(BEIJING, July 30) -- The final phase of the preparation work for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games be completed with indefatigable spirit and hard work, BOCOG President Liu Qi noted Monday morning.
Liu, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Secretary of the Beijing Municipal CPC Committee, made the remarks at a public speech held at the Great Hall of the People on the eve of the one-year countdown to the 2008 Olympic Games.
Also present at the symposium were Chen Zhili, State Councilor and BOCOG First Vice-President; Liu Peng, Minister of the State General Administration of Sports (GAS), President of the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) and BOCOG Executive President; and Deng Pufang, President of the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF) and BOCOG Executive President.
While reporting on the status of the Olympic Games preparations, Liu Qi pointed out the vast and unique role that the modern Olympic Games plays in facilitating world peace and the development of mankind. He emphasized the great importance of the preparations behind the Games, which must be approached earnestly and with a sense of responsibility.
"Under the leadership of the Chinese government, and with the support of the entire nation's population, many aspects of the preparations have come along smoothly, and many important deadlines have been met in a timely manner." Liu Qi said.
Liu Peng reported on the status of the development of athletics in China and the status of the Chinese athletes' training and preparations for the Games.
Deng Pufang reported on the status of the preparations for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. In his report, Deng mentioned that the BOCOG is the first Olympic organizing committee that has adhered to the regulation of one committee to oversee the preparations for both the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, a feat worth noting in the history of the Olympic Games.
Deng also pointed out that to host high-level Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games with distinguishing features is a promise that China and Beijing have made to the world and will certainly fulfill.
Over 800 people attended the briefing, including officials and citizens from various sectors of society.
