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Beijing Upbeat about Olympic Bid
Beijing, one of the top contenders for the 2008 Olympic Games, is upbeat about its chances to be the next Olympic host, said an official with the bid committee.
The city turned in its bid questionnaire on Monday to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne, Switzerland, ending the first phase of the bid process.
"Beijing has grown since the previous Olympic bid," said Wang Jinming, director of the Research and Analysis Department of the bid committee. "For the second bid, we have waited seven years. We stand a much better chance this time."
Beijing was edged out of hosting the 2000 Olympics by Sydney, Australia by two votes in 1993.
To make a successful bid, Beijing completed some down-to-earth jobs during the first phase, Wang said.
"Our first-phase bid work was quite efficient and fruitful and it will give a flying start to the next stage," he said.
Beijing set up its bid committee in September, unveiling projects covering sport infrastructure and financing for the Olympics.
According to the committee, the city confirmed 37 stadiums and gyms for hosting the Olympics. Among them 17 are already built, 15 are to be renovated and five are under development. The committee has also confirmed 47 training areas.
In February, the city unveiled its bid logo, slogan and official website. The city also set up "2008 Subsidies," a group established to find financial backers for the bid.
But Wang warned that the committee needed to do more on finding money.
"The budget for hosting the Olympics is expected to hit US$24 million. But now we only have US$10 million, including US$8 million from the government. We should try to expand our influence."
"Anyway, we did quite well," he said. The IOC will announce which countries will enter the next stage on August 28 or 29.
Beijing considers Paris, France and Toronto, Canada as its strongest rivals.
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