Verbruggen commends Beijing's work for Olympics (photo attached)

Good measures to involve local governments

BOCOG fully emphasizes the functions of the local governments in the venue management and Mr. Verbruggen called it "a good measure."

He specially mentioned Mayor Wang Qishan's personal involvement. "I think he is a very capable man, also the right man because he is not only a member of BOCOG but also in charge of the operations in the city. So I think that was a good decision."

A challenging torch relay

In April Mr. Verbruggen attended the announcement ceremony of the Beijing Olympic torch relay route and he has been following the progress of the event.

Describing the mission as "challenging," he said BOCOG wanted to go international with this torch relay.

"I admire that they (BOCOG) are willing to take up that challenge, like it is a challenge to go the highest mountain, to the Himalayas, and so on.

"The Chinese have very well understood what is the meaning of the torch relay, that it is a sign of peace, of harmony, and if you want to bring that to the rest of the world, I do hope that the rest of the world will understand that sign, too.

"Also to go to all the provinces within China, I think it shows again that in China they have understood that the Games are something for the whole country. So I'm looking forward to that, it will be a pleasure to watch that, to witness that, and perhaps I'll participate."

Mr. Verbruggen said China, a country with 20 percent of the world's population and their "enthusiasm level is great," "deserves" to host the Olympic Games. He hoped that there will be a lot of "interesting values in China" after the Games, which could make the world's culture richer.

Good Luck friends at BOCOG

Recalling a number of important events in the run-up to the Olympics, such as the launch of the Olympics' logo and mascots, Mr. Verbruggen looked forward to the one-year countdown to the 29th Olympiad.

He said the program of celebration "looks promising" and that IOC president Jacques Rogge will be in Beijing on the occasion. "You know, normally this ceremony is done here in Lausanne. The president of the IOC has exceptionally agreed to go to the city that's organizing which I think is a very good initiative from his side. We are looking forward to come on the 8th of August to China and we're looking forward to a great event for this one-year-to-go ceremony. And good luck to our friends at BOCOG. "