Reward programme to bolster Olympic effort
By Lei Lei (China Daily)
Updated: 2004-06-25 07:04

With the start of the Athens Olympics less than two months away, the Chinese State General Administration of Sports (CSGAS) has unveiled plans to increase public awareness and bolster the nation's chances for success.

Li Furong speaks at the press conference. [Xinhua]

For the first time, leaders of local sports governments who have made a significant contribution to the Chinese Olympic team will be rewarded, with the aim of increasing national awareness and support.

"We hope to arouse the initiative of the whole nation through the reward policies," said Li Furong, deputy director of CSGAS and vice-president of the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC).

"The main task of the Olympic team's preparation at present is heightening the efficiency and quality of training for the athletes."

As announced by Xiao Tian, CSGAS assistant director and COC vice-president, China will send its largest ever delegation to Athens, made up of about 400 athletes and 220 officials.

"Chinese athletes have so far qualified in 200 events and 26 sports (baseball and equestrian excluded) out of the total 301 events and 28 sports, which has already met the goal," said Xiao.

"Right now the maximum number of athletes to be entered is 395, and the final entries might reach 400, as it is still possible for China to earn berths in beach volleyball, athletics and tennis."

According to vice-president Li, China's main objective at Athens is to rank among the top teams in the second group in the gold medal standings, and to have younger athletes gain Games experience for the nation's full-scale participation at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

"While giving full play to secure the best performance possible, China will send a number of young athletes in athletics and swimming as well as some strong events to gain experience for the next Olympic Games to be held in Beijing," he said.

Li said that due to the climate, food and time difference in Athens, all of which could adversely affect the team, it will be difficult for China to surpass Russia and the United States.

To remain in front of the second group, China will have to beat its arch rival Germany.

At present the two teams are about the same level in strength, and it would be no surprise for either country to lead the gold medal count in the second group.

In order to build on China's success at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where the team captured 28 gold medals, the CSGAS has made more effort to control doping.

"As well as pouring more money into doping testing, we will also hold anti-doping classes for coaches, team managers and team doctors," Li said.

"We are confident we can continue the clean record of Chinese athletes in major international competition."

As revealed by COC vice-president He Huixian, the Chinese Sports Delegation to the Athens Olympic Games would be officially announced on July 13.

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