北京2008年奥运会总结报告·第三卷

走向成功
北京奥运会组织运行工作报告
Preparation for the Games:
New Beijing Great Olympics
Official Report of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games • Volume III

第29届奥林匹克运动会组织委员会
Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad
We Are Ready

2 Preparation of the Games: New Beijing, Great Olympics

Preparation of the Games: New Beijing, Great Olympics 3
Beijing Welcome You
The Summer Palace

6 Preparation of the Games: New Beijing, Great Olympics

Preparation of the Games: New Beijing, Great Olympics 7
8 Preparation of the Games: New Beijing, Great Olympics
 Preamble
In accordance with the requirements of the Olympic Charter and the Host City Contract , as well as
the IOC Information Management Manual issued in June 2007, the Beijing Organising Committee
for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) compiles a four-volume Official Report of the Beijing
2008 Olympic Games .

A chronicle of China’s decade-long endeavours from launching the 2008 Olympic bid to a
period after hosting the Games, the Official Report constitutes not only an important document
summarising a “high-level Olympic Games with distinguishing features”, but also a major legacy
left by the Games.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics is Volume III of the Official Report . It gives
an overall account of Beijing’s seven-year preparation for the Games, from the establishment of
BOCOG to the opening of the Games.

The volume highlights major endeavours of the Games planners and organisers to adhere to
the concepts of “Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics and People’s Olympics”, solicit nation-
wide involvement, and exchange and cooperate with the rest of the world. It centres on Beijing’s
experience and innovative efforts concerning venue construction, competition organisation,
marketing, auditing and supervision, volunteer service, media operations, technical support,
security, and culture and education.

The volume also elaborates on Beijing’s pursuit of combining the Games preparation with city
construction and overall social development, celebrating the Games of the XXIX Olympiad as a
milestone in the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and leaving a unique legacy to the Olympic
Movement.

Preparation of the Games: New Beijing, Great Olympics 9

10 Preparation of the Games: New Beijing, Great Olympics
 Contents
Chapter 1 BOCOG / 1 Chapter 5 Finance / 89
1.1 Organisational Structure / 3 5.1 Budgeting / 91
1.2 Goals and Plans / 9 5.2 Accounting Management / 95
1.3 Staffing / 15 5.3 Banking, Insurance and Taxation / 97
1.4 Operation / 19 5.4 Rate Card and Value in Kind / 101
Summary / 23 Summary / 105

Chapter 2 Venue / 25 Chapter 6 Law Enforcement and Discipline

2.1 Venue Overview / 27 Inspection / 107
2.2 Venue Team and Operations / 39 6.1 Law Enforcement / 109
2.3 “Good Luck Beijing” Test Events / 45 6.2 Discipline Inspection / 115
Summary / 47 Summary / 117

Chapter 3 Competition Organisation / 49 Chapter 7 Media / 119

3.1 Plan and Mechanism / 51 7.1 Preparations / 121
3.2 Competition Management / 53 7.2 Games-time Media Operations / 123
3.3 Coordination with the IFs / 59 7.3 TV Broadcast / 129
3.4 National Technical Official Training / 61 7.4 Support Services / 132
3.5 Sports Equipment / 65 7.5 Promotion of the Games through Media / 135
Summary / 67 Summary / 137

Chapter 4 Marketing / 69 Chapter 8 Technical Support and Logistics / 139

4.1 Sponsorship / 71 8.1 Technical Support Guidelines / 140
4.2 Licensing / 79 8.2 Technical Operation Details / 143
4.3 Ticketing / 83 8.3 Logistics Overview / 147
Summary / 87
8.4 Olympic Logistics Centre / 153
Summary / 157

Preparation of the Games: New Beijing, Great Olympics 11

12 Preparation of the Games: New Beijing, Great Olympics
Chapter 9 City Operation and Environment / 159 Chapter 13 Volunteers / 243
9.1 City Operation Guidelines / 161 13.1 The “6+1” Pattern / 245
9.2 Environmental Protection / 168 13.2 Recruitment and Training / 247
Summary / 177 13.3 Volunteer Management / 251
13.4 Legacy Transformation / 253
Chapter 10 Security, Transportation and Arrival & Summary / 255
Departure / 179
10.1 Security / 181 Chapter 14 Olympic Ceremonies, Culture and
10.2 Transportation / 186 Education / 257
10.3 Arrival & Departure / 192 14.1 Opening and Closing Ceremonies / 259
Summary / 195 14.2 Torch Relay / 261
14.3 Olympic Symbols / 265
Chapter 11 Games Services / 197 14.4 Image Projects / 271
11.1 Accreditation / 199 14.5 Cultural Activities at Competition Venues / 275
11.2 Accommodation / 204 14.6 Mass Olympic Cultural Initiatives / 277
11.3 Catering / 207 14.7 Olympic Youth Camp / 281
11.4 Medical Care / 211 14.8 Olympic Education / 284
11.5 Doping Control / 216 Summary / 287
11.6 Language / 219
11.7 Spectators / 222 Chapter 15 Beijing Olympic Legacy / 289
Summary / 225 15.1 Debriefings of Beijing 2008 / 291
15.2 Post-Games Work / 295
Chapter 12 The Olympic Village / 227 15.3 Beijing Olympic Legacy / 298
12.1 Overview / 229 Summary / 301
12.2 The Olympic Village Team / 233
12.3 Games-time Service / 237 Addendum / 302
Summary / 241

Preparation of the Games: New Beijing, Great Olympics 13

2 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 Chapter 1
BOCOG
After China won the Olympic bid, the Beijing Organising Committee for the
Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) was established. In collaboration with
concerned government departments and other relevant sectors, BOCOG set
the goals and concepts for the Games in Beijing, pooled human resources,
undertook solid operations and conducted effective coordination, all of
which were vital for preparing for and hosting “a high-level Olympic Games
with distinguishing features”.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 1

 1 1. BOCOG Inaugural Ceremony

2 2. Executive Board, BOCOG’s decision-

making body

2 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

1.1 Organisational Structure

On July 13, 2001, the Games of and executive members.

the XXIX Olympiad and the XIII
Paralympic Games were awarded Board members were mostly
to Beijing. The Chinese government senior officials from the Beijing
made a solemn commitment that Municipal Government, the General
stated, “We are confident of staging Administration of Sport of China
a high-level Olympic and Paralympic and relevant departments of the
Games with distinguishing features”. Chinese Central Government.
Other members included Olympic
Five months later, on December scholars, experts from fields of
13, 2001, the Beijing Organising education, culture, and science
Committee for the Games of and technology, prominent
the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) entrepreneurs and public figures.
was established. During the
preparation for the Games, it 1.1.2 BOCOG Departments
undertook the following tasks:
Upon establishment, BOCOG
●  Arranging the overall had only 13 departments. New
work schedule departments were gradually added
●  Settling major issues for the ongoing Games preparation,
●  Making decisions on and by January 2008, 28
BOCOG staff appointments departments had been put in place.
●  Contacting the International
Olympic Committee (IOC) General Office
●  Informing the Chinese
Central Government of Games ●  Liaison and coordination
preparation progress between BOCOG and the
government authorities
1.1.1 Executive Board ●  BOCOG’s internal administration
●  Supervision of city operations for
BOCOG’s decision-making body the Games
was its Executive Board, which
was composed of president, vice- Project Management
presidents, executive president,
executive vice-presidents, ●  Compilation of and

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 3

adjustments to the overall plans for the Games Family members and Games spectators
●  Assistance in BOCOG’s decision
making and risk control Audit & Supervision

International Relations ●  Supervision and auditing of BOCOG’s

use of funds and materials
●  Liaison and coordination with the IOC, ●  Supervision of BOCOG staff’s personal
the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) conduct in fulfilling their jobs
and Olympic Family members
Human Resources
Sport
●  Staffing of BOCOG departments
●  Organisation of all sports competitions ●  Recruitment, training and administration
of staff and volunteers
Media & Communications
Finance
●  News release, media reception and Games publicity
●  Maintenance of BOCOG’s official website ●  Budget programmes for the Games
●  Implementation of Olympic education programmes ●  Financial management and risk control
●  Supervision of logistics and procurement
Construction & Environment
Culture & Ceremonies
●  Supervision of planning and constructing
Olympic venues and facilities ●  Planning and organisation of Olympic ceremonies
●  Coordination of environmental and cultural initiatives, including the Torch Relay,
initiatives for the Games the Olympic Youth Camp and mass cultural events
●  Planning and implementation of the
Marketing Games image and identity projects

●  Fund-raising Security
●  BOCOG’s marketing plans, including
sponsorship, licensing and ticketing ●  Security operations and maintenance
●  The IOC’s marketing plans within the jurisdiction of public order during the Games
of the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC)
Media Operations
Technology
●  Planning and operation of the Main
●  Technical support regarding competition Press Centre (MPC), International Broadcast
records, information, telecommunications and Centre (IBC) and venue media centres
other Games-related technical operations ●  Facility and equipment support as well
as related service for media operations
Legal Affairs
Venue Management
●  BOCOG’s contracts and other legal issues
●  Olympic intellectual property rights protection ●  Implementation and coordination of venuisation
●  Games-time venue operations, functioning
Games Services as part of the Main Operation Centre (MOC)
●  Coordination with other BOCOG
●  Overall arrangements of accommodation, departments for transition from the Olympic
catering, accreditation, medical care and Games to the Paralympic Games
other services for Games participants, Olympic

4 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Logistics marketing and intellectual property rights
protection, security and logistics support
●  Procurement, storage, distribution, management
and post-Games collection of materials Beijing Olympic Accreditation Centre

Paralympic Games ●  Accreditation of Olympic Family members,

Paralympic Family members and Games staff
●  Planning for the Paralympic Games in 2008
●  Liaison and communication with the International Beijing Olympic Ticketing Centre
Paralympic Committee (IPC), International
Paralympic Sports Federations (IPSFs), International ●  Design, manufacturing, sales and
Organisations of Sports for the Disabled (IOSDs) and delivery of tickets for the Games
the organisations for people with a disability in China
●  Organising Paralympics-related staff Beijing Olympic Arrival & Departure Centre
and volunteer training programmes
●  Promotion of the Paralympic Games ●  Entry & exit policies and emergency operation plan
●  Coordination with concerned departments
Transportation to facilitate arrival & departure operations for
the Good Luck Beijing Test Events and the
●  Transportation services for Olympic Family members Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2008
●  Supervision of Games-time traffic ●  Guidance for arrival & departure
management in Beijing operations in the Co-host Cities

Volunteer Department Beijing Olympic Media Centre

●  Volunteer recruitment, training and management ●  “One-stop service” for Chinese and international
●  Volunteer operations in the Good Luck Beijing Test journalists covering the Beijing Olympic Games
Events and the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games ●  Processing of applications from international
●  Volunteer logistics support journalists planning to make temporary trips
to Beijing to cover the preparation for and
Opening & Closing Ceremonies hosting of the Beijing Olympic Games
●  Organisation of press conferences and briefings
●  Organisation of the Ceremonies work team to release information about the preparation for
●  Assistance in creative design, production and hosting of the Beijing Olympic Games
and rehearsal for the ceremonies
1.1.3 Branches
Olympic Village
The equestrian and sailing events of the Beijing
●  Olympic Village planning Olympic Games would be hosted respectively in
●  Formulation of service standards the cities of Hong Kong and Qingdao. The football
and operation procedures preliminaries would be held in Beijing and the Co-
●  Games-time Olympic Village operations host Cities. Several BOCOG branches were established
●  Supervision of Olympic Village to facilitate the operations of these events.
operations in the Co-host Cities
Qingdao Sailing Committee for the Games of the
Beijing Olympic Torch Relay Centre XXIX Olympiad

●  Liaison with the cities the torch would visit The Sailing Committee in Qingdao was in charge of
●  Torch Relay routes and torchbearer hosting the Olympic sailing events. It worked under
recruitment, Torch Relay ceremonies, publicity the leadership of BOCOG and the Qingdao Municipal
and media coverage, Torch Relay image projects, Government. The Aquatic Sports Management Centre

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 5

of the General Administration of Sport of China BOCOG and the governments of the Co-host Cities.
would provide guidance for its actual operations.
Affiliates
Hong Kong Equestrian Committee for the Games
of the XXIX Olympiad Two major affiliates were involved in the
Beijing Olympic Games operations.
The Equestrian Committee in Hong Kong was
established on October 5, 2005 to assist in hosting the The Beijing Olympic Broadcasting Co., Ltd (BOB),
Beijing Olympic equestrian events. The Chief Executive established on September 6, 2004, was a Sino-foreign
of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region became joint venture funded by BOCOG and the Olympic
the sponsor. Local government officials, the president Broadcasting Services. As the Olympic Broadcasting
of the Hong Kong Olympic Committee, the executive Organisation for the Beijing 2008 Olympic and
vice-president of BOCOG and the president of the Paralympic Games, BOB would provide international
Hong Kong Equestrian Committee served as president, television and radio signals for broadcasters across
executive vice-presidents and vice-presidents the world. It would also undertake preparations and
on the Equestrian Committee for the Games. operations of the IBC, supply necessary broadcast
facilities in other venues and provide related
Football Competition Offices service for Rights Holding Broadcasters (RHBs).

