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Guangzhou giddy about 2010 Asian Games bid
This capital city of South China's Guangdong Province is overflowing with confidence about its bid to host the 2010 Asian Games. Liu Jiangnan, director of the Guangzhou Sports Bureau, claimed there's good reason for that confidence. "First of all, our bid is supported not only by the local people but throughout the nation," he said. "Their support comes from an understanding that the Games will directly benefit their lives."
"Secondly, the rapid economic development of the city provides solid financial support for the 2010 Asian Games." The city's GDP (gross domestic products) last year topped 360 billion yuan (US$44 billion), an increase of 15 per cent over the previous year despite the impact of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), according to Liu. The total value of products in sports and its related industries made up 1 per cent of the city's GDP last year. In addition, the city topped all others in last year's China National City Games, which proves its rapid development in sports, said Liu. "The number of people involved in sports in the city has reached 42 per cent of the local residents, which has kept pace with that of medium developed countries," he said. "In addition, the city saw rapid development in its sports facilities sector,"he added. There are over 200 stadiums in the city, of which more than 50 meet the requirement and standard to hold the Asian Games. Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Oman in Jordan are considered the major competition for Guangzhou's bid. South Korea on Wednesday abandoned its plan to host the 2010 Games. The Asian Olympic Council will vote on July 1 which city will host the Games. Liu also called for enterprises, in the city and beyond, to get involved in the bid, saying that investment in the games will promote mutual benefits. "With a history over 2,200 years and its robust economic development, Guangzhou is able to succeed in the bid for the games," said Liu. Liu was echoed by Chen Kaizhi, chairman of the city's Committee of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. "After the Women's World Cup, and the Sixth and Ninth National Sports Games successfully held in the city, Guangzhou has abundant experiences to hold big international games," Chen said. By 2010, Chen added that the infrastructure construction projects, including a seventh metro line and the new international airport, will be completed. "That could partially explain why Guangzhou is confident in its bid for the 2010 Asian Games," said Chen. In addition, Chen said the bid will help Guangzhou enhance its cultural development and promote its overall economic development. The city has already gained approval from the State Sport General Administration to organize a bid committee for the Games. To inspire more people to get involved, the city has launched a series of sports activities among local residents. In late April the evaluation commission will visit Guangzhou to hear reports presented by officials of the local government and examine the infrastructure construction, including those in economic and cultural sector. |
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