'Citizens before gold' is unofficial motto for the 2010 asiad

GUANGZHOU - The ultimate goal of holding the Asian Games is to improve the quality of life of the Guangzhou citizens and the organizing committee has been adamant about that throughout the preparations, a top official said.

"What we care most about is not how many world records will be created during the Guangzhou Asiad," said Zhang Guangning, municipal party secretary of Guangzhou and secretary-general of the organizing committee of the 16th Asian Games (GAGOC).

"The reason why we are holding this big event, after all, is to give our people a better life in this city," Zhang said.

Since Guangzhou launched its bid to host the 2010 Asiad, the government has been dedicated to improving the water and air quality, dwelling conditions and transportation in the city, said Zhang.

The organizing committee has also been financially prudent in building the stadia and support facilities.

According to Zhang, Guangzhou has only built 12 new stadia for the event. Guangzhou has spent 13.6 billion yuan ($2.04 billion) on the Asian Games and Asian Para Games while the Asian Games alone cost Doha, the host in 2006, $2.8 billion.

Meanwhile, instead of building the stadia in only a few regions, the arenas in Guangzhou have scattered throughout downtown area and the suburbs.

"At first, we thought of building the stadiums in a concentrated area. But we changed our minds as we want to let people in different parts of the city enjoy the legacy of the Asian Games for years to come," Zhang said.

With one day until the official opening of the Asian Games, Xu Ruisheng, deputy secretary-general of GAGOC and vice mayor of Guangzhou, said the city is ready.

"Through the six-year preparation, everything is ready in Guangzhou for these games," Xu said on Wednesday.

According to Xu, the focus of the Guangzhou Games is on the city's sustainable development and post-games use of the facilities.

"The Guangzhou Games feature expansive sports venues that will have long-term benefit," he said.

Xu said the 16th Games progressed through many stages following the winning bid and GAGOC is now ready for Friday's official opening.

"Looking back to the 11th Asian Games in Beijing (20 years ago), I believe the Guangzhou Games will add more value to Asia and its sports influence," said Husain Ahz Al-Musallam, director general and technical director of the Olympic Council of Asia.

"As the largest continent in the world, Asia has greater influence on the sports community with more popular games starting here. My friends here are doing their best to guarantee the success of this event."

China Daily

(China Daily 11/11/2010)