The bid for the 2008 summer Olympic Games is now in full flight and Beijing's bidding committee has listed 10 reasons for choosing the city as the next Olympic venue.
China is the world's most populous country, boasting one fifth of the world's total population, including 400 million youngsters. Yet China has never had the chance to host an Olympics. An Olympic event in Beijing will spread the Olympic message to more people and increase the popularity of Olympic sports.
Solid economic strength. Beijing is a rapidly developing city. The GDP of Beijing has reached US$24 billion, an average GDP per capita of more than US$2,000.
Remarkable sports results. China came fourth in the last two Olympics medal tables. Chinese athletes have won 1,317 world championships, breaking 1,026 world records.
Social and political stability. Beijing is one of the cities around the world with the lowest crime and traffic death rates. The city can guarantee safety and security during major sports events.
Splendid culture. The city of Beijing was built 3,045 years ago, and has been the capital of China for more than 800 years.
Rich experience in holding big sports games. Beijing successfully played host to the 11th Asian Games in 1990 and the Sixth Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled in 1994. It will host the 21st Universiade in 2001.
A beautiful Olympic Park. Beijing will build a 1,215-hectare Olympic Park in northern Beijing. It will include an 80,000-seat stadium, 14 gymnasiums, an athletes village and an international exhibition center. Surrounded by a 760-hectare forest and green land, this area is a perfect place for athletes to achieve their best performances.
First-class communication, traffic, hotels and other public utilities. Beijing boasts 344 star-rated hotels accommodating 400,000 people. Capital Airport can receive 35 million passengers annually, and air routes link the city with 54 cities in 39 countries.
All-out support from the government. Premier Zhu Rongji says the Chinese Government will do its best to support the bid for the Olympics Games, and will create a good bidding environment on May 8, 2000.
Strong support from the people. According to a poll, 94.6 percent of Beijing citizens support the bid for the 2008 Games.
(www.21dnn.com)
