted since the city launched the bid for the Games.

He said that since the city was chosen to host the top sporting event, the concept of People's Olympics has received greatest attention from across the country, and become a very charming aspect of the Olympics.

"The concept earned the biggest number of advice which we received. The Beijing-based People's University also set up a research center on the People's Olympics," said Liu.

He added that while quickening its pace of modernization drive and marching toward the ranks of international metropolis, Beijing also pay great heed to the protection of cultural relics of the city.

Beijing has singled out a string of historical places as the target of protection and put in place a government decree in this regard.

"We will keep forever its singular charm of Beijing as the well-known historical and cultural city in the world," he said.

China Embraces 2008 Olympics

Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) has expressed its wishes that they will closely work together with the Olympic family and build on experiences of the previous host cities to ensure a successful games in 2008.

Beijing plans to spend 3.4 billion US dollars on sport venues and other related facilities for the 2008 summer Olympic Games.

Keeping to its commitment to staging a best ever Olympics, Beijing organisers has come up with a comprehensive and systematic plan to guide the preparation work for the 2008 Games.

Features: China Embraces 2008 Olympics

Officail Website: New Beijing Great Olympics

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