As the football preliminaries of the Beijing Olympic The Beijing Olympic Opening & Closing
Games would be held in Beijing and the Co-host Cities Ceremonies Operation Centre was established in
of Tianjin, Shanghai, Shenyang and Qinhuangdao, the December 2006. The Centre, under the BOCOG
governments of the Co-host Cities each established a Opening & Closing Ceremonies Department,
football competition office in line with the agreement executed the Opening and Closing Ceremonies
made with BOCOG. These offices operated under both of the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Organisational Structure of the Beijing Organising Committee for

the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (December 2001)
Marketing

Finance
Beijing Olympic
Environment
Games Leading
Group Technology

Sport

Construction
Beijing Organising
International
Committee for the Games International Relations
Olympic
of the XXIX Olympiad
Committee Audit & Supervision
(BOCOG)
Media & Communications

Human Resources

Legal Affairs

Project Management

General Office

6 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 Organisational Structure of the Beijing Organising Committee
for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (January 2008)

First Vice-President President Executive President

Supervision Commission for

the Beijing 2008 Olympic
Games

Commission on Science and Executive Board of the Beijing

Technology for the Beijing
2008 Olympic Games Organising Committee for the
Games of the XXIX Olympiad
Organising Committee of the
Beijing Olympic Games for the
Torch Relay Operations on the
Chinese Mainland

Leading Group for the Torch

Relay of the Beijing 2008 Executive Vice- Executive Vice- Executive Vice- Executive Vice- Executive Vice- Secretary-
Olympic Games President President President President President General

Leading Group for the Opening

& Closing Ceremonies of the
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Project Management Media & Communications Sport

Coordination Group for Games Services Culture & Ceremonies Construction & Environment
Security of the Beijing 2008
Olympic Games
Finance Media Operations Paralympic Games

Coordination Group for Media Venue Management Opening & Closing Ceremonies
& Communications of the
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Logistics Beijing Olympic Media Centre

Coordination Group for Olympic Village Beijing Olympic Torch Relay Centre
International Relations of the
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

Coordination Group for General Office Legal Affairs

Volunteer Work of the Beijing
2008 Olympic Games International Relations Audit & Supervision

Coordination Group for Staff Marketing Human Resources

Training of the Beijing 2008
Olympic Games Technology Security

Beijing Olympic Accreditation Centre Transport

Coordination Group for
Transport of the Beijing 2008
Olympic Games Beijing Olympic Ticketing Centre Volunteer

Beijing Olympic Arrival & Departure Centre

Coordination Group for
Medical Operations of the
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Beijing Olympic Football Competition Shenyang Office

Coordination Group for Beijing Olympic Football Competition Tianjin Office

Accommodation and Catering
of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Beijing Olympic Football Competition Shanghai Office
Games
Beijing Olympic Football Competition Qinhuangdao Office

Hong Kong Equestrian Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad

Qingdao Sailing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 7

8 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 1.2 Goals and Plans

In 1999, when bidding for the “High level” was interpreted in eight
Games of the XXIX Olympiad, aspects:
Beijing committed itself to “hosting
the best ever Olympics and leaving ●  High-level sports venues, facilities
a special and rich legacy to China and competition organisation
and world sport”. ●  High-level Opening Ceremony
and cultural events
At its second plenary session on ●  High-level media service
January 14, 2005, BOCOG officially ●  High-level security work
adopted the goal of “hosting a ●  High-level volunteer service
high-level Olympic Games with ●  High-level transportation and
distinguishing features”. logistics
●  High-level civility and friendliness
●  High-level athletic performance
1.2.1 Guiding Concepts
To achieve its goal, BOCOG
As an Olympic Games with conducted operations in line with
distinguishing features, Beijing the three concepts formulated
2008 would give full expression to in bidding for the Games, “Green
the Olympic ideals and Olympic Olympics, High-tech Olympics and
spirit through promoting the idea People’s Olympics”.
of harmonious development of
body and mind. It would display “Green Olympics” would be
time-honoured Chinese cultural manifested in stringent ecological
traditions and the people’s spirit of standards and sound guarantee
self-reliance and enterprise as well for preparing for and hosting the
as offer an opportunity for the world Games, as well as in the Chinese
to experience the country’s vigour public’s enhanced environmental
and vitality and its citizens’ common awareness.
1
aspiration for peace and prosperity.
The 1.3 billion Chinese people “High-tech Olympics” would be
would be encouraged to participate realised through adopting high-
1. Beijing Olympic Tower, BOCOG’s in the hosting of the Games and tech achievements in staging the
headquarters make their own contributions. Games, which would showcase

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 9

the city’s improved innovative capacity and the solid Contribution of the Public
progress on its way to modernisation.
Many Games-related issues, such as volunteer
“People’s Olympics” would be demonstrated in the operations and solicitation of the emblem, theme
mass public participation in welcoming the Games in slogan, mascots and songs for the Beijing Olympic
Beijing. The city would make every effort to provide Games, involved public participation.
quality services in line with “people-oriented” and
“athlete-centred” concepts. The solicitation of the theme slogan, for example, drew
210,000 entries, and more than one million people
1.2.2 Crucial Success Factors applied to become Games-time volunteers and city
volunteers, though, according to the plan, only 100,000
Drawing on the experience from previous Olympic and 400,000 were needed respectively. All of these
Games and taking into consideration China’s national contributions demonstrated Chinese people’s passion
conditions, BOCOG identified certain crucial success for the Games.
factors for the Games.
Enthusiasm of the Business Community
Support of the Government
The business community played an important role,
Backed by the Chinese Central Government, a as many venues were built by enterprises selected
number of coordination groups were formed to take through bidding, who were then given a 30-year
charge of Games-related tasks such as media and operation franchise. This greatly aroused the
communications, security, international relations, enthusiasm of enterprises. Close cooperation between
Beijing Capital International Airport operations and the the government and the business community saw
Torch Relay. These coordination groups would help their complementary strength brought into full play.
guarantee smooth Games preparation.
Preparation for and hosting of the Olympic

BOCOG’s second plenary session, at which the goal of “hosting a high-level Olympic Games with distinguishing features” was adopted

10 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Adhering to the concepts of “Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics and People’s Olympics”

Games accelerated Beijing’s economic and social On March 28, 2002, draft of the Beijing Olympic Action
development. The city’s infrastructure construction Plan was released for public review. In the two months
was stepped up, and its industrial readjustment was afterwards, more than 3,000 proposals from home and
promoted as a result of the development of Games- abroad were received.
related industries. Through hosting the Games,
Beijing was transformed into an energy-efficient, On July 13, 2002, one year after Beijing won the Games
environmentally-friendly city. bid, the revised version was made public, consisting of
guidelines, primary focuses and strategic support for
preparing for and hosting the Games.
1.2.3 Planning for the Games
Guidelines
BOCOG worked with the Beijing Municipal
Government on the Beijing Olympic Action Plan . The Beijing Olympic Action Plan would be carried out

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 11

Members of the Coordination Commission for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad review awarded designs of
the Olympic Green

in three phases: 2005) , the Beijing Olympic Action Plan detailed the
promises made in the Games bid and incorporated
●  Initial preparation from December 2001 to June them into specific plans regarding venue construction,
2003 traffic management, IT infrastructure, and ecological
●  Construction and implementation from July 2003 to and social environment. Relevant departments of
June 2006 Beijing Municipality worked out a number of sub-
●  Operation and adjustment from July 2006 to the plans, which were issued in succession starting from
opening of the Games September 2002.

Primary Focuses ●  Ecological Environment Construction Plan

●  Traffic and IT Infrastructure Construction Plan
Three primary focuses would be laid down in ●  Digital Olympics Construction Plan
preparing for the Games: ●  High-tech Olympics Construction Plan
●  Cultural and Ethical Progress Promotion Plan
●  Venues and facilities for the Olympic Games ●  Security System Establishment Plan
●  Ecological environment and city infrastructure ●  Olympic Venue Construction Plan
●  Social development ●  Fund-raising Plan
●  Energy Resources Construction Plan
Strategic Support ●  Overall Strategic Plan for the Preparation for the
Beijing Olympic Games
To echo the Tenth Five-year Plan of Beijing (2001 -

12 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Release of the Beijing Olympic Action Plan (Draft for Comments) Master Plan and Monitoring Report for the Beijing 2008 Olympic
(March 28, 2002) Games

Master and Strategic Plans 1.2.4 Implementation and Supervision

In 2002, the Master Plan for the Beijing 2008 Olympic BOCOG appointed a leading group to make decisions
Games and BOCOG Master Plan were drafted. Then in on important policies and regulations, and supervise
2003, they were finalised with a consensus reached key projects and adjustments to major budget plans.
between the IOC and BOCOG.
An assessment-reporting mechanism was established,
Based on the two Plans, major duties of each BOCOG which required that plans of BOCOG and its
department in the years leading up to the opening department should be assessed on a monthly,
of the Games were identified in order to form their quarterly and yearly basis.
strategic schedules and concepts of operation,
which were collected by the Project Management Evaluation was carried out to measure the performance
Department to formulate the Strategic Plan . of departments and staff primarily in terms of project
implementation.
In December 2004, the Strategic Plan for the Beijing
2008 Olympic Games was completed and submitted to BOCOG formulated the Concept of Operational
BOCOG leadership for approval. It was then published Risk Management, which specified risk control
for implementation. arrangements in the three years leading up to the
Games and during Games time. It worked with the IOC

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 13

BOCOG advisors review the Concept of Operational Risk Management

to identify major risks on a regular basis and called in jointly prepared by BOCOG departments and was
consultant companies to assist with risk control and distributed to the venue teams, and experts conducted
insurance. altogether 15 field trips for safety inspections at major
competition and non-competition venues.
Risk identification was also carried out within BOCOG,
and 247 risks were found within some 40 functional Planning for the Beijing Olympic Games was of
areas, which were addressed accordingly. decisive importance, as BOCOG would be able to
specify the number of personnel, the amount of funds
A General Emergency Plan consisting of 52 items was needed and types of staff training.

14 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 1.3 Staffing

Hosting a successful Games requires institutions of higher learning, or

a highly professional and devoted selected from individual Chinese
work team. BOCOG set regulations applicants. Among the staff were
to ensure fairness and transparency experienced retirees, Games-time
in staff recruitment and temporary interns, international recruits and
transfer. Training was also offered to Value in Kind personnel.
all recruits.
The Staff Administration Division
of the BOCOG Human Resources
1.3.1 Recruitment Department was in charge of staff
recruitment and management. It
BOCOG pooled talented Games staff laid down the principle of “fairness
through administrative measures and transparency”. Recruitment
and public job offers. procedures usually included:

BOCOG staff consisted of paid staff ●  Releasing recruitment

(temporarily transferred personnel, information
new recruits, personnel in Value ●  Receiving applications
in Kind arrangements, and loaned ●  Examining applicants’
staff), volunteers and contractors. qualifications
●  Shortlisting candidates through
Many of the staff were either tests and interviews
transferred from enterprises, ●  Finalising appointments
government departments and

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 15

 Major Milestones in BOCOG Staff Recruitment

January 2003 First open recruitment session

March 2004 Second open recruitment session

September 2005 Agreement with 16 Chinese universities to take in 826 postgraduate students as
interns, who were expected to work at venues during Games time

April 2006 Third open recruitment session

March 2007 Transfer of staff from venue owners or authorities of local areas where there were
Olympic venues

Initially, BOCOG had 211 paid staff. As Games preparation unfolded, more staff members were added, with 3,900 at
the end of 2007 and 8,548 at Games time.

Third open recruitment session (April 2006)

16 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

1.3.2 Training with the IOC and the IPC was stepped up and
experience was drawn from staff training programmes
The Staff Training Division coordinated training of previous Games.
programmes for BOCOG staff, contractors, volunteers
and National Technical Officials (NTOs). Training was offered mainly by three BOCOG
departments:
Games preparation called for a gradual shift of
responsibilities from BOCOG departments to venue ●  Human Resources Department for BOCOG staff and
teams, during which they coordinated with each other contractor training
to offer several rounds of training. ●  Volunteer Department for volunteer training
●  Sport Department for NTO training
●  General training by the BOCOG Human Resources
Department Prior to 2005, core staff training and preparation for
●  Professional training by other BOCOG departments large-scale staff training were completed.
●  Venue and job training by the venue teams
Between early 2005 and April 2008, with training
To implement training programmes, BOCOG invited materials prepared and instructors selected, training
experts, in particular, international experts versed in for volunteer applicants were implemented. Staff and
Olympic Games preparation, to offer suggestions. This volunteers watched or served the Good Luck Beijing
strengthened cooperation and exchanges between Test Events, which helped enhance their knowledge,
training institutions and universities. Communication skills and confidence. Also in this period, detailed
Games-time training plans were formulated.

