Ping-pong Star Helps 2008 BidJan-Ove Waldner, the table tennis legend, has joined many other worldwide celebrities to support Beijing's bid to host the 2008 Olympics.The 36-year-old Swede arrived in Beijing on Thursday to play a part in a TV series for the city's bid for the Games. Taking five roles, Waldner will show viewers different parts of the ancient capital city. The series, directed by Zhang Yimou, the renowned film director, will be shown on July 13 when the International Olympic Committee votes to decide the venue of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. The series is designed to show Beijing's culture heritage and capacity, guaranteeing the success of the Games. Waldner first visited Beijing in 1981 and has now been more than 15 times. Having seen how the city has changed, the champion of the 2000 World Table Tennis Championship and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics Waldner has a special feeling for Beijing. "The city changes every time I see it. And life here is as comfortable, enjoyable and convenient as many other big cities in the world. I do hope Beijing can host the 2008 Olympics." |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |