GAGOC: We are here in Macao as the Future of Sports is in Asia
30-10-2007

Taking the 2nd Asian Indoor Games, the Guangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee, GAGOC, updated the media, at the 2AIG Main Press Center yesterday, with the preparation progress of the Guangzhou Asian Games. Gu Shiyang, Deputy Secretary General of GAGOC, considers the Asian sports circle is growing and developing steadily through the host of Asian Games, Asian Winter Games, Asian Indoor Games and Asian Beach Games, providing more opportunity to all athletes in different disciplines. The deputy believes the future of sports is in Asia, making GAGOC’s trip to Macao during the 2AIG worthwhile.

Attended in the press conference are Husain Ali Al-Musallam, General Director of OCA, Gu Shiyang, Deputy Secretary General of the Guangzhou Municipal Government and GAGOC, as well as Manuel Silveiro, Vice-president of OCA and Chairman of MAIGOC.

Sending a large group of observers to Macao, GAGOC plans to learn MAIGOC’s experience in different areas throughout the preparation course. Gu said Macao has earned a lot of experience from hosting three sporting events in different natures in recent three years. There are difference between the Asian Games and the Asian Indoor Games, yet similarities can be seen in terms of the arrangement of cultural events, opening and closing ceremonies, protocol and transportation, etc. Macao’s tips are definitely helpful and useful.

Gu extends appreciation in the press conference to OCA and MAIGOC for giving them a promotion opportunity during the 2AIG. He congratulates the Macao SAR and MAIGOC for their success in the 2AIG. In many activities, ranging from the 4th East Asian Games in 2005, the 1st Lusofonia Games in 2006 to this edition of Asian Indoor Games this year, the organizing committee and its chairman have been sharing experience with GAGOC, for which, Gu extends special thanks.

When taking question from the media, the Director General of OCA gives an applause to the volunteers for their excellent English language skills, which make communications much easier. He is satisfied with the language service in the Games and considered people with proficiency in language are common in Macao. In the press conference, he particularly pointed out the important role that volunteers are playing. He believes MAIGOC, who initiated the volunteer program from a very early stage, will definitely have something to share with GAGOC, who is merely on the start point in this aspect.

It is expected that 45 countries and regions will be competing in the Guangzhou Asian Games for the glories in 42 sports, brining approximately 14,000 athletes and officials to the host city. Cricket, dancesport, dragon boat, roller sport and Weiqi shall be seen in the Asian Games for the first time.