OLYMPICS/ News
Qingdao to build 'Sailing City'
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-08-19 13:58
There are also Measurement Tent, Boat Parking Area, Launch Ramps, Olympic Memorial Dock, Main Breakwater and Other facilities, etc.
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 here", IOC Coordination Commission Chairman Hein Verbruggen rejoiced. "There are no major questions or concerns to do with the organization, operations or administration of the venue."
The post-Olympic use of the Olympic Sailing Center is also connected with sailing. For instance, the Athletes Center will be a public area. Olympic Regatta Musuem, leisure and entertainment facilities will be set up there. Venue Media Center will be changed into a yachting club.
In order to build up the image of a " Sailing City" and popularize sailing in China, the Qingdao government put a lot of effort on converting youngsters from mere spectators into budding sailors.
The government purchased 1,000 boats for young sailors with 1,300,000 dollars 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", vice-mayor Zang Aimin said Friday.
Goran Petersson, chairman of the ISAF, has confidence on Qingdao to build a "Sailing City".
"I believe Qingdao will play a pivotal role in developing and popularizing sailing in Asia." he said.
"I am sure of that, even after the Olympics, Qingdao will become a prominent sailing center that hosts many international events."
Verbruggen also said: "This is not only about the Olympic sailing event, but after the Games are over, it is clear that Qingdao will continue this strong and successful sailing legacy. Sailing will be the spirit and legacy of Qingdao."
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