PanAsianBiz

Beijing 2008 White Elephant Sale

by BBelew57 on April 10th, 2007

The vice director of the Beijing Sports Bureau told China Daily - “we will do our best to capitalize on hosting the 2008 Games and not repeat the waste of Olympic legacy in Athens. The government has invested so much money in the Games so we cannot let the stadiums become debts. We want to deliver a lasting legacy to the city. The use of stadiums in the post-Olympic period is already at the top of our agenda”.

To which Athens said "OUCH!"

China has set aside 500 million yuan in hopes of ensuring the 12 new and 11 refurbished sports venues do not become 'white elephants.'

Plans are being made to:

1. Make Beijing a host to top international sporting events. The biggest competition might come from China's own Shanghai.

2. Build up grassroots sports in rural areas to promote sports development as a whole.

If Beijing can use these sporting venues to encourage more and more athletes from the world's most populus nation, China surely has the potential to be a world player on many sports' fronts.

What do you think is China's best sport?

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POSTED IN: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games