Liu Jingmin, Beijing’s vice mayor and executive vice president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, told the sports round-table meeting of the Fortune Global Forum that preparations for the 2008 Games are advancing smoothly.
He said seven Chinese and foreign companies have become cooperative partners of the Beijing Games and 11 others have become global cooperative partners of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for financial support to the Games.
According to Liu construction of all new venues will start this year and the competition schedule for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games is also already under design.
As for the Paralympics, Beijing has been focusing on removing obstacles for the handicapped in information exchange, transport and living. Beijing spent $72.3 million in upgrading its public service facilities, roads and tourist destinations over the past three years. Special sidewalk, audio crosswalk signals, and obstacle free overpasses for the visually impaired have been set up all over the city. The buses, metro and airport are being revamped for the handicapped.
Liu said that Beijing has completed its strategic transportation plan, established transport coordination and command mechanism, and begun building a transportation model for the Games.
The BOCOG has signed agreements with 88 hotels, which will provide 22,962 hotel rooms and 31 villas for athletes and other participants. It has also designated 20 hospitals to provide medical services and to check for performance-enhancing drugs.
Beijing has also put its efforts into building a technical system for the Games, strengthening financial management, and protecting related intellectual property rights.
The sports round-table meeting of the Fortune Global Forum has reportedly been targeted at the rapid development of China’s sports industry and opportunities mushrooming during the process.
Meanwhile Liu said Monday Beijing will need an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 volunteers for the 2008 Games. The Beijing Volunteer Association has worked out an action plan for the Games and will carry it out soon, said Liu.
