Olympic Village a place like home

QINGDAO: A fake Olympic Village has been set up in a hotel for the 2007 Qingdao International Regatta as construction continues apace on the real thing.

As one of the most important areas during Olympic Games, the Olympic Village must cater both for athletes and officials and offer the best accommodation and service possible.

It is estimated the actual Qingdao Village, which is scheduled for completion at the end of the year, will host more than 700 athletes and officials from 60 countries and regions during the Beijing Olympics.

Meanwhile, the improvised version at Haiqing Hotel is providing a genuine test for officials responsible for operations next August.

*Reserved

All rooms in the hotel have been reserved and decorated similarly to the eventual village.

About 250 athletes and officials from 20 teams booked into rooms, almost half of the fleets.

*Security

Security guards are conducting 24-hour patrols in and around the hotel.

Athletes are able to enter venues by bus without security checks.

The policy also works when athletes return to the hotel after competitions.

*Transportation

Free shuttle services are available between the hotel and the competition venue and the hotel and the airport.

Athletes are also able to rent bicycles.

The "Village" also offers bus tours of various sites.

*Cultural activities

In conjunction with the Wushu Association, the Folk Sports Association and the Local Culture Association, the organizing committee has arranged various cultural activities in the "Village".

Foreign athletes have had the chance to see traditional Chinese sports and arts like Taiji, a shuttlecock kicking show and folk craftwork production.

Children's drawing competitions are also keeping little ones occupied.

*Information

Staff at an information desk in the "Village" and volunteers have assisted athletes to check-in as well as provide general information.

The latest results and weather forecasts are reported on a board, while competition has been broadcast on a big screen.

(China Daily 08/09/2007 page24)