Hein Verbruggen, head of the International Olympic Committee’s coordination commission in Beijing, said Chinese organizers have “delivered on what they promised”. He said, “we are very, very happy with the way it is going”.
Beijing organizers reported to the IOC by teleconference Thursday.
He said after briefing the IOC executive board, “one can only give positive reports. Things are going very, very well. The main thing is there are absolutely no delays whatsoever in any aspect of the organization”.
Verbruggen added, “it’s clear the environmental problems in Beijing are pretty well handled. They’ve done pretty much everything they promised to do. We have gotten very good guarantees from the Chinese.
“What they will do for the environment is not just for the Games. We are absolutely convinced there will be an important legacy after the Games in terms of environment”.
Verbruggen said the IOC board approved Beijing’s designs for the Olympic medals but declined to give any details, saying they would be announced by Chinese officials in Beijing.
He also praised Beijing’s cultural program that will run alongside the Games. “They have an incredible cultural program. They are setting new standards not only in the cultural program”, he said.
Meanwhile Beijing 2008 organizers plan to increase the number of Olympic franchise stores to 5,000 across China by the end of the year. The 600 franchise stores, mostly in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, were insufficient for small and medium sized cities, said Chen Feng, vice marketing director with Beijing 2008.
Franchise stores will also be opened overseas this year said a committee official.
The Beijing News reports that authorities have seized nearly 30,000 fake Olympic souvenirs, some made from toxic materials.
Inspectors raided three flats crammed with toys and mascots for the 2008 Games. “The products were roughly crafted and some were even made using poisonous materials”, the paper said, citing a hygiene office.
