Host City

Q&A: Kong Shaoqiong

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-11-11 09:43

Catering service is very important to the athletes. Can you let us know what food is being prepared for the residents?

Concerning the different eating habits and religious practices of the athletes from Asia, the 3,892-seat dinning hall provides 24-hour service with six zones, which provide dishes from East Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East as well as non-Muslim food and McDonald's.

There will be more than 800 dishes in total during the event. We will also serve the athletes with famous local snacks such as shrimp dumplings and double-skin milk.

The athletes from different countries have different religions, how can we make sure that their religious practices are fully respected?

We have a Religious Service Center in the Athletes' Village. In the center there are religious rooms for Muslims, Catholics, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, Taoists as well as meditation rooms. Religious services are available 24 hours a day during the Asiad. Nov 16 is the Muslim traditional holiday of Eid al-Adha. There will be a lot of athletes praying, so we will set up a temporary site to meet their needs.

What recreational pursuits will there be for the athletes to help them relax after their competitions?

To have fun, athletes can go to the cyber caf, video games room, DVD project room, Karaoke room, swimming pool, basketball court, tennis center, etc. There is massage service available in the fitness center. They can even learn Chinese if they want in the Village. There will be parties and performances in the evening.

How does the Athletes' Village highlight Guangzhou's characteristics?

The design and color of the buildings are Lingnan style. We will also present woodcarving, scissor-cut, pottery and porcelain shows. The athletes can also "taste" Guangzhou through the best snacks.

What do you want to say to all of the residents here?

It is always a pleasure to greet a friend from afar. As the head of the Athletes' Village, I welcome all the athletes and hope you find your home here comfortable, convenient and warm. I hope you will still miss your stay and the city many years from now.