The evaluation report, published yesterday in Lausanne, Switzerland, was compiled by the IOC Evaluation Commission, which inspected bid cities on Games-related issues such as sports venues, infrastructure, accommodation, financial situations and public support.

"It is the commission's belief that a Beijing Games would leave a unique legacy to China and to sport and the commission is confident that Beijing could organize an excellent Games," concluded the report on Beijing's bid.

The report, written with assessments on 18 themes, is now the main way information about bidding cities is given to IOC members since the IOC enacted reforms on its bid procedure.

"We are happy about the report from the IOC commission," said Liu Jingmin, executive vice-president of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Bid Committee. "Beijing is confident it has the conditions and capacity to host the 2008 Olympic Games."

The report stressed the wide public support across China for Beijing's bid. A poll found over 94 per cent of people, the highest figure among the five candidate cities, backed Beijing.

The enormous environmental and infrastructure projects planned for the Chinese capital, with an expected investment of US$20 billion, was another point valued in the report. "It confirmed Beijing has the ability to host an exciting Games with a clean environment, using advanced high technology," said Liu.

The commission also detailed challenges Beijing has to meet, including constructing 22 new stadiums and gymnasiums for the Olympics. Liu said the city is ready for the challenges.

"We are happy to face the challenges," he said.

"With existing facilities, we are confident that we could build the best venues for athletes around the world and place the Olympics on a higher level."

However, Beijing is keeping a cool head despite the positive report and said it is not yet time to celebrate. The race up to the July 13 Moscow final vote will remain tough because Beijing's two main rivals, Paris and Toronto, also received excellent ratings along with Beijing.

n EVALUATIONS, Page 16

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