OLYMPICS/ Qing dao
Qingdao embraces the world
By Zhang Xiaomin (China Daily)
Updated: 2007-08-10 13:49
QINGDAO: As the mayor of a city boasting long-lasting friendships with 17 cities around the world, Xia Geng knows how to lay on the hospitality nice and thick.
This month he has been more liberal than ever with his handshakes while pandering to the needs of seamen and women who sailed in for the 2007 International Regatta.
"Qingdao once again embraced the International Regatta this August," he rejoiced.
"I express our warmest welcome to the athletes, coaches, sports officials and our guests from home and abroad on behalf of the Qingdao municipal government and its 8 million citizens."
During the event, a test for the 2008 Olympic Sailing Competition, the city is seizing every opportunity to raise its image as China's premier sailing center.
Xia is confident both the athletes and their entourages will be enamored of the beautiful coastal city after the 2006 Regatta, the first test event of the 2008 Olympic Sailing Regatta, set a solid base for this month's.
"For example, last year many athletes found the food provided in the athletes' canteen was disappointing.
"So this year we recruited the 10 best restaurants in Qingdao to provide them the best food," the mayor said.
Such advances show that the Qingdao Sub-Committee of the Beijing Organizing Committee is eminently capable of meeting international management and efficiency standards.
The committee will also provide accurate weather reports to help the sailing committee better schedule competition in accordance with the most favorable wind conditions, after gusty winds and tricky currents plagued competitors during last year's event.
Co-hosting the 2008 Olympics has already brought many development opportunities to Qingdao.
In the past few years, the city has carried out a series of Olympic-themed activities to foster a connection between the regatta and the city.
And the people have responded by uniting behind the Olympic spirit and resolutely committing themselves to hosting a successful sailing gala next August.
More than 600 city volunteers are serving this month's test event.
As an Olympic legacy, Qingdao has launched hundreds of activities to promote sailing among its own community, especially among teenagers.
To be recognized the world over as wonderful hosts has become the city's common mission, according to its mayor.
"This August, the beautiful environment, the strong Olympic atmosphere and the enthusiastic citizens will all give the world a splendid regatta and a harmonious Qingdao," he said.
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