From April 2008 to the opening of the Olympic Games,

venue training as well as job training were completed
and staff and volunteers were ready for Games-time
operations.

1.3.3 Management

BOCOG developed an overall staff management

system involving assessment, incentive, promotion,
salary and welfare. It also signed employment
contracts with the staff to standardise management.

In the interest of the staff, BOCOG even designated in

September 2007 a coordination group to study the
post-Games staff arrangement. Then in October, the
Human Resources Department set up an office to take
charge of the issue.

Based on the arrangement, the temporarily transferred

and loaned staff returned to the work units from which
they had come. The recruited staff members were able
to find their own jobs, and BOCOG assisted in this by
recommending them to related institutions and large
state-owned enterprises or by providing them with job
information.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 17

18 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 1.4 Operation

BOCOG leadership worked hand-in- quality and airport operations.

hand with the Chinese governments
at all levels to conduct operations in With all these groups put in place,
preparing for and hosting the Beijing a three-tier Beijing Olympic Games
Olympic Games. It also attached operational mechanism came into
great importance to coordinating being, which involved coordination
with the IOC, in particular with the between BOCOG, ministries of
IOC Coordination Commission. the Chinese Central Government
and governments of Beijing and
the Co-host Cities, coordination
1.4.1 Operational between BOCOG and functional
Mechanism departments of Beijing Municipality,
and coordination for specific tasks
In November 2001, the Beijing concerning the preparation for and
Olympic Games Leading Group was hosting of the Games.
appointed, which was composed of
senior officials from ministries and
commissions of the Chinese Central 1.4.2 Games-time Command
Government as well as officials from
Beijing and Qingdao Municipalities. An overall Games-time command
Their leadership was indispensible system was established, which
for mobilising and coordinating functioned at two levels - Command
the country’s resources for Games Headquarters and Main Operation
preparation. Centre (MOC).

After BOCOG was established, it The Command Headquarters,

took over the Leading Group’s jointly formed by BOCOG and
responsibilities. In collaboration with departments of the Chinese Central
the Chinese Central Government Government and the Beijing
and governments of Beijing and Municipal Government, undertook
1
the Co-host Cities, it set up a major issues regarding Games-time
number of coordination groups to operations in Beijing and the Co-
handle issues such as international host Cities. It also took charge of
1. Poster for the Beijing 2008 relations, security, media and coordination with the IOC. BOCOG
Olympic Games communications, food safety, air President Liu Qi was Director of the

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 19

Command Headquarters. Construction Headquarters (“2008” Engineering
Headquarters) coordinated construction of Olympic
The MOC under the Command Headquarters was venues and facilities. Its major responsibilities included:
responsible for venue operations, competition
organisation and communication with the IOC ●  Mapping out the master schedule and reviewing
functional departments. Guo Jinlong, Mayor of Beijing, specific timetables for construction projects in Beijing
was the Head of the MOC. ●  Supervising land use and coordinating the
assessment and approval of construction projects
The system helped integrate material and personnel ●  Assisting in resolving issues in the construction
resources and resolve most venue-level issues. process
●  Arranging tests of safety, quality, fire control and
environmental protection regarding the construction
1.4.3 Special Project Headquarters projects
●  Supervising the implementation of technical
To facilitate venue construction and city operations, standards set by the IOC and the IFs
two special project headquarters were set up.
The Beijing Municipality 2008 Environment
The Beijing Municipality 2008 Engineering Construction Headquarters (“2008” Environment

Games-time Command System

Beijing Olympic Games Leading Group

Beijing Olympic Games Command Headquarters

Coordination Group for International Relations

Coordination Group for Security

Command BOCOG
Coordination Group for Media & Communications

Coordination Group for Food Safety

Coordination Commission for Operations of the Beijing Capital International Airport

Beijing Co-host Cities

District and County Leading Groups for Beijing Qingdao
Olympic Operational Support

Hong Kong
Competition Venues

Main Non-competition Venues Tianjin

Operations Operation
Centre Independent Training Venues
Shanghai
Games Services
Shenyang
Olympic Green Common Domain

The Olympic Village Qinhuangdao

20 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Headquarters) coordinated and supervised issues
concerning city image, civil engineering and
environment. It mainly undertook the following tasks:

●  Conceiving city image projects prior to 2008

●  Compiling plans for environment control initiatives
prior to 2008
●  Setting outlines for Games-time city operations
●  Implementing city image projects, civil engineering
projects, environment control initiatives and Games-
time city operations

1.4.4 Cooperation with the IOC

Cooperation and coordination with the IOC provided

Poster for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
a firm guarantee for BOCOG to organise competition
events and offer quality service.

On January 21, 2002, the IOC declared the Especially starting in 2005, the Coordination
establishment of the Coordination Commission for the Commission sessions were often accompanied by
Games of the XXIX Olympiad, with Hein Verbruggen as other large-scale events, such as the Olympic mascots
Chairman and Kevan Gosper as Vice-chairman. unveiling ceremony and the 1,000-day countdown
celebration for the Beijing Olympic Games in 2005;
Through the Coordination Commission, BOCOG the World Education, Culture and Sport Forum in
conducted Games-related issues with the IOC, the 2006; the International Sports Conference, the one-
IFs and the NOCs. The Coordination Commission also year countdown celebration for the Beijing Olympic
reviewed and assisted in BOCOG’s work. Games and the Chefs de Mission Seminar in 2007;
and Torch Relay Launch Ceremony in 2008. BOCOG
Between February 2002 and August 2008, BOCOG gave arranged the invitation, transportation and reception
25 presentations on Games preparation (seven times of the Coordination Commission delegations for these
during IOC sessions and 18 times to the IOC Executive events.
Board). The presentations facilitated communication
between the top decision-making bodies of BOCOG In addition, between 2004 and 2007, BOCOG studied
and the IOC and kept the IOC informed of Beijing’s the documents of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games,
progress in Games preparation. Athens 2004 Olympic Games and Torino 2006 Olympic
Winter Games, and formulated the Strategic Plan,
By July 2008, BOCOG had received 10 visits by Jacques Concept of Operation and Action Plan for Olympic
Rogge, 26 visits by Hein Verbruggen, and 189 visits Family Services .
by the IFs. During the IOC Executive Board meeting in
April 2007, BOCOG received 14 members of the IOC These documents detailed the objectives and tasks
Executive Board. of Games-time service for the Olympic Family, as well
as the resources needed. Based on these documents,
Also between August 2002 and July 2008, BOCOG BOCOG completed the Olympic Family Member
sponsored 10 IOC Coordination Commission sessions Guide, Profile Collection of IOC Members and Olympic
and 15 Coordination Commission working group Family Assistant Guide as well as a number of other
meetings. BOCOG organised approximately 1,000 guidelines.
other conferences, and arranged for the guests dozens
of trips to Olympic venues as well as six visits to the During Games time, 811 volunteers worked as Olympic
Co-host Cities. Family assistants. They offered service for the 586 IOC

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 21

 1. IOC-BOCOG Project Review

1 2. Hein Verbruggen, Chairman of the Coordination Commission for the Games of the XXIX
Olympiad, visits the Olympic venues in construction
2 3
3. Chefs de Mission Seminar of the Beijing Olympic Games

22 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

members, IFs Presidents and Secretary-generals, NOC support for the IOC departments and Olympic Family
Presidents and Secretary-generals, and directors of delegations. The assistants won high praise from their
the IOC departments, and provided administrative clients for their efficiency and effectiveness.

Summary

The aspiration for “hosting a high-level Olympic BOCOG worked closely with concerned departments
Games with distinguishing features” showcased of the Chinese Central Government, governments
China’s endeavours to propel the Olympic Movement of Beijing and the Co-host Cities and other relevant
and demonstrate the country’s unique charm to the sectors to draw their support for specific Games-
outside world. related operations.

To achieve this goal, BOCOG devised elaborate It also endeavoured to fulfill its commitments made
administration and operation schemes, which helped in the Host City Contract through strengthening
pool the country’s human resources for effective cooperation and coordination with the IOC, in
preparation for and hosting of the Olympic Games in particular with the IOC Coordination Commission,
2008. which created favourable conditions for the Beijing
Olympic Games.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 23

24 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 Chapter 2
Venue
In preparing for and hosting the Beijing Olympic Games, first-class venues
were planned and constructed, with effective venue teams organised and
fruitful test events completed. These preparations became the basis for a
successful Games in 2008 in fulfilling the promise of “Green Olympics, High-
tech Olympics and People’s Olympics”.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 25

26 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 2.1 Venue Overview

The Beijing Olympic venues were other six were the Qingdao Olympic
designed for both Games-time Sailing Centre, the Tianjin Olympic
competitions and post-Games use. Centre Stadium, the Shenyang
In line with the concepts of “Green Olympic Stadium, the Qinhuangdao
Olympics, High-tech Olympics and Olympic Sports Centre Stadium
People’s Olympics”, energy-saving (which were newly-built), the
features and eco-friendly materials Shanghai Stadium and the Hong
were employed in construction, Kong Olympic Equestrian Venues
while high technologies were (which were renovated).
applied. After the Games, most
of the venues would be used for Newly-built venues:
public sports, cultural or recreational
events. ●  1 - National Stadium
●  2 - National Aquatics Centre
●  3 - National Indoor Stadium
2.1.1 Competition Venues
●  4 - Beijing Shooting Range Hall
●  5 - Beijing Olympic Basketball
In planning and constructing Arena
Olympic venues, feasibility studies ●  6 - Laoshan Velodrome
were conducted concerning ●  7 - Shunyi Olympic Rowing-
number, location and scale. Canoeing Park
In addition to setting up new ●  8 - China Agricultural University
venues, some existing venues Gymnasium
were converted or expanded and ●  9 - Peking University Gymnasium
temporary venues were set up, ●  10 - Beijing Science and
which all helped reduce costs. Technology University Gymnasium
●  11 - Beijing University of
1 Technology Gymnasium
Venue Sketches
2 ●  12 - Beijing Olympic Green Tennis
There were altogether 37 newly- Centre
1. National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) in
built, renovated or temporary
construction competition venues. 31 of them Converted or expanded venues:
2. National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) at were in Beijing (see Map of the
night Competition Venues for the Beijing ●  13 - Olympic Sports Centre
2008 Olympic Game s) and the Stadium

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 27

 Map of the Competition Venues for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

●  14 - Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium ●  28 - Chaoyang Park Beach Volleyball Ground

●  15 - Beijing Workers’ Stadium ●  29 - Laoshan Bicycle Moto Cross (BMX) Venue
●  16 - Beijing Workers’ Gymnasium ●  30 - Triathlon Venue
●  17 - Capital Gymnasium ●  31 - Road Cycling Course
●  18 - Fengtai Sports Centre Softball Field
●  19 - Yingdong Natatorium Planning and Progress
●  20 - Laoshan Mountain Bike Course
●  21 - Beijing Shooting Range CTF Preparation for competition venues and facilities
●  22 - Beijing Institute of Technology Gymnasium started when Beijing bid for the 2008 Olympic Games,
●  23 - Beijing University of Aeronautics and with the compilation of the Beijing Olympic Venue
Astronautics Gymnasium Plan and the Outlines for Constructing the Beijing 2008
Olympic Venues and Facilities .
Temporary venues:
After the Games were awarded to Beijing, the Beijing
●  24 - National Convention Centre Fencing Hall Olympic Venue Construction and Coordination
●  25 - Beijing Olympic Green Hockey Stadium Commission, the Beijing Municipality 2008 Engineering
●  26 - Beijing Olympic Green Archery Field Construction Headquarters (“2008” Engineering
●  27 - Beijing Wukesong Sports Centre Baseball Field Headquarters) and the BOCOG Construction &

28 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 1
Environment Department were established to 2
proceed with further assessments of overall venue
layout.
1. Groundbreaking ceremony for
the National Stadium (December 24,
At the end of 2002, the revised Outlines for 2003)
Constructing the Beijing 2008 Olympic Venues
2. Groundbreaking ceremony for the
and Facilities was approved by the Chinese Central National Aquatics Centre (December
Government. 24, 2003)

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 29

According to the plan, competition venues in Beijing Design
would be distributed in four areas. ●  Formulating bidding procedures and technical
standards for Olympic venue construction
The Olympic Green, with 13 venues including the ●  Organising the review of venue designs
National Stadium and the National Aquatics Centre, ●  Cooperating with the “2008” Engineering
would be the “Central Area” to hold the Games. Headquarters to supervise construction preparations

The Western Community Area would have nine In July 2003, tender and bid for venue design and
venues, including the Wukesong Culture and Sports construction was completed and construction of the
Centre, which, after the Games, would become a Beijing Olympic venues and facilities commenced.
recreational and sports destination for local residents.
On December 24, 2003, groundbreaking ceremonies
The University Area, with four venues including the for the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) and the National
Capital Indoor Stadium, would be used to hold cultural Aquatics Centre (Water Cube) took place. Then in 2004,
and sports events for university students and local construction of other Olympic venues began, including
residents after the Games. the National Indoor Stadium, the Olympic Village, the
National Convention Centre, the Wukesong Culture
The North Scenic Area, with two venues: the Shunyi and Sports Centre, the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-
Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park and the Shunyi Canoeing Park, as well as venues in universities.
Country Racecourse (originally the planned venue
for equestrian events of the Games), would become Originally, most of the construction work concerning
tourist resorts after the Games. Olympic venues and facilities was expected to finish
in June 2006. In view of the fact that early completion
In addition, four venues outside these four areas, may cause additional maintenance costs, while late
including Beijing Workers’ Stadium, would be completion may affect the process of adjustments and
converted or expanded for Games-time use and post- test operations, the deadline was thus postponed from
Games cultural and sports events. the second half of 2006 to 2007.

