Beijing to Greet 21st Universiade with Culture Festival

A large-scale Beijing 21st Universiade Culture Festival will be held from August 21 to 31 in cooperation with the Beijing 2001 University Games, the Beijing Universiade Organizing Committee (BUOC) announced at a press conference Sunday.

Ruan Lanyu, principal of the Festival organizing committee and official of BUOC, said Beijing has set a goal to hold a best Universiade in the history and the Culture Festival would help advance the radiation of city's images and Chinese traditional cultures.

"We are aiming to host the best University Games as well as the best Universiade Culture Festival in the history and enrich the culture life of the athletes and local residents. We are focusing on the integration of ethical character and international routine in order to enhance the exchange and cooperation with the whole of world." said Ruan at the conference.

Major activities of the Festival will consist of a series of activities including grand opening and closing ceremonies, large- scale dance dramas, stage and open air performances, exhibitions, games of university students and essential movie shows at various districts of Beijing city.

During the 10-day festival, the organizers will also hold a series of magnificent culture performances including acrobatics shows at Universiade Village.

The 2001 Universiade will be held at Beijing from August 22 to September 1. It is estimated that this year's game will have more than 7000 attendees, a record figure in the game's history, to take part in the competitive events divided into 12 categories and 168 sub-categories.






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