IOC Member Speaks on Candidate Cities' Presentation

In an interview with Xinhua News Agency in Beijing, He Zhenliang, executive member of International Olympic member, deliberated on the five candidate cities' presentations that conducted in Lausanne last week.

He Zhenliang said Beijing was the fourth in line to give its 10-minute presentation at the meeting. Beijing's delegation is made up of seven members, including president of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Bid Committee (BOBICO) Liu Qi, BOBICO executive president Yuan Weimin, vice executive president Liu Jingmin, BOBICO co-secretary-generals Tu Mingde and Wang Wei, representative of athletes Liu Xuan.

Beijing's presentation opened with Liu Qi's English address, saying "New Beijing, Great Olympics" is Beijing's bid conception. Beijing promises to provide state-of-the-art transport and services for the Olympic Games. He said Beijing will give the world an exciting Olympic Games. Yuan Weimin, as the representative of China Olympic Committee(COC), said COC gives full support to Beijing's bid.

Secretary General Wang Wei described Beijing's preparation for the Olympic Games including the Olympic venues and Olympic Green. At the end of the presentation, gymnastics athlete Liu Xuan waved to the IOC members, saying "Bye-bye, see you in Beijing!"

He said Beijing's delegation is a young team and their presentation was satisfactory.

Osaka was first to give its presentation, which stressed that the Olympic venues in the city and Osaka will be the paradise for the Olympic Games.

The background of Osaka's presentation was the picture showing Japan's Prime Minister backs Osaka's bid.

Paris presentation placed emphasis on it's city as a most populous tourist city and its advantages in weather and television facilities. The president of Paris Olympic bid committee said Paris can ensure a safety and an outstanding Olympic Games. The background film for the presentation is very touching.

Toronto gave the third presentation, which opened with one athlete's introduction to Toronto. President of the bid committee briefed on the city's preparation for the Olympic Games. Then another woman athlete said in French that Paris will hold an athlete-centered Olympics.

Istanbul is the last in giving its presentation, which stressed that the city's bid is supported by various religious leaders and local people.

He said that according to the international media, Beijing is the frontrunner in the bid race, but it can not say Beijing will be the winner at last. Just like in the running race, the first one at the beginning may be left behind at the end.

He hopes Beijing will go on working hard until the final outcome.






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