Work on Olympic venue construction started in Before the opening of the Beijing Olympic Games,
December 2001. The Construction & Environment all the venues and facilities were prepared up to
Department completed a number of tasks: the Olympic standards, with adequate inspection,
adjustment, testing and trial operation. Supporting
●  Preparing the Guidelines for Olympic Construction services were also put in place.

Newly-built Venues
Construction Time of Planned Capacity
Venue Location
Area (m²) Completion Events (Number of seats)

Opening
National & Closing Permanent: 80,000
Stadium Olympic Green 258,000 April 2008 Ceremonies; Temporary: 11,000
Track & Field;
Football

30 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 Construction Time of Planned Capacity
Venue Location
Area (m²) Completion Events (Number of seats)

National Swimming;
Aquatics Olympic Green 79,500 January 2008 Diving; Permanent: 4,000
Centre Synchronised Temporary: 13,000
Swimming

National November Gymnastics; Permanent: 13,000

Indoor Olympic Green 80,900 2007 Trampoline; Temporary: 2,000
Stadium Handball

Beijing Futian Temple, Permanent: 2,000

Shooting Shijingshan 45,600 July 2007 Shooting Temporary: 6,000
Range Hall District

Beijing Wukesong
Olympic Culture and 63,000 January 2008 Basketball Permanent: 14,000
Basketball Sports Centre, Temporary: 4,000
Arena Haidian District

Laoshan Laoshan, Permanent: 3,000

Velodrome Shijingshan 32,900 October 2007 Cycling (Track) Temporary: 3,000
District

Rowing;
Shunyi Canoe/Kayak
Olympic Chaobai River, Flatwater; Permanent: 1,200
Rowing- Mapo Town, 31,900 July 2007 Canoe/ Temporary: 25,800
Canoeing Shunyi District Kayak Slalom; Standing: 10,000
Park Swimming
(Open Water)

China East Campus,

Agricultural China 24,000 August 2007 Wrestling Permanent: 6,000
University Agricultural Temporary: 2,500
Gymnasium University

Peking Peking December Permanent: 6,000

University University 26,900 2007 Table Tennis Temporary: 2,000
Gymnasium

Beijing Beijing
Science and Science and November Judo; Permanent: 4,000
Technology Technology 24,700 2007 Taekwondo Temporary: 4,000
University University
Gymnasium

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 31

 Construction Time of Planned Capacity
Venue Location
Area (m²) Completion Events (Number of seats)

Beijing Beijing Badminton;

University of University of 24,400 September Rhythmic Permanent: 5,800
Technology Technology 2007 Gymnastics Temporary: 1,700
Gymnasium

Olympic Centre Court:

Green Tennis Olympic Green 26,500 October 2007 Tennis 10,000
Centre Court 1: 4,000

Converted or Expanded Venues

Construction Time of Capacity
Venue Location Events
Area (m²) Completion (Number of seats)

National Modern
Olympic Sports Olympic Sports 37,000 March 2006 Pentathlon 36,000
Centre Stadium Centre (Running and
Equestrian)

Olympic National
Sports Centre Olympic Sports 47,400 March 2006 Handball 6,000
Gymnasium Centre

81,100
Workers’ Gongti Road, (including a
Stadium Chaoyang converted January 2008 Football 60,000
District section of
44,800 m²)

Workers’ Gongti Road, November Permanent: 12,000

Gymnasium Chaoyang 40,200 2007 Boxing Temporary: 1,000
District

Capital Baishiqiao, 54,700 December Volleyball 17,000

Gymnasium Haidian District 2007

Fengtai Sports Fengtai Sports

Centre Softball Centre 15,600 July 2007 Softball 10,000
Field

National Water Polo;

Yingdong Olympic Sports 44,600 April 2006 Modern 5,522
Natatorium Centre Pentathlon
(Swimming)

32 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 Construction Time of Capacity
Venue Location Events
Area (m²) Completion (Number of seats)

Laoshan Laoshan, September Mountain

Mountain Bike Shijingshan 8,700 2007 Bike 15,000
Course District

Beijing South
Shooting Xiangshan Road, 6,200 August 2007 Trap Shooting 5,000
Range Hall Shijingshan
District

Beijing Institute Beijing Institute September

of Technology of Technology 21,900 2007 Volleyball 3,680
Gymnasium

Beijing Beijing
University of University of
Aeronautics Aeronautics 21,000 December Weightlifting 5,040
and and 2007
Astronautics Astronautics
Gymnasium

Temporary Venues
Construction Time of Capacity
Venue Location Events
Area(m²) Completion (Number of seats)

National National Fencing;

Convention Convention Modern Fencing: 5,700
Centre Fencing Centre in the 56,000 March 2008 Pentathlon Modern
Hall Olympic Green (Fencing and Pentathlon: 4,200
Air Pistol)

Olympic Court 1: 12,000

Green Hockey Olympic Green 15,539 August 2007 Hockey Court 2: 5,000
Stadium

Olympic Green Olympic Green 8,609 August 2007 Archery Court A: 4,500
Archery Field Court B: 800

Wukesong Wukesong Court A: 12,000

Sports Centre Culture and 14,360 August 2007 Baseball Court B: 3,000
Baseball Field Sports Centre

Chaoyang Beach
Park Beach Chaoyang Park 14,150 August 2007 Volleyball 12,000
Volleyball Court

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 33

 Construction Time of Capacity
Venue Location Events
Area(m²) Completion (Number of seats)

Laoshan BMX Laoshan,

Venue Shijingshan 3,650 August 2007 BMX 4,000
District

The Ming
Tombs
Triathlon Venue Reservoir, May 2008 Triathlon 10,032
Changping
District

Road Cycling Yongdingmen Cycling

Course Gate, June 2008 (Road)
Juyongguan

2.1.2 Non-competition and Training defined security zones, were operated by BOCOG and
Venues its partners to ensure operation of the Games.

The non-competition venues, located in clearly-

Major Non-competition Venues in Beijing

Venue Location Construction Area(m²)

Olympic Green Northern end of Beijing’s central 1,159 hectares (including the
axis Olympic Forest Park)

Athletes’ Village Northwest of the Olympic Green Guest rooms: 9,933

Huiyuan Apartments Media Next to the Olympic Green Guest rooms: 1,018
Village

Green Homeland Media Village Northeast of the Olympic Green Guest rooms: 6,000
Central Area

Beijing Olympic Airport Beijing Capital International

Airport

Olympic Family Hotels Beijing Hotel

Grand Hotel Beijing

Raffles Beijing Hotel

34 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 Venue Location Construction Area(m²)

The North Garden Hotel

Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing

Main Press Centre National Convention Centre in the

western part of the Olympic Green

International Broadcast Centre National Convention Centre in the

western part of the Olympic Green

Beijing Olympic Accreditation Beijing Olympic Tower

Centre

Digital Beijing Building Olympic Green Central Area

Beijing Olympic Hospitality Centre Olympic Green Central Area

Beijing Olympic Logistics Centre Airport Economic Development

Zone in Shunyi, Beijing

BOCOG Headquarters Beijing Olympic Tower

Olympic Youth Camp Beijing No. 101 Middle School

Beijing Olympic Security Beijing Municipal Public Security

Command Centre Bureau

Beijing Olympic Anti-doping China Anti-doping Agency

Laboratory

Major non-competition venues in the Co-host Cities 2.1.3 Implementation of Olympic Concepts
included the Hong Kong International Airport, the in Venue Construction
Hong Kong Olympic Village, the Hong Kong Grooms
Village, the Qingdao Airport, the Qingdao Olympic In constructing the Beijing Olympic venues, the
Village and the Qingdao Olympic Family Hotel. Commission on Science and Technology for the
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, the “2008” Engineering
The training venues, usually set up outside the Headquarters, the Beijing Municipal Government,
competition venues, were used for athletes to warm related research institutes and venue constructors
up before and during competitions. In some cases, the worked hand in hand to implement the concepts of
competition venues also served as training venues. “Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics and People’s
By March 2008, 42 individual training venues were Olympics”.
prepared for the Games.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 35

Green Olympics heat from the soil to warm up the stadium in winter
and took in cold energy from the soil in summer.
Environmental protection was a major concern in
planning and constructing Olympic venues and The National Stadium was installed with a 100-kilowatt-
facilities. According to statistics, 358 “Green Olympics” hour solar photovoltaic power generation system with
programmes were implemented in Beijing Olympic a daily generation capacity of over 200 kilowatt-hours,
venue construction, among which 69 involved new providing adequate power for the lighting of the
energy, 168 were aimed at saving energy and 121 at 15,000-square-metre underground garage.
saving water.
The Beijing Science and Technology University
Of the 200 million square metres of the Beijing Olympic Gymnasium was equipped with the most advanced
venue construction projects, 26.7 per cent employed lighting system among all Olympic venues. The
renewable energy or other green energy resources. The 148 sets of eight-metre-long light pipes were able
168 energy-saving projects alone would reduce 200,000 to transmit 80 per cent of the sunlight into venues
tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. as a source of illumination. Indoor illumination also
penetrated the roof to light up the night sky.
Nine venues, including the Olympic Green Tennis
Centre and the Peking University Gymnasium, were The Qingdao Olympic Sailing Centre was equipped
installed with geothermal, ground-source or water- with seawater-source heat pump systems, which
source heating devices. Seven construction projects, provided the press centre with air-conditioning and
including the National Stadium, the Olympic Basketball hot water during the Games.
Arena and the Olympic Green Central Area, had a
solar photovoltaic power generation system. 10 The average surface temperature of outdoor tennis
venues, including the Shooting Range Hall, Laoshan courts can rise to 50°C in July and August in Beijing.
Velodrome, the Olympic Village and Media Villages, The Olympic Green Tennis Centre found a way to bring
adopted solar water heaters. down the “fever”. A number of natural air absorption
devices let in wind through the air outlets to the sitting
In the National Stadium, ground-source heat pump areas, which effectively lowered the temperature by
systems absorbed energy from the soil to help with air- about 5°C at the centre court. The external walls of
conditioning inside the venue. The systems extracted the spectator stands were filled with white meshed

Triathlon Venue by the Ming Tombs Reservoir in Changping District, one of the eight
temporary venues for the Beijing Olympic Games

