BOCOG celebrates its sixth birthday

The crucial year of 2007 has witnessed many successes thus far: many venues have been opened, tickets have gone on sale, and people are enjoying feasible transport and better weather thanks to the benefits brought about by Olympic preparations. On the day of the one-year countdown to the Olympics, Mr. Hein Verbruggen, Chairman of the IOC Coordination Commission for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, said that the IOC was satisfied with the Olympic preparations, and that his comment was based on facts.

Looking ahead, Liu, who is also vice-mayor of Beijing, said 2008 is an Olympic year for China and the world, and BOCOG needs to engage in the following endeavors:

-- to ensure successful operation and organization of Olympic sport events;

-- to seriously organize the opening and closing ceremonies and cultural activities;

-- to enhance international relations and deliver quality services;

-- to boost Olympic publicity, improve media service and create a favorable reputation for the Olympics both at home and abroad;

-- to fully carry out security measures in order to ensure a peaceful Olympics;

-- to improve city operations, management and services, and to comprehensively carry out the "Welcome the Olympics, Improve Manners and Foster New Attitudes" campaign;

-- to stage a successful Paralympic Games and ensure "concurrent preparation and equal splendor of both the Olympics and Paralympics;"

-- to strengthen team building and ensure quality human resources for the Olympics; and

-- to carry out the principle of frugality and cleanness and to ensure transparency in all areas of preparatory work.

In response to a question about the Olympic legacy, Liu said the Olympic preparations have reinforced Beijing's image as a famous historic and cultural city in the world.

In preparing for the Olympics, the organization's executive vice-president said BOCOG has boosted communication and cooperation with the IOC, international sports federations and other international organizations, widely enjoying their support and assistance in making Beijing more worldly reputable. An increase of transnational corporations and research and development centers in Beijing in recent years has promoted its social-economic development. Meanwhile Beijing's air and traffic conditions and infrastructure have improved, and it is moving toward its goal of a cultural, international and livable city, all while maintaining its status as the capital of China.

The Olympics will prepare and organize quite a large number of staff, who will make new contributions in their posts, Liu added.