IOC officials hail Qingdao's spirit

QINGDAO: A group of 16 International Olympic Committee (IOC) inspectors heaped praise on both the city of Qingdao and its Olympic sailing venue after a two-day review of the Beijing Games co-host.

"We have not come across any serious omissions or mistakes here," IOC Coordination Commission Chairman Hein Verbruggen rejoiced.

"Just a couple of simple technical issues raised by ISAF (International Sailing Federation), and no major questions or concerns to do with the organization, operations or administration of the venue."

On the first morning of the tour, Verbruggen joked to Qingdao Mayor Xia Geng that he would try to find at least one shortcoming in the Olympic Sailing Center's management.

"You must have forgotten to do something somewhere here," he queried.

But so far it seems the Olympic Sailing Committee has only outdone itself in the past 12 months.

Last year, many foreigners complained that only Chinese fare was served in the venue's cafeteria.

"This year's food is fantastic," IOC Olympic Games Executive Director Gilbert Felli said after dining at the athletes' canteen.

"There is western food and other regional food.

"We will discuss it later to ensure that the athletes village will have the same level of access to a good variety of food - both national and international."

Felli, who was also in the observation team, suggested organizers provide 24-hour food supply for media, who often work late to meet various deadlines.

Last year athletes complained that the slipway burnt their feet after heating up in the sun, but freshly laid carpet put paid to such discomfort this week.

"They have taken into account every observation we've made last year," Verbruggen said.

"We can see the improvement is fantastic. I am sure they will do the same thing this year."

In addition to the "spectacular" marina in Qingdao, support from the entire city for its sole Olympic event also raised the eyebrows of visiting IOC delegates.

"This is not only about the Olympic sailing event, but after the Games is over, it is clear that Qingdao will continue this strong and successful sailing legacy," Verbruggen said. "Sailing will be the spirit and legacy of Qingdao."

Delegates noted several times the government's success in converting youngsters from mere spectators into budding sailors.

Qingdao is striving to become China's first sailing city, as the expensive and time-consuming sport has never previously taken flight along China's 17,000km coastline.

The government purchased 1,000 boats for young sailors with 10 million yuan ($1.3 million) donated by local companies.

"To teach these youth to sail, we have also held five training camps with coaches from seven different countries and we have sent some excellent young sailors to get trained in Kiel in Germany," Deputy Mayor Zang Aimin said.

(China Daily 08/17/2007 page24)