The Main Press Center (MPC) and the International Broadcast Center (IBC) for the Beijing Olympic Games were officially handed over to the Beijing Olympic organizers (BOCOG) Sunday, marking a milestone in full-scale media services for the Games.

"BOCOG media operation teams at the venues will provide accredited media from around the world with the best possible facilities and services, making it possible for audiences from all over the world to share the splendor of the Olympic Games," Sun Weijia, head of BOCOG's media operations department, said.

The whole project is planned for completion by the end of next month.

About 21,600 members of accredited media are expected to cover the Beijing Games, which will be held from Aug 8 to 24.

The two centers will open on July 8 before starting 24-hour operations on July 25.

Housed in the newly built National Convention Center inside the Olympic Green, both will serve as the headquarters for accredited media during the Games and are within walking distance from main Olympic venues, such as the Bird's Nest and Water Cube.

The MPC, which will be the working center for about 5,600 accredited print media, photographers and non-rights holding broadcasters, will also feature Chinese cultural elements in its interior decoration, such as folding screens with traditional Chinese sports, and Chinese-style furniture.

The MPC is expected to hold more than 400 press conferences during the Games.

The IBC will host about 16,000 rights-holding broadcasters from 120 organizations during the Games.