OLYMPICS/ News
Qingdao to build 'Sailing City'
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-08-19 13:58
As the host city of 2008 Olympic sailing events, Qingdao, a port city in east China, is taking its chance to build up its image of a "Sailing City".
Qingdao do have favorable conditions for the " Sailing City".
People walk past flags with emblem of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007. The Qingdao city holds a series of events to promote Olympic spirit and let the citizens enjoy the Olympic Games during the Qingdao International Regatta 2007.[AP]
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First of all, the internaitonal events play an important role. The 2007 Qingdao International Regatta, which is the second test event for 2008 Olympic sailing competition, is in full swing.
More than 300 competitors from nearly 50 countries and regions are vying for medals, and the exceptional spectacle provides a feast for the eyes.
Qingdao is the first city in China to open its Olympic venues to public, with tens of thousands of people attending the regatta. Tourists from home and abroad swarmed into Qingdao for the event.
The two test events in Qingdao have played a role in attracting more Chinese people and making them more acquainted about the charm of the sport.
The regatta organizers arranged four competition areas alone the coastal line, which made it easy for the spectators to watch the competition and won the praise of Internation Sailing Federation (ISAF).
Apart from the test events and the Olympic Games, some other major international sailing events will be held in Qingdao.
The competiton of 2008 Volvo Ocean Race China Station will be held in Qingdao. What's more, the harbor of the Chinese team in American Cup Regatta is set up in Qingdao.
In addition, Qingdao has constructed a very good sailing venue for international sailing events.
The Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, which will be the venue for 2008 Olympic sailing competition, won praises from both home and abroad. The facilities in the Olympic Sailing Center have won the reputation as "the best in Asia".
The center covers 45 hectares land, comprising of 30 hectares competition area and 15 hectares area for development. All essential facilities, including Qingdao Olympic Sub-Village, Athletes Center, Administrative Center, Venue Media Center and Logistics Center are in the competition area.
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