Stage set for 11th National Games opening ceremony

By Ju Chuanjiang, Wang Qian and Zhao Ruixue (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-10-16 17:49

Jinan: The opening ceremony of the 11th National Games, the top level sport event after the Beijing Olympic Games, will be staged at the Jinan Olympic Center at 8 pm on October 16. Many spectators are expected to attend the opening ceremony, which will be as spectacular as that of the Beijing Olympics, according to experts.

“The imposing manners of Shandong people are highlighted in the ceremony, which boasts three sections—‘Charming Shandong’, ‘Everybody’s Games’ and ‘60 years’ Achievements of China’,” said Liu Guanling, executive director of the opening ceremony.

“Many elements of Shandong’s features will be revealed, including Mount Taishan, the sage Confucius, the mouth of the Yellow River, the Spring City lotus and sailing boats of the capital of sailing—Qiangdao,” Liu added. The most anticipated event is the lighting of the Games’ flame. According to officials, the flame will be ignited by a joint effort of 5,000 people.

World-class lighting and special-effects will also act as a lure to spectators, along with sports stars at the most high-profile sporting events. Liu Xiang, the Olympic hurdling champion, will greet his fans by attending the final of the 110-meter hurdle race on October 25.

Stage set for 11th National Games opening ceremony

The Games feature 362 competitive events in 33 sports. A total of 104 gold medals have already been handed out in previously-held events including table tennis, gymnastics, diving, women’s volleyball and speed skating before October 15. On October 17, the Games will be in full swing, with many competitions entering the final stage.

Events will also be held in 16 other cities across Shandong. The province has built and upgraded 64 competition stadiums and 65 training venues for the Games. The Jinan Olympic Sports Center, located in the newly developed urban area of Jinan, will serve as the main venue of the 11th National Games. It is home to a stadium in the shape of a lotus and a gymnasium in the shape of willows. The five-floor stadium where the opening ceremony is being staged can hold 60,000 people. The 131,000 sq m-area contains an athletic training field and a football training field. A total of 8,000 athletes are expected to check in to the National Games’ Village, which can accommodate 11,000 beds.

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