More than 2,000 staff and volunteers in the frigid northern city of Harbin are ready to host the 2009 World Winter University Games as the Games Village started trial operation Thursday.

Volunteers wearing the outfits of snow doll 'Dongdong', the official mascot of the 2009 World Winter University Games, take part in a parade on the street at the 10-day countdown to the Games in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, February 9, 2009. [Xinhua]

Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, spent three billion yuan (US$440 million) on venues and facilities to host 2,100 athletes from 42 countries for the event in February.

"We have finished more than 20 projects to ensure the success of the games, including qualified gymnasiums, information providing systems and transportation," said Zhang Zhengwen, the village head.

More than 40 well-trained cooks will provide Chinese, Western and Muslim style-food to the guests, he said.

The village, located at Heilongjiang University, is expected to receive the Japanese delegation on Feb. 13 as the first group to Harbin.

The event features 12 sports, including alpine skiing, ski jumping, speed skating, short-track speed skating, figure skating and ice hockey.

Dubbed as "ice city of China," Harbin plans to use the event as a dry run for the bidding to host the 2018 Winter Games.

"If the hosting of the World Winter University Games can win applause from the guests, it will enhance our confidence to bid for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games," said Li Zhanshu, the Heilongjiang Governor, "Even if we might fail, we will continue to bid for the 2022 Games, and we are confident to win."

(Xinhua News Agency February 12, 2009)