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A Games in Beijing will represent the development of the Olympic
Movement, said International Special Olympics President Timothy
Shriver in Beijing on Sunday.
Shriver expressed support to Beijing's bid for the 2008 Olympiad
while attending a reception in celebration of a fruitful program
of Special Olympics China Millennium March.
"I had had discussions with the Olympic family. I think there
is widespread belief that Beijing can run a successful Games, Beijing
can make the sports facilities that are necessary," said Shriver.
The American stressed that if Beijing wins the right of hosting
the Olympiad, it will mean more than a Games itself.
"Importantly, Beijing can be a symbol of what the Olympic Movement
is all about," said Shriver who has been in Beijing for the
third time.
"It will bring the Olympic message to Asia, to this great country
in China, and show that the developing countries are capable of
entering the community of nations in the pursuit of peace and brotherhood,"
he added.
Beijing, along with Paris, Toronto, Osaka and Istanbul, is bidding
for the 2008 Games. The International Olympic Committee will make
its final decision at Moscow on July 13.
(Xinhua 06/18/2001)
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