IOC president raves about China's National Games
By Lei Lei (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-10-13 06:12

While touring some of the places of interests in Nanjing, Rogge also expressed his interest towards the opening ceremony of the Games.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the National Games, which are always of the high quality. I remember very well of the opening ceremony in Guangzhou four years ago and I expect something that is very, very spectacular," Rogge said.

As for the mascot of the Games, Jinlin, he said it was very nice and creative.

Rogge is conducting his six-day tour in China, and Nanjing is his second stop.

He arrived in Beijing on Tuesday and inspected some of the construction sites of the Olympic venues, including the National Stadium and the National Aquatic Centre.

"I was very pleased with the progress of the work and I'm sure that BOCOG is doing an excellent job," Rogge said.

He leaves Nanjing for Xi'an today, where he will meet local government leaders and sports officials, and pay visits to some historical places like the Terracotta Army Museum and the Shaanxi History Museum.

After having a taste of the Chinese history, Rogge will head to Qingdao, the sailing venue for the 2008 Olympics, to see the facilities of sailing events.