Beijing Hosts Universiade as Olympic Rehearsal

With seven years away from Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, the Chinese capital promises the best ever World University Games in history, proving to the International Olympic Committee that Beijing is the right choice for the 2008 Games.

"We will show the world China's ability to organize the best Universiade in history," Tu Mingde, deputy secretary-general of the Universiade's organizing committee.

"China is confident and determined to stage the most excellent Olympic Games in 2008."

About over 6,800 athletes from 167 countries and regions are expected to participate in 12 events - track and field, basketball, fencing, soccer, gymnastics, swimming, diving, waterpolo, tennis, volleyball, table tennis and judo -- in the 11-day Games which starts on Wednesday.

The Athletes Village, located in Zhongguancun high-tech garden, can accommodate 8,000 athletes, officials, VIPs and other participants with 3,583 standard rooms in 10 dorm buildings with independent washing rooms, water-heaters and air-conditioners.

Dining hall, medical center, recreation center, religious rooms and Internet coffee bar are all open in the 220,000 square meters village.

International students have a chance to visit Beijing's campuses as 25 of the 52 sites, 30 competition venues and 22 training stadiums, are in universities. The three main events sites, the National Olympic Center, the Capital Stadium and the Beijing Workers' Stadium have been renovated strictly according to the standards of the International University Sports Federation ( FISU).

"Olympic motto also applies to the University Games -- green, high-tech and people-oriented," said Tu, also the general- secretary of the Chinese Olympic Committee.

"The Beijing Universiade will meet all the international standards required by the FISU."

Zhang Faqiang, executive vice chairman of the organizing committee, said they will stage the University Games as if it is the Summer Olympics in 2008.

"But we know we cannot compare the University Games to the Olympics, which is more standardized, stricter on the rules and on larger scale," Zhang said.






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