36 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

panels to absorb wind. The compressed wind then Permeable bricks were used as outdoor pavement at
blew through the window blinds at the bottom of the most of the newly-built venues, which allow rainwater
stands into the venue to lower the temperature. to seep directly into the ground. Permeable bricks in
some car parks even benefited the growth of grass.
Atop China Agricultural University Gymnasium, some
400 windows on the terraced roof helped with lighting The National Aquatics Centre, the Shunyi Olympic
and ventilation. Rowing-Canoeing Park, the Olympic Village, the
Olympic Forest Park, as well as the Hockey Stadium,
In the Beijing Shooting Range Hall, temperature Archery Field and Tennis Centre in the Olympic Green,
sensors were installed between the double walls to were installed with sewage treatment systems.
detect temperature changes and achieve ventilation.
With the sensors, the temperature inside is adjustable The Olympic Green used recycled water from the
to the seasons, thus reducing the consumption of Beixiaohe Water Recycling Plant and the Qinghe Water
energy for air-conditioning. Recycling Plant for sanitation and landscaping. It also
had treatment stations of its own, which treated all the
A huge rainwater utilisation system was installed under sewage generated at the venue. The reclaimed water
the National Stadium. Working around the clock, it was used for greening purposes.
collected and purified rainwater from the venue and
its surrounding areas. The system, whose size equals High-tech Olympics
that of six football fields, collected rainwater from an
area of 22 hectares, with annual rainwater recovery of In an effort to hold a grand sports event, latest
about 67,000 cubic metres and a designed net water technical achievements from home and abroad were
production capacity of up to 2,000 cubic metres per incorporated in Beijing Olympic venue construction.
day.
The National Stadium, with a 42,000-ton external steel
The 30,000-square-metre roof of the National Aquatics structure, is now recognised as the world’s largest
Centre collected rainwater which was treated and steel structure. The 110,000 tons of steel used for the
reused. The amount of rainwater collected per year concrete and screw-threaded steel bars were all made
was equivalent to the annual water consumption of in China, and the high-strength Q460 steel formed the
100 Beijing households. 24 pillars supporting the gigantic Bird’s Nest.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 37

The Q460 steel, developed by Chinese technicians, In the National Aquatics Centre, swimmers and divers
can withstand an average weight of 46 kilos in an area could walk barefoot from the warm-up pool to the
of one square millimetre and resist severe fire and competition pool on tiles supported by a ground-
earthquakes. It ensures 100 years of proper function of source heat pump system. The athletes would not be
the main structure. affected by the changing floor temperatures. Also,
there was a vent under every seat, which effectively
The Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) film used in adjusted the temperature to provide spectators with a
the National Aquatics Centre is resistant to pressure comfortable environment.
and provides spectators with a wonderful view. The
film can be expanded three to four times its original There are no columns or pillars inside the 91,000-seat
size without breaking and is resistant to intense National Stadium. The bowl-shaped seats, supported
heat up to 715°C. The 3,000 ETFE films outside the by a series of steel trusses, were arranged to surround
construction, when inflated, become air pillows. As the arena. Wherever a spectator sits, he or she is always
one such film can bear the weight of a car, the surface about 140 metres away from the centre of the stadium,
structure can easily withstand heavy rain, hail and sand so every spectator is able to watch the event from a
storms. roughly equal distance.

The Beijing Olympic Basketball Arena was equipped The National Stadium was installed with accessible
with a thin layer of Low-Emittance (LOW-E) insulating facilities for people with disabilities. The rational
glass on the outside. The LOW-E coating reflects more layout of functional zones during Games time made
than 80 per cent of far-infrared heat radiation and competition management and venue operations
helps save energy by over 60 per cent in both summer fairly smooth. Services were also easily available to
and winter. spectators, VIP guests, athletes and the other client
groups.
Strengthening the pillars of the Beijing Workers’
Stadium was rated as the largest and most complex The badminton and table tennis events require that
construction project in China. Carbon fibre the wind speed not exceed 0.2 metres per second.
reinforcement, among other advanced structure Beijing University of Technology Gymnasium and
reinforcement technologies, was adopted to Peking University Gymnasium were both installed with
successfully complete the project. air-conditioning systems that cooled the venues with
a breeze blowing in from below the seats. This design
Intelligent lighting control systems were installed in not only satisfied the needs of badminton and table
Peking University Gymnasium’s warm-up hall, main tennis events but also ensured comfort in the venues.
gym and swimming pool. The lighting could be
adjusted to meet the needs of particular occasions. The The Olympic Green Archery Field is one of the kind
systems also made maintenance and fault diagnosis with stands on three sides of the field. Considering
easier. that the course runs from south to north, the seating
areas were arranged on two sides and behind the
People’s Olympics athletes. The V-shape layout faced the north, where
the spectators were kept away from the archers but
Design of Olympic venues sought to bring close to the targets. This design ensured both safety
convenience and comfort to athletes, coaches, referees and a good view of the athletes’ performance.
and spectators, with special attention to the needs of
people with disabilities.

38 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

2.2 Venue Team and Operations

In organising venue teams and functional areas, including the

planning for venue operations, management (one venue manager,
emphasis was given to unified six deputy venue managers, a
command, clearly defined venue secretary-general, and a
responsibilities, standardised competition manager for each
procedures and adequate event), 29 functional area managers,
rehearsals. venue supervisors and operational
staff.

2.2.1 Venue Teams Non-competition Venue Team

Three types of venue teams were During Games preparation, a

involved in venue operations during preparatory group was set up
the Beijing Olympic Games. for each of the non-competition
venues. Under the BOCOG Venue
Competition Venue Team Management Department, the
groups made their operation plans
During Games preparation, an and organised staff. The leaders
operation panel was established of the groups became venue
for each competition venue, which managers, under whom were
consisted of venue manager, several deputy venue managers
deputy managers in charge of to share responsibilities such
security and logistics, secretary- as security, logistics and Games
general in charge of operations, services.
full-time staff for competition
organisation, media operations and Training Venue Team
venue construction, representatives
from local authorities and BOCOG For an individual training venue (or
representatives from relevant venue cluster), a separate team was
functional areas. set up with a venue manager and
several deputy venue managers
As venuisation proceeded, the panel in charge of different tasks. The
transformed to the competition individual training venues located in
venue team. During Games time, eight Beijing districts and counties
the team involved staff from 29 each had four deputy managers

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 39

 Venue Team of the Beijing Workers’ Stadium (for the Olympic Boxing Events)

Venue Manager

Executive Deputy
Venue Manger

Secretary-general Deputy Venue Deputy Venue Deputy Venue Deputy Venue Deputy Venue Venue Manager Competition
of the Venue Manager in Charge Manager in Manager in Manager in Manager in Charge in Charge of Manager
Team of Service Charge of Facilities Charge of Media Charge of of Coordination with Supervision Office
and Environment Operations Security the Local Authorities

Spectator Service Assistant to Venue

Manager
Venue Venue
Operation Communications Ticketing Security Command
Centre Centre Power Supply
Catering Audit & Supervision
Temporary Facilities

Transport Human Resources

Construction Volunteer Victory Sport Doping-

Accreditation
Ceremony Presentation Control
Environment
Language Service Finance
Image & Identity
Marketing Technology
Media Operations
Medical Service Protocol
Photo Service

Logistics Press Service Paralympic Events

responsible for training, security, transportation, and general and the competition manager usually worked
venue support. As for individual training venues full time in formulating operation plans. The other
affiliated with universities, the General Administration functional area managers, while fulfilling their duties
of Sport of China and other owners, an additional for BOCOG, were expected to focus their attention on
deputy manager was added to each venue to take venue operations as venuisation was intensified.
charge of coordination.
BOCOG would take in new staff in line with its
recruitment plan should there be shortage of
2.2.2 Venue Staff personnel. Staffing and management of the team was
undertaken by the BOCOG departments before the
Most of the venue managers came from the Beijing Games and by the venue team during test events and
Municipal Government, the General Administration the Beijing Olympic Games.
of Sport of China, universities which owned Olympic
venues, other venue owners and BOCOG departments. Staff who joined the venue team when venue
Functional area managers and staff were usually operation plans were prepared would work on a
appointed by BOCOG or temporarily transferred from long-term basis, among whom those taking crucial
relevant institutions. positions would be employed to work full time. During
the test events and the Olympic Games, a number of
Staff transferred from BOCOG had either full-time or staff were transferred from the municipal, district and
part-time work schedules at venues. The secretary- county governments to join in venue operations on a

40 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 Venue Team of the Olympic (Paralympic) Village
Venue Manager

First Deputy
Venue Manager

Executive Deputy Executive Deputy Venue Director of Mayor’s Office

Venue Manger Manager, Secretary - and Deputy Director of
general and Director of the Venue Team Office
the Venue Team Office

Deputy Venue Deputy Venue Deputy Venue Deputy Venue Deputy Venue Deputy Venue Deputy Venue Deputy Venue Deputy Venue Supervision Office Deputy Team Deputy Team
Manager in Manager in Manager in Manager in Manager in Manager in Manager in Manager in Charge Manager in Director and Director and
Charge of Charge of Charge of Charge of Charge of Charge of Charge of of International Charge of Cultural Director of Green Director of Huiyuan
Accommodation Service (FA Catering (FA Venue Support Security (FA Transport (FA Logistics (FA Relations (FA Activities and Homeland Media Apartments Media
(FA Manager) Manager) Manager) (FA Manager) Manager) Manager) Manager) Manager) Media Operations Village Village
(FA Manager)

Commerce Venue Facilities Technology

Team Office
Marketing Power Supply Logistics NOCs
VOC/VCC
Religious Service Environment & Sanitation Client Service Language Cultural Activities
The Olympic Human Resources
Medical Care and Rate Card Sport Entries &
the Polyclinic Qualification Village Newsletter
Finance
Doping Control Sports Heart to Heart
Information Partnership Volunteer
Audio-visual Product
Arrival & Image & Identity Information
Ticketing Departure
Media Operations Guest Pass
Accreditation Service
Communications
Protocol Coordination Allotment
Newsstands Welcome Centre

(Mobile FAs in charge of rights protection and anti-infringement are not included)
 short-term basis. Venue Management

Staff from the owners of converted or expanded In September 2005, BOCOG set up the Venue
venues would be retained, as they were more familiar Management Department.
with venues and facilities. During the Games, venue
owners became Games service contractors, with the Early in the preparation for the Beijing Olympic
staff incorporated into the venue team, and took Games, the department supervised the venuisation of
charge of the service package including water, power, both competition and non-competition venues and
gas, heating and cleaning. completed the following tasks:

●  Formulating standardised functional area operation

2.2.3 Venue Operations policies and procedures
●  Organising venue teams in Beijing, selection and
BOCOG undertook operations within venue training of the secretaries-general, and management of
perimetres, while local authorities and relevant venue venue operation centres and venue communications
owners took charge of supporting operations outside centres
the perimetres. The venue teams were expected to ●  Supervising venue operation plans, work schedules
solve most of the problems that arose during Games and quality control measures
time, while major issues and emergencies would be
reported to the Main Operation Centre for decision- In the final period of Games preparation, the
making. department also offered guidance for venue teams in
the Co-host Cities.

Venue operation support group

42 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Seminar on the Model Venue held at the Beijing Workers’ Gymnasium (August 30, 2005)

Other tasks of the Venue Management Department cluster, the Beijing Capital International Airport and the
included: Olympic Family Hotels. By July 2006, operation teams
for the 23 major competition venues in Beijing were
●  Planning for test events put into place.
●  Supervising simulation exercises
●  Making seating arrangements for accredited clients Competition venue operations involved 17 types
●  Maintaining Olympic Games signage of service regarding competition organisation,
●  Communicating with the IOC Coordination broadcasting, security, transportation, catering,
Commission for the Beijing Olympic Games medical care and language service.
●  Developing the venue information management
system, video conference system and camera The venue teams also managed some 180 kinds of
monitoring system general material in six categories including furniture,
●  Establishing a call centre, which would be linked to household electric appliances and other materials
the city information network purchased by venues, and approximately 500 kinds
of special material in 16 categories, such as the
During Games time, the Venue Management materials and equipment used for image projects,
Department undertook planning, installation, testing transportation, security, media operations and
and operation of the venue operation command system. spectator service. Altogether, the venue teams fulfilled
nearly 300 missions in 25 categories, and implemented
Operational Focuses nearly 200 operation policies and 100 procedures.

In June 2006, the first 18 venue teams were To facilitate venue operations, BOCOG set up a
established, including the teams for the National joint conference system with related government
Stadium, the Wukesong Culture and Sports Centre departments, the “2008” Engineering Headquarters
venue cluster, the Olympic Sports Centre venue and the Beijing Municipality 2008 Environment

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 43

Good Luck Beijing 2007 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup

Construction Headquarters (“2008” Environment During the six months before the commencement
Headquarters) to provide guidance and conduct of the Olympic Games, the Venue Management
management. Department organised a session of integrated
simulation exercises in April and July 2008 respectively.
Rehearsal These exercises, in which the IOC participated, were
held in order to test operation command systems. Also
The Good Luck Beijing Test Events between August in July 2008, a system heat-run simulation exercise was
2006 and June 2008 provided good opportunities for conducted. The venue teams even took part in the
the venue teams, especially the functional areas, to security and counter-terrorist simulation drills.
test their operations.
These simulation drills and rehearsals proved to
To intensify venue operation rehearsals, the BOCOG have remarkably strengthened communication,
Venue Management Department issued the coordination and mutual support between the venue
Guidelines for Venue Team Simulation Exercises and teams and the support groups.
Dress Rehearsals and developed a set of plans to guide
venue teams in carrying out rehearsals.

