Rana gives Beijing prep work thumbs up
Mario Vázquez Rańa, ANOC President

(BEIJING, April 6) – On Sunday afternoon, Mario Vázquez Rańa, President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), expressed his extreme satisfaction at the preparatory work Beijing has completed so far for the 2008 Olympic Games. He told reporters he believed that Beijing will host the most successful Olympics in the history of the Games, which will leave behind a fantastic legacy.

The president spoke about his appreciation of the hard work the Chinese people have put into preparing for the upcoming Games, giving high marks to each aspect of coordination work, including security, volunteer efforts, media services, and venue construction.

From April 7-9, the General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees will be held in Beijing. Over 750 representatives from the 205 individual Olympic Committees around the world will converge in the Chinese capital to take part in the gathering.

This high-level biennial meeting is the first of its kind in China.

Rana emphasized his admiration for Beijing, saying that he has wanted to see the city host an Olympic Games for a long time.

"I'm sure the Chinese will make all the effort they can to have a great Games. We are confident this will be marvelous Olympic Games for the benefit of Olympic movement. Whatever we do is good and positive for the benefit of young athletes. And with all the respect I have for the Chinese, I hope these Games will serve the humanities and help understand the tremendous benefits that Olympic Games bring to the country and the world."