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Qingdao promotes Olympic sailing sport
(BOCOG)
Updated: 2006-08-22 16:09
Qingdao, a scenic port city in eastern China's Shandong province, is the venue of the 2006 International Regatta and that of the 2008 Olympic sailing events.
Competitors practice for the 2006 Qingdao International Regatta sailing competition in Qingdao, China's eastern province of Shandong, August 20, 2006. The races begin on August 21, with the regatta as the first trial of an official venue for the upcoming 2008 Summer Olympics. [Reuters] |
According to a talk program arranged by BOCOG official website with Qingdao Vice Mayor and Executive Vice President of BOCOG Sailing Committee (Qingdao) Zang Aimin on Monday and information from the committee, the Qingdao International Marina has been built not only as a standard venue for the international regatta and the Olympic Games, but also as a base to help spread awareness of sailing among the residents of the city, and encourage development of the sailing sport and industry.
Good preparation
A high-ranking International Sailing Federation official said he has seen in Qingdao the earliest completion of the sailing facilities in Olympic history.
The organizers set up an organizing committee, which formulated operational systems under BOCOG leadership. The whole city was involved in the preparatory work, with city operation, event operation, security and volunteer service carried on in order and according to schedule.
Made-in-China service boats
Over 80 boats that serve the regatta are made in China and expected to be used during the 2008 Olympic Games. Their procurement was done through bidding and in line with international standards.
The city sees sailing as a new industry which has attached sailing boat producers at home and abroad to visit and invest in the city. Qingdao has been one of China's largest sailing ports in terms of berth volume, which numbers up to 1,000. The city tries to turn the Media Center for the 2008 Olympic sailing events to a new sailing club with 700-800 berths planned.
Service pledged
The city allocated 17 hotels for sailors' accommodation. Detailed security preparation was done with the hotels and the services can meet the needs of sailors, coaches and judges.
Food health check and medical service are also provided with the Qingdao Municipal Hospital, the best one in the city, designated for the event's medical service.
Volunteers
There are 1205 volunteers, the oldest being 70 years old and the youngest under 20. A total of 551 volunteers are directly serving the regatta. They underwent hard training and rehearsal on the sea.
Marketing
The organizing committee offers low ticket prices, the lowest being 10 yuan, or a little over one US dollar to attract more spectators and promote the sailing sport. Souvenirs and commemorative stamps will be issued.
The largest sailing event in China
The regatta features all 11 of the Olympic events and follow the New Olympic Format, with a ten-race (15 for the 49ers) one discard series followed by a double-weighted Medal Race for the top ten competitors in each fleet.
Registration and measurement took place form 18-20 August, with the practice race and opening ceremony August 20. Up to 500 sailors from 40 countries and regions took part in the opening ceremony.
Racing takes place from 21-31 August, with the prize-giving and closing ceremony in the evening of 31 August.
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