44 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

2.3 “Good Luck Beijing” Test Events

In line with Beijing’s commitments committees for individual events

regarding its Olympic Games bid, and corresponding venue teams.
at least one sports event should be
held in each competition venue The organising committees for the
before the commencement of the individual events mainly consisted
Beijing Olympic and Paralympic of staff from the venue and support
Games. These events aimed to teams. The director of each sub-
examine the functions of venues committee worked alongside the
and facilities, train staff and build venue manager in organising the
reliable venue teams, check policies test events.
and operational procedures for the
functional areas in an environment The Good Luck Beijing Test
similar to the Games-time scenario, Events held in 2007 involved 16
and integrate venue construction, competition venues (venue clusters)
venue operations and city and seven individual training
operations. venues in 11 Beijing districts and
counties.
The test events served as a link
between Games preparation The test events held in the capital
and Games-time operations, as in 2008 involved 13 competition
they were an effective way of venues (venue clusters) and seven
identifying problems and making individual training venues in four
improvements. districts and counties.

Preparations Seven non-competition venues

were involved in the Good Luck
Large-scale preparation for the Beijing Test Events. They were the
Good Luck Beijing Test Events Beijing Capital International Airport,
started in early 2007. With the joint the Beijing Olympic Accreditation
efforts of BOCOG and the relevant Centre, the Main Press Centre,
departments of Beijing Municipality, the Logistics Centre, the Olympic
the Good Luck Beijing Test Events Green Common Domain, the Digital
Organising Committee was Beijing Building, and the Beijing
established, followed by the sub- Olympic Anti-doping Laboratory.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 45

Technicians and volunteers work for the Good Luck Beijing 2007 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup

Implementation showed that venues, sports equipment, technical

systems and other hardware facilities all lived up to
Altogether, 46 Good Luck Beijing Test Events were Olympic Games competition standards. Technical
held between August 2006 and June 2008. Among systems and venue technical support facilities worked
these events, two were held in 2006. 27 were held in well and competition command centres were in good
2007, with 24 in Beijing and three in the Co-host Cities. order.
In 2008, 17 events were held in Beijing.
During the test events, venue staff and volunteers
The test events were divided into two types - calendar gained much valuable experience. Venue and city
events and tournaments. The calendar events were operations were well connected with each other, and
sponsored by the IFs and were organised in conformity security, transportation, civil engineering, sanitation,
with IFs rules and regulations. The tournaments medical care, catering and accommodation services
referred to various types of invitational competition were all in place.
events sponsored by the Good Luck Beijing Test
Events Organising Committee. Although these events Improvements
were also subject to IFs technical supervision, the
Committee had greater decision-making power than it Problems that arose during the test events were dealt
did with the calendar events. with without delay, and most of the venue-related
problems were promptly addressed.
Of the 46 test events, 16 were calendar events,
including the World Softball Championships in 2006; After the walking test event, some athletes complained
nine events held in 2007 including rowing, beach that the track on the Landscape Avenue section in the
volleyball, BMX, cycling (track), wrestling, modern Olympic Green Central Area was a bit too hard. Despite
pentathlon, triathlon, tennis and table tennis; and the fact that no international standards were set for
six events in 2008, including diving, synchronised the walking track, BOCOG took into consideration
swimming, fencing, walking, shooting and marathon. the athletes’ well-being and made certain technical
improvements on the track accordingly.
Assessment reports released by the IOC and the IFs

46 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Venue team for the Good Luck Beijing 2008 International Weightlifting Invitational Tournament

On December 14, 2007, the Olympic table tennis Some spectators reported that the 28.3-square-
tournament held in Peking University Gymnasium was metre screen inside the National Stadium was not
suspended due to a power blackout resulting from a big enough. After the test events, it gave way to two
technical problem in the power supply system. After bigger screens measuring 66 square metres. In the
the event, thorough power line examinations were National Aquatics Centre, the original 28-square-
conducted at all the competition venues, and dual-line metre screen was also replaced by a bigger one which
power supply was made available. measured 50 square metres.

Summary
In the construction of the Beijing Olympic venues, Great efforts were made in organising venue teams
BOCOG worked closely with the government and conducting venue operations, which featured
departments and venue owners to implement the unified command, clear division of responsibilities,
concepts of “Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics and standardised procedures and adequate rehearsals.
People’s Olympics”.
The test events held for examining venues and
The post-Games use of Olympic venues was a facilities, training staff and optimising operation plans
consideration even in the designing stage. With and procedures contributed effectively to the smooth
the number of permanent facilities minimised transition from Games preparations to Games-time
and temporary facilities used, the venues were operations.
easily converted after the Games for sports events,
conferences, and cultural and recreational activites.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 47

48 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 Chapter 3
Competition Organisation
In accordance with the rules and regulations of the IOC and the IFs, sports
competition, on top of BOCOG’s working agenda, was effectively organised
to meet the demands of the Games. Competition schedules were well
planned and managed. The Games-time Sports Competition Command
Centre and other functional groups worked professionally to ensure smooth
coordination between BOCOG and the IFs, and to implement sport entries &
qualification procedures. The Sport Department, in collaboration with other
BOCOG departments, conducted effective sports equipment purchases.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 49

Athletes in competition

50 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 3.1 Plan and Mechanism

The guiding principles of competition organisation Groups were responsible for organising specific sports
were to strictly follow the relevant rules and regulations competitions regarding of sports equipment, technical
specified by the IOC and the IFs with regard to the support, media coverage, security, TV broadcast,
Olympic Games, so as to ensure that international protocol, international relations, doping control,
standards of sports competitions be fulfilled. medical service, logistics, financial auditing, etc.

3.1.1 Organisational Structure 3.1.2 Working Mechanism

In December 2003, the Competition Organisation The BOCOG Sport Department established a
Leading Group of the Beijing Olympic Games, comprehensive working mechanism to conduct
composed of BOCOG senior officials and heads of competition organisation.
relevant sectors, was established.
Liaison with Chinese Sports Federations
The BOCOG Sport Department was the executive
body of the Competition Organisation Leading Group. Through regular meetings, the BOCOG Sport
It supervised and coordinated the organisation of Department kept close contact with all national
all sport competitions, and assisted the Leading sports federations in China. These meetings served
Group with management of individual Competition as a platform for briefings on the latest project
Organisation Working Groups and coordinated their development and solutions to problems concerning
relationships with all the functional departments of utilisation of technical and personnel resources.
BOCOG and with the IFs.
The Sport Department reported all significant issues to
Under the guidance of the IFs and the BOCOG Sport the Competition Organisation Leading Group, which
Department, the Competition Organisation Working then reported to BOCOG for final decisions.

Cooperation with Government Sectors

Pre-Games Working & Games-time Working &
Units
Cooperation Mechanism Cooperation Mechanism

Management Centres of the To regularly dispatch briefs so To collaborate with the BOCOG
General Administration of Sport of as to communicate preparation Sport Department in organising
China progress, and host sports competitions
workshops and seminars

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 51

 Pre-Games Working & Games-time Working &
Units
Cooperation Mechanism Cooperation Mechanism

To hold regular liaison meetings To work with BOCOG in

Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports with BOCOG and discuss related organising competitions
issues

China National Meteorological To hold regular liaison meetings To coordinate with all the Co-host
Administration with BOCOG and discuss related Cities and provide meteorological
issues service for competitions

To hold regular liaison meetings To provide meteorological service,

Beijing Meteorological Bureau with BOCOG and discuss related as was stipulated in its contract
issues with BOCOG

China Disabled Persons’ To hold regular liaison meetings To work with BOCOG in
Federation with BOCOG and discuss related organising competitions of the
issues Beijing Paralympic Games

Coordination with the Co-host Cities organisation.

The BOCOG Sport Department worked closely with Planning (January 2003 - December 2004)
the Co-host Cities.
The objectives for this phase were to develop
Before the Games, the Sport Department helped the working procedures, establish competition
with the liaison and information flow between the IFs organisation working groups, launch the operational
and the Co-host Cities , as well as formulation of the mechanism, and select and train the core staff of
requirements for competition preparation. competition organisation.

During the Games, the Sport Department took the Preliminary Operation (January 2005 - December
following responsibilities: 2006)

●  Monitoring sports competition information from Major tasks for this phase were to make detailed
the Co-host Cities working plans and place the assigned personnel in
●  Operating the emergency management mechanism position.
●  Issuing guidance from the Games-time Competition
Command Group to the Co-host Cities Test Operation (January 2007 - December 2007)

Major tasks of this phase were to stage test events and

3.1.3 Working Timeline participate in the integrated rehearsals for the Games
in order to further streamline the operational structure.
Competition organisation for the Beijing Olympic
Games was conducted in five phases. Adjustments (January 2008 - July 2008)

Preparation (January 2002 - January 2003) The major task of this phase was to make final
preparations for the opening of the Beijing Olympic
The objectives for this phase were to establish smooth Games by correcting defects and solving problems
liaison between BOCOG, the IOC and the IFs, work emerging during test events and by continuing
out a detailed plan for competition organisation, and integrated rehearsals.
devise a training plan for the core staff of competition

52 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

3.2 Competition Management

Competition management Games were finalised. There would

involves tasks of fixing competition be 302 events, covering 28 sports
schedules, conducting competition for the Games. There would be 165
organisation and coordination, men’s events, 127 women’s events
and administering sport entries & and 10 mixed events.
qualification operations.
The 28 sports were: athletics,
rowing, badminton, baseball,
3.2.1 Competition Schedules basketball, boxing, canoe/kayak,
cycling, equestrian, fencing, football,
At its 114th Session in November gymnastics, weightlifting, handball,
2002, the IOC released the planned hockey, judo, wrestling, swimming,
competition sports and events modern pentathlon, softball,
during the Beijing Olympic Games. taekwondo, tennis, table tennis,
shooting, archery, triathlon, sailing
Sports and Events and volleyball.

During its session in Prague, the Newly added events were women’s
Czech Republic in June 2003, the 3,000-metre steeplechase, BMX,
IOC made amendments to add men’s and women’s 10-kilometre
bicycle motocross (BMX) to the swimming, women’s team foil and
Games, while cancelling two track women’s team saber. The cancelled
cycling events. events included men’s team foil and
women’s team epee. In addition,
On April 28, 2006, the IOC men’s and women’s table tennis
announced that all competition doubles were replaced with table
events for the Beijing Olympic tennis teams.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 53

 Number of Events for the Olympic Games since 1996
Year Games Host City Sports Events

1996 XXVI Atlanta 26 271

2000 XXVII Sydney 28 300

2004 XXVIII Athens 28 301

2008 XXIX Beijing 28 302

Dates for the Games schedules and relevant arrangements.

BOCOG and the IOC exchanged views about specific After many discussions and negotiations with the IFs,
dates for the Games. BOCOG drafted the appraisal principle for the Beijing
Olympic Games Master Competition Schedule , and
Hosting the Olympic Games demands specific weather made two major revisions to the Master Competition
conditions and Beijing, in recent years, has had hot and Schedule proposed during the bid phase. It optimised
humid summer days. the details many times before the Master Competition
Schedule was finalised and granted confirmation from
Advised by the IOC, BOCOG put forth its amended relevant IFs.
plans for the competition dates of the Olympic Games
and made a detailed report at the IOC Coordination In November 2005, at the fifth IOC Coordination
Commission session in December 2002. Commission session, the Master Competition Schedule
was presented to the IOC, and was approved of in
BOCOG pointed out that the unfavourable weather principle.
conditions in Beijing such as choking heat, rainfall
and storms would gradually decrease from July 25 The event competition schedules were drafted
to September 7 each year. It made two proposals after an in-depth discussion with all national
accordingly: either delaying the Games by three weeks, sports associations. Drafting also had to wait until
to start on August 15 and end on August 31; or by two competition managers finished negotiations through
weeks, to start on August 8 and end on August 24. meetings or correspondence with the IFs.

