Olympic Official Praises Universiade

Kevan Gosper, vice president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), lavished praise on the Press Centre and the Athletes’ Village of the 21st University Games after he paid avisit on Monday. Gosper, who is on a four-day visit to Beijing, said the information services at the center are among the best he has ever seen.

Gymnasts Face Tough Rivalry

Two hundred gymnasts from 39 countries and regions have registered for the artistic gymnastics event at the 21st Universiade. Competition will be tough even though some of the big names in the gymnastics world have not come to Beijing, says Miao Zhongyi, director of the competition department.

Registration Deadlines Extended

Delegations may register to participate in matches right up to the day before they take place, says Vice General Secretary of the Organizing Committee Yang Shu’an. The technica conference for every individual event is held one day before the match to settle specifications relating to the draw and seedings.

Mirrored Toilets to Beat Dope Cheats

Mirrors have been installed around the toilets at Doping Control Stations for the 21st World University Games to prevent athletes from cheating when giving urine samples, said a senior Chinese doping control official on Monday.

Universiade ready for Starting Gun

Beijing is ready for the Universiade, declared Liu Jingmin, Executive President of the 21st Universiade Organizing Committee (UOC) and Vice Mayor of Beijing, at a UOC press conference.

Set Fair for Opening Ceremony

The heaviest rainstorms for two years hit Beijing over the weekend, but Sun Yefu, forecast editor of the Beijing Meteorological Office, says things will clear up in time for the Universiade opening ceremony tomorrow evening.