Guangzhou organizers unfazed by credit crunch 21/10/2008 |
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Organizers of the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou admitted yesterday that the global financial crisis would impact their preparations, but insisted they still plan to host the "biggest Games ever".
Guangzhou vice mayor Xu Ruisheng refused to reveal the event's budget size, but indicated they would not let anything stand in the way of surpassing any other Asian Games held since they were inaugurated in Delhi in 1951.
"In terms of the international financial crisis, there will inevitably be some impact on Guangzhou," he said at the Asian Beach Games in Bali.
"We will try to stage the best Games ever, not by spending more but because we will put more effort into it."
The Games -- the largest sports event after the Olympics -- will feature 45 countries with 14,000 athletes and officials on Nov 12-27, 2010.
There will be 42 sports, up from 39 at the last Games in Qatar, as Guangzhou tries to outdo previous tournaments in what it promises in its promotional literature will be "the biggest and best yet".
"As a matter of fact, the Asian Games will promote economic growth in Guangzhou and Guangdong provice, especially in tertiary industries like catering and tourism," added Xu.
Fifty venues will be used for the Games, with 39 existing ones being renovated and 11 new stadiums being built.
The Guangzhou government is also ploughing huge amounts of money into upgrading the airport, railway stations and other services.
The city currently has 80 star-grade hotels, which will increase to 300 by 2010, providing an extra 50,000 rooms with a massive influx of tourists forecast.
Xu said all construction would be completed by December next year.
"More and more people in Guangzhou are recognizing the unique opportunity that the Asian Games presents and we are thrilled to be welcoming the continent's finest athletes to our city," he said.
(Source: GAGOC)
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