On June 29, 2003, at its session in Prague, the IOC The draft was then presented to the IOC, the IFs and
officially announced that the Beijing Olympic Games the Beijing Olympic Broadcasting Co., Ltd (BOB) for
would be delayed by two weeks and would be hosted review before it was officially submitted to the IOC.
between August 8 and 24, 2008.
In June 2006, the IOC approved of the schedules and
Schedules distributed them to all Rights Holding Broadcasters
(RHBs) through the BOB.
The Beijing Olympic Games had 18 competition days
(including football competition days ahead of the
Opening Ceremony) with 625 competition sessions.
3.2.2 Operation and Coordination

BOCOG made adjustments and optimised venues, With the approval of all the competition schedules,

54 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

BOCOG launched operations of competition from the public.
organisation.
At the sixth plenary session of the IOC Coordination
Competition Organisation Working Groups Commission held in May 2006, all 28 competition
managers were approved by the relevant IFs. It was
Starting in early 2004, BOCOG set up 28 Competition the first time in the past three Olympic Games that all
Organisation Working Groups. the competition managers were from China, the Host
Country, a reflection of the great sports achievements
To standardise management of the Working Groups, China had made.
the BOCOG Human Resources Department drafted
the Provisions for the Administration of Competition In March 2007, the Competition Organisation Working
Organsation Working Groups , and the Sport Groups entered their respective competition venues.
Department formulated the Job Specifications for the They took part in a number of tasks such as assisting in
Competition Organisation Working Groups . establishing venue teams, planning for test events and
conducting pre-Games personnel training.
The competition manager of a Competition
Organisation Working Group was responsible for a By the opening of the Games, the 28 Competition
specific sport and the contact with the corresponding Organisation Working Groups had 700 employees,
IFs. The candidate must have solid professional who led some 4,600 volunteers to fulfill the tasks of
background and a good command of a foreign competition organisation.
language in addition to other requirements.
Games-time Competition Command Centre (GCC)
Starting in 2004, the Sport Department selected the
candidates for competition managers from new Based on the successful experience of previous
recruits of the Competition Organsation Working Olympic Games and the specific needs of the Beijing
Groups, staff of national sports federations, interpreters Olympic Games, BOCOG set up the two-tier Games-
for senior sports personnel, as well as new recruits time Competition Command Centre (GCC).

Organisational Structure of the GCC

Meteorologists
GCC Work Team
Publications

Director of GCC Sports Entries & Qualification

Sports Work Team
Competition Information Centre
Working Group Deputy Director of
GCC Work Team
Equipment Management

Daily Operation
Technical Officials Service
Group

Volunteers

The GCC served as a communication bridge between Other responsibilities of the GCC included: informing
the IOC Sport Department, the IFs and the Main involved parties of amendments to the competition
Operation Centre (MOC) of the Beijing Olympic Games. schedules, supervising the operations of the Olympic

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 55

Village Information Centre and the Sport Entries & In 2005, the BOCOG Sport Department formulated
Qualification Office, coordinating service for technical the Manual for Training Operations for the Games-
officials and management of volunteers. time Competition Command Centre and integrated
all resources to establish the GCC work team. Between
The GCC was also in charge of monitoring the daily 2006 and the opening of the Games, the GCC work
weather influence on competitions and providing the team improved the operational schemes through the
MOC with meteorological information. test events.

Reporting Scheme of the GCC Work Team

Oral report or meeting in case

Main Operation Centre
of emergency, and written
report on a daily basis

Providing solutions to
problems and keeping
the competition manager
informed GCC Work Team

Competition Manager Oral or written report

Between the opening of the Beijing Olympic Village with the governments of the Co-host Cities of Qingdao,
and the closing of the Games, the 40 staff of the GCC Shanghai, Tianjin, Shenyang and Qinhuangdao, and
work team in the Beijing Olympic Tower completed stipulated rights and obligations of each party to
720 hours of guard duty. In case of emergency, a total guarantee the successful Games preparation in these
of 864 staff also conducted 432 hours of guard duty in cities.
the GCC office.
In the same year, a liaison mechanism was established
The GCC also invited meteorologists from Beijing between the BOCOG Sport Department, the Project
Olympic Meteorological Service Centre to join the work Management Centres of the General Administration
team. Six meetings were held in regard to postponing of Sport of China, Beijing Sport University and the
or delaying eight competitions in response to intense Qingdao Olympic Sailing Committee.
rainfall in Beijing and Qingdao during the Olympic
Games. To meet the special needs of the equestrian events,
BOCOG established contact with the Ministry of
Coordination Efforts Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China, the
General Administration for Quality Supervision,
In the early half of 2003, BOCOG signed agreements Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing Agricultural Bureau,
56 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to host the equestrian events of the Beijing Olympic Games

Beijing Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, as Management System were prepared. In addition, the
well as the Beijing Municipal Health Bureau. SEQ Specifications and the first draft of the Guidance
for Games-time SEQ Training were compiled.
Considering the weather requirements, the BOCOG
Sport Department strengthened its cooperation with Detailed SEQ procedures were devised in 2007, with
the China Meteorological Administration and the the Beijing Olympic Games Entry Form and the Sport
Beijing Meteorological Bureau. Starting in 2007, the Entry Application Manual prepared for submission to
Sport Department sent weather liaison officers to the IOC and the IFs for approval. The SEQ Management
consult the Beijing Olympic Games Meteorological System was also put in place.
Service Centre to guarantee operations in regard to
specialised technical equipment such as exclusive SEQ information was collected during qualification
weather information cable, video-conference system events for the Beijing Olympic Games, which was
and Admin network. submitted to the IOC Sports Department on a regular
basis.

3.2.3 Sport Entries & Qualification Through SEQ operations of 35 events in seven
disciplines including sailing, beach volleyball, canoe/
The main task of Sport Entries & Qualification (SEQ) kayak slalom, baseball, cycling, archery, and canoe/
was to register entries for individual athletes or sports kayak flatwater, testing of the SEQ procedures and the
teams qualified for the Beijing Olympic Games in SEQ Management System was completed.
accordance with the quota allocated by the IOC.
Registration
SEQ Procedures
By August 7, 2008, BOCOG had received 9,572 entry
In 2005, coordinated by the BOCOG Technology forms from 205 countries and regions, involving 11,570
Department, the Sport Department and Atos Origin athletes.
Company, one of the Beijing 2008 Partners, studied the
SEQ procedures. The SEQ Office completed the confirmation of names,
events and qualifications of athletes from 204 NOCs,
The Beijing Olympic Accreditation Centre and the with some 11,193 athletes who were to compete in
BOCOG International Relations Department were the 302 events in 38 disciplines.
then consulted and the programmes of the SEQ
Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 57
Delegates of the International Tennis Federation visit BOCOG

58 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

3.3 Coordination with the IFs

In the spirit of mutual understanding hosting the Beijing Olympic Games.

and respect, BOCOG and the IFs
conducted coordination, in which The “attachments” specified the
BOCOG organised the competition services BOCOG should provide and
events in conformity with the IFs the technical requirements put forth
rules, regulations and technical by the IFs.
requirements, while the IFs shared
their rich experience and expertise BOCOG signed the “principles” of
with BOCOG and assisted BOCOG in the Memorandum of Understanding
competition organisation. with all the 28 IFs prior to the
Games, which was adopted by the
IOC as a practice recommended to
3.3.1 Memorandum of the future Games organisers.
Understanding

With a focus on the communication

3.3.2 Coordinating
and cooperation between the Mechanism
two parties, BOCOG and the IFs
signed the Memorandum of To guarantee smooth
Understanding, which was based communication between BOCOG
on the Agreement of Cooperation and the IFs, the IFs each designated
signed usually between the its liaison officer to take charge of
organising committees of the coordination.
previous Olympic Games and the
IOC. During the preparation period, the
BOCOG Sport Department received
The Memorandum of 189 visits with a total of 439 IFs
Understanding consisted of two staff. The Sport Department also
parts - the “principles” and the organised 116 trips with a total of
“attachments”. 200 staff from the Competition
Organisation Working Groups.
In the “principles”, BOCOG and the
IFs clarified their respective rights At the annual session of the General
and obligations in preparing for and Association of International Sports

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 59

Performance at the Opening Ceremony of SportsAccord 2007

Federations (GAISF, now rebranded as SportsAccord) operations nor violate the promises BOCOG had made.
from 2004 to 2007, BOCOG respectively briefed The adjustments involved 22 changes in terms of
the GAISF and the Association of Summer Olympic location, number of seats and functional layouts at 21
International Federations (ASOIF) about the progress venues.
of preparations for the Beijing Olympic Games and
distributed the BOCOG Competition Organisation In 2003, in its negotiation of university venue
Progress Report to more than 100 international sports adjustments, the Sport Department exchanged
organisations. information with the IFs of badminton, judo,
taekwondo, wrestling as well as other sports. It
The BOCOG Sport Department assisted the also received visiting delegations from the IFs of
International Relations Department in making wrestling, judo, taekwondo, table tennis, badminton,
presentations about competition organisation to weightlifting and swimming.
the eight IFs of gymnastics, swimming, judo, rowing,
sailing, badminton, fencing and handball. In early 2005, the Sport Department informed the IFs,
through official letters, of the technical standards of all
In 2005, the Sport Department began employing the training venues and solicited suggestions. BOCOG
international advisers, and upon the opening of the then stepped up adjustments to and optimisation of
Games, more than 200 international experts had taken venue operations, during which the Sport Department
part in the Games competition organisation. made every effort to reduce the negative impacts of
venue adjustments.

3.3.3 Venue Adjustments During the two and a half years of negotiation on
venue adjustments, the Sport Department built up
Beginning in 2002, the BOCOG Sport Department and mutual trust with the parties concerned and all the
Construction Department put forth adjustment plans venue adjustments were approved by the IOC and
for competition and training venues on condition that the IFs concerned, which laid a solid foundation for
the adjustments should neither hinder competition smooth competition organisation.

60 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

3.4 National Technical Official Training

In preparing for the Beijing China

Olympic Games, BOCOG paid close ●  Training courses during sports
attention to training of the Chinese competitions in China
managerial personnel for sports ●  Professional theoretical and
competitions. This approach was operational training courses
not only a guarantee for the success ●  International training
of the Beijing Olympic Games, but programmes and internships
also of strategic significance for the ●  Intensive English training courses
future sports development of China. (for 120 core NTOs)

The BOCOG Human Resources

3.4.1 Training Plans Department and Sport Department
jointly planned for the NTO training
Training of National Technical programmes, while the Chinese
Officials (NTOs) was mainly Olympic Committee (COC), Chinese
focused on international charters, sports associations and the IFs
conventions, rules and regulations, worked together to offer training.
as regards each competition
sport, competition organisation
procedures, NTO job specifications,
3.4.2 NTO Statistics
professional skills and necessary
language proficiency. There were altogether 2,915
technical officials for the Beijing
Training started in early 2005 Olympic Games, of whom 1,649
and ended right before the were international technical officials
commencement of the Games in and 1,266 were national technical
2008, and was conducted through officials.
following means:
Statistics of the national technical
●  Workshops offered by the IFs in officials are listed in the table below.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 61

 National Technical Officials at the Beijing Olympic Games
Number Sports Disciplines Number of NTOs

1 Athletics Athletics 216

2 Rowing Rowing 50

3 Badminton Badminton 81

4 Baseball Baseball 8

5 Basketball Basketball 48

6 Boxing Boxing 6

Canoe/Kayak (flatwater) 29
7 Canoe
Canoe/Kayak (slalom) 20

Track Cycling

Mountain Biking
8 Cycling 20
BMX

Road Cycling

9 Equestrian Jumping, Dressage, Eventing 120

10 Fencing Fencing 29

11 Football Football 18

Artistic Gymnastics 22

12 Gymnastics Trampoline 2

Rhythmic Gymnastics 13

13 Weightlifting Weightlifting 25

14 Handball Handball 18

15 Hockey Hockey 10

16 Judo Judo 46

17 Wrestling Freestyle, Greco-Roman 25

62 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 Number Sports Disciplines Number of NTOs

Swimming

Synchronised Swimming
18 Swimming 58
Diving

Water Polo

19 Modern Pentathlon Modern Pentathlon 45

20 Softball Softball 8

21 Taekwondo Taekwondo 10

22 Tennis Tennis 50

23 Table Tennis Table Tennis 33

24 Shooting Shooting 50

25 Archery Archery 15

26 Triathlon Triathlon 10

27 Sailing Sailing 115

Volleyball 40
28 Volleyball
Beach Volleyball 26

Total 28 38 1,266

3.4.3 Training Implementation COC, the Chinese Disabled Persons’ Federation,

Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports, the 28 BOCOG
NTO training was provided through various channels: Competition Organisation Working Groups, all
the staff from the BOCOG Sport Department and
Workshops and Seminars representatives from other BOCOG departments,
attended the workshop.
In 2003, Bob Elphinston, the IOC consultant and
Director of the Sport Department for the Organising Seminars regarding equestrian events were also
Committee for the Sydney Olympic Games, was invited organised. For example, in 2002, the first tutorial class
to host a workshop in Beijing to share the experience for equestrian knowledge was offered. In the following
in organising the Games in Sydney. year, several renowned international experts were
invited to give lectures on transporting horses and
About 80 staff, including representatives from the establishing non-endemic zone, as well as equestrian

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 63

competition organisation. Field Study to Other Olympic Games

Statistics showed that between early 2005 and the Starting in 2002, field trips were organised to the
opening of the Games, 98 workshops and seminars Athens 2004 Olympic Games and the Torino 2006
concerning 28 sports were organised, which Olympic Winter Games.
significantly improved the NTOs professional skills.
Starting in 2003, with support from the IOC and the
Observation during Large-scale International IFs, BOCOG sent staff to work as interns for the Athens
Sports Events Olympic Games and other international sports events
organised by the IFs.
The NTOs were sent to large-scale international sports
events such as the Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games, Training in Good Luck Beijing Test Events
the FiFA World Cup, the Commonwealth Games,
and the Busan Asian Games, and they learned a lot The NTOs also took part in the 46 Good Luck Beijing
about utilisation of temporary structures and facilities, Test Events, during which their professional skills were
Internet operations, competition organisation, greatly enhanced.
spectator organisation and security operations.

