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Beijing making "good progress" for 2008

18/05/2006

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has claimed organisers in Beijing are making good progress ahead of the city's hosting of the Olympic Games in 2008.

The IOC's Coordination Commission today concluded its sixth official visit to Beijing since it was awarded the games in 2001 after a three-day tour of the Chinese city's Olympic venues.

Commission chairman Hein Verbruggen revealed the tour allowed many Olympic officials to see venues for 2008 for the first time, as well as being provided with details of how the Olympics will provide a legacy for the Beijing and the whole of China.

He said the Beijing Organising Committee (Bocog) was now entering its next stage of development, moving away from construction issues to be more operational and client focused.

"We are pleased to see that Bocog is continuing to make good progress and this progress is obvious, as we see the spectacular Olympic venues taking shape. During the meetings over the past few days, Bocog has demonstrated that it is making a smooth transition from planning for the games to actually making those plans a reality," Mr Verbruggen said.

"At this crucial stage in the games preparations, the successful integration of all the entities involved in organising the games here in Beijing is more important than ever."

The 2004 Olympic Games in Athens were beset by construction problems, with key venues completed only two months before the opening ceremony.


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