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Beijing Oozing Confidence Before IOC Vote
Beijing bid officials were brimming with confidence in their only press conference before Friday's final verdict by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Wang Wei, general secretary of the Beijing bid committee, claimed on Thursday that their confidence is based on good reasons.
"First, our bid is supported by over 95 percent of Beijing people, as evidenced in the IOC's own poll," he said.
"Their support comes from an understanding that the Games will directly benefit their lives. A Beijing Games will indeed represent the People's Olympics.
"Many share the aspiration for cultural and sports exchange and the desire to become part of the international community."
"Hosting the Olympics will be one of the most effect ways to achieve such goals," he added.
The Beijing bid also has the full support of the Chinese government, Wang noted.
"There will be full financial backing for the Games, as well as full commitment by the government to provide the necessary infrastructure," he said.
Deng Yaping, four-time Olympic table tennis champion, and Liao Xiaodong, an environment adviser to the bid committee, were among the five people attending the press conference.
The IOC Evaluation Committee rated Beijing, Toronto and Paris as offering "excellent bids" in its assessment reports released in mid-May.
"It is the commission's belief that a Beijing Games would leave a unique legacy to China and to sport and the commission is confident that Beijing would organize an excellent games,'' the report said.
Paris is using the cultural and historical appeal of the city to strengthen the bid.
They plan beach volleyball at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, marathon-running past the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame, and show jumping in front of the Invalides.
"The Olympics will take place in the heart of the city," said Noel De Saint Pulget, general manager of the Paris bid commission.
Toronto's bid officials were keen on promoting "by athletes and for athletes" bid.
"What makes the Games strong is when you focus on the athletes, "said Toronto bid chief John Bitove.
Osaka mayor Takafumi Isomura has rejected concerns from the IOC Evaluation Committee that the city will not be able to finance the Japanese bid.
The IOC evaluation report raised concerns about Osaka's bid, particularly the heavy financial burden on the city and expected traffic congestion.
"Osaka's bid is real and rock solid," said Isomura. "Two-thirds of the necessary venues are already there in place.
"The two-thirds are already being used by the citizens. There is a sound financial base. It is unfortunate we were unable to convince the evaluation committee."
Istanbul said it was counting on the compassionate vote to win in its third attempt to host the Games.
"There is sympathy for Istanbul," said Turkish IOC member Sinan Erdem.
"This is our third time and we have been working very hard and tomorrow the IOC will show sympathy with the vote."
"Barcelona first bid for the Games in 1936 and got them in 1992, " he added.
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