BOCOG staff does internship at the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games

64 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 3.5 Sports Equipment

Sports equipment plays a vital part The BOCOG Logistics Department

in hosting the Olympic Games, was responsible for the
and the BOCOG Sport Department transportation, distribution and
worked with other functional storage of sports equipment.
departments to complete the
tasks of procurement planning, The suppliers undertook
purchasing confirmation, and the installation, testing and
equipment installation and maintenance of sports equipment.
maintenance. The IFs and each of the Competition
Organisation Working Groups were
responsible for quality control.
3.5.1 Procurement Plan
Working procedures for equipment
In terms of sports equipment procurement included:
procurement, BOCOG established
a working group composed ●  Setting the overall procurement
of members from its relevant plan and budget
departments. The working group ●  Selecting sports equipment
was responsible for selecting sports suppliers
equipment suppliers and making ●  Conducting follow-up market
purchases. research
●  Reviewing budget
The Sport Department was ●  Placing orders
designated as the executive body ●  Effecting purchase
for the use and management ●  Monitoring equipment
of sports equipment during the performance through test events
Olympic Games. It took charge ●  Making supplementary
of setting technical standards equipment purchase if necessary
regarding the sports equipment
to be used in the 38 disciplines BOCOG collaborated with relevant
of 28 sports, as well as market sectors and established a joint
prices of the equipment. The Sport meeting system to supervise
Department also negotiated with equipment procurement. Meetings
the suppliers to finalise the prices. were held to address problems

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 65

Maintenance of equipment

found in the purchasing and management procedures. In 2006, the Sport Department collected supplier
information from relevant IFs, and submitted it to
BOCOG departments concerned for organising tenders
3.5.2 Purchase Confirmation and bids in regard to sports equipment procurement.

In 2005, drawing on the experience from previous All the sports equipment suppliers obtained
domestic and international sports events including certification from the IFs before they attended the
the Sydney and the Athens Olympic Games, BOCOG tenders and bids.
compiled and submitted to the IFs the lists of sports
equipment required for the Beijing Olympic Games. In January 2007, the Italian Mondo Group became
the first sports equipment supplier for the Beijing
More than 2,300 types of sports equipment, totalling Olympic Games, providing rubber and PVC flooring for
some 1.4 million pieces, were settled for the Games. all basketball and handball courts, as well as athletic

66 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

tracks. 3.5.3 Installation and Maintenance

In accordance with the requirements of the IOC and Sports equipment suppliers were in charge of
the IFs, BOCOG recommended to the IFs a number of installing, testing and maintaining the equipment used
Chinese sports equipment manufacturers, who, having for training and competition sessions of the Beijing
gone through negotiations, field inspections and test Olympic Games.
events, were eventually accepted as sports equipment
suppliers of the Beijing Oylmpic Games. In the Good Luck Beijing Test Events, all the sports
equipment needed was installed, with test operations
Altogether, 76 sports equipment suppliers, of which conducted. Improvements were made during the
36 came from China, were chosen for the Games. process.
Some of them were appointed by relevant IFs, and
the rest all obtained authorisation through marketing By July 2008, all the sports equipment was prepared,
programmes organised by the BOCOG Marketing which helped guarantee the athletic performance of
Department. the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Summary
BOCOG attached great importance to competition the IFs clarified their respective rights and obligations.
organisation for the Olympic Games and established The document effectively improved the cooperation
professional competition organisation working groups. and coordination between the parties concerned in
organising the competition events of the Games.
Competition schedules were carefully arranged, with
adjustments made, to enhance their feasibility. Sport In the preparation for sports equipment, a number of
entries & qualification operations were also conducted Chinese manufacturers emerged on the market and
smoothly to facilitate competition organisation. constituted an important force in supplying for the
Olympic Games.
With the Memorandum of Understanding , BOCOG and

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 67

68 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 Chapter 4
Marketing
On September 1, 2003, BOCOG launched the Marketing Plan for the Beijing
Olympic Games . Focused on sponsorship, licensing and ticketing, the
Marketing Plan enabled Chinese and international enterprises to extensively
participate in the preparation for and hosting of the Games through
providing funds, technology and services.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 69

Launching ceremony of the Marketing Plan for the Beijing Olympic Games (September 1, 2003)

70 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 4.1 Sponsorship

As a package plan spanning five the Beijing Olympic Sponsorship

years, the Sponsorship Scheme for Programme was devised particularly
the Beijing Olympic Games covered for sponsorship operations
a great variety of products and regarding the Beijing Olympic
services. Sponsors were able to Games.
conduct marketing activities in the
name of the Beijing Olympic Games, The Beijing Olympic Sponsorship
the Chinese Olympic Committee Programme involved Beijing 2008
(COC) and the Chinese Olympic Partners, Beijing 2008 Sponsors and
Delegation. Beijing 2008 Suppliers (including
Beijing 2008 Exclusive Suppliers).
The three-tier arrangement was
4.1.1 Sponsorship Scheme aimed to generate adequate
funding sources, which, at the same
The Sponsorship Scheme , time, provided ample opportunity
which specified composition of for the participation of enterprises.
sponsorship, sponsor selection Size of sponsorship was the basic
standards, rights and interests, factor in distinguishing these
sales models, etc., was aimed at Partners, Sponsors and Suppliers.
strengthening sponsors’ exclusive Also, one Partner, Sponsor or
rights and privileges. Supplier was usually chosen for a
certain type of product or service.
Composition
Rights and Interests
In line with the Scheme , the
Worldwide Olympic Partners The Partners, Sponsors and
(TOPs), designated by the IOC and Suppliers enjoyed different rights
serving the term between 2005 and interests in accordance with
and 2008, provided full support for their contributions to the Beijing
the Olympic Movement and the Olympic Games. Major rights and
Beijing Olympic Games. Moreover, privileges included:

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 71

●  Use of symbols and typeface of BOCOG and the both a TOP and a Beijing 2008 Partner).
COC to promote products or services
●  Exclusive rights to promote certain products or The TOPs serving the term between 2005 and 2008
services included:
●  Games-time services such as accommodation,
venue access pass, tickets for the Opening and Closing ●  Coca-Cola (China)
Ceremonies and competition sessions, and use of the ●  GE
Sponsorship Hospitality Centre ●  Eastman Kodak
●  Privilege of purchasing the rights to run Games- ●  Manulife Canada
time TV commercials and outdoor advertisements ●  Omega (Switzerland)
●  Privilege of sponsoring cultural events such as the ●  Samsung Electronics
Olympic Torch Relay ●  Johnson & Johnson
●  Participation in sponsorship seminars and field ●  Lenovo
research organised by BOCOG ●  McDonald’s
●  Participation in sponsor recognition and ●  Panasonic Electronics
acknowledgement programmes implemented by ●  VISA International
BOCOG
●  BOCOG protection from damage caused by ambush Among these enterprises, Lenovo signed an
marketing agreement in Beijing in March 2004 with the IOC,
BOCOG and the Organising Committee for the Torino
2006 Olympic Winter Games, and became the first
4.1.2 Selection of Sponsors
Chinese enterprise recognised as a TOP.

As early as June 2002, BOCOG entrusted the China Recruitment of Beijing 2008 Partners began in
Enterprises Evaluation Association to give advice in November 2003, with the first targeted group
terms of the industries and enterprises that might including automobile, banking, and fixed and mobile
agree to be sponsors for the Olympic Games in Beijing. telecommunications industries. In April 2004, the
The research results were submitted to the IOC in second group of Partners were chosen from air travel,
December of the same year. petrochemical, sportswear, insurance and electricity
utility industries.
Selection of sponsors began right after the Marketing
Plan for the Games was launched. By the end of 2007, The agreement signed between BOCOG and the State
62 renowned enterprises from home and abroad had Grid of China in January 2006 marked the conclusion
become Beijing 2008 Partners, Sponsors and Suppliers, of Beijing 2008 Partners recruitment.
and 35 enterprises had been selected to sponsor the
Beijing Paralympic Games.

Beijing 2008 Partners

The Olympic Games in Beijing involved 12 TOPs and

11 Beijing 2008 Partners (Johnson & Johnson became

72 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 Beijing 2008 Partners
Enterprise Signing Date Sponsored Item

Volkswagen Group (China) June 10, 2004 Funding, vehicle and related services

Bank of China July 14, 2004 Financial services

China Mobile Communications July 21, 2004 Mobile telecommunications

Corporation

China Network Communications Group July 22, 2004 Fixed telecommunications

China National Petroleum Corporation May 30, 2005 Petrol and natural gas

China Petrochemical Corporation October 11, 2004 Funding, petrochemicals and related
services

Air China August 4, 2004 Air passenger transportation

Adidas (Suzhou) Corporation, Ltd. and January 24, 2005 Sports equipment and sportswear
Adidas-Salomon AG

Johnson & Johnson July 26, 2005 Personal care supplies

The People’s Insurance Company of China September 15, 2005 Insurance

State Grid Corporation of China January 24, 2006 Power supply

Beijing 2008 Sponsors

Recruitment of Beijing 2008 Sponsors began on March 31, 2005. By the end of that year, 10 enterprises from home
and abroad were selected, and [Link] became the first ever Internet sponsor in the history of the Olympic
Games.

Beijing 2008 Sponsors

Enterprise Signing Date Sponsored Item

United Parcel Service of America July 27, 2005 Logistics and express delivery
(UPS)

Haier Group August 12, 2005 Household appliances

Budweiser September 28, 2004 Beer

[Link] November, 7, 2005 Internet content service

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 73

 Enterprise Signing Date Sponsored Item

Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial November 16, 2005 Dairy products

Group Co., Ltd.

Tsingtao Beer Corporation Ltd. August 11, 2005 Beer

Beijing Yanjing Beer Company August 10, 2005 Beer

Ltd.

BHP Billiton Ltd. December 8, 2005 Minerals for medals

Heng Yuan Xiang (Group) Co., Ltd. December 22, 2005 Funding, clothing, household
textile and woolen products

Uni-President Investment ( China) September 12, 2006 Funding and related services
Corp.

Beijing 2008 Suppliers

The Beijing 2008 Exclusive Suppliers and Beijing 2008 Suppliers provided material support for preparing for and
hosting the Games. Between December 2005 and July 2007, 15 enterprises each were selected as Exclusive
Suppliers and Suppliers.

Beijing 2008 Exclusive Suppliers

Enterprise Signing Date Sponsored Item

COFCO Wines & Spirits (GREATWALL WINE) August 16, 2006 Wine

Jiali Grain And Oil (China) Co., Ltd. October 25, 2006 Cooking oil

Beijing Gehua Ticketmaster Ticketing October 27, 2006 Ticketing services

Mengna Hosiery March 1, 2006 Socks and related products

Beifa Group April 3, 2006 Stationery

Zhongshan Vantage Gas Appliances Stock Co., Ltd. April 28, 2006 Gas appliances

Beijing YADU Indoor Environmental Protection May 11, 2006 Air fresheners and humidifiers
Science & Technology Co., Ltd.

Effem Foods (Beijing) Co., Ltd. May 24, 2006 Chocolate products

Beijing Kinghey Foods Co., Ltd. July 26, 2006 Pork and pork products

Zhengzhou Synear Food Co. Ltd. September 4, 2006 Instant frozen foods

74 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 Enterprise Signing Date Sponsored Item

Technogym February 8, 2007 Fitness equipment

Hong Kong Royal Furniture Holding Limited March 9, 2007 Household furniture

Staples Commerce & Trade Co., Ltd. April 12, 2007 Office furniture

Temporary power generation

Aggreko International Power Projects July 10, 2007 and transmission devices and
thermostats

Schenker China Ltd. (Schenker Logistics) December 13, 2006 Shipping agents and Customs
clearance

Beijing 2008 Suppliers

Enterprise Signing Date Sponsored Item

Sports equipment for gymnastics,

Taishan Sports Industry Group Co., Ltd. May 16, 2007 judo, wrestling, taekwondo, boxing
and track & field

EF Business Consulting (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. March 2, 2007 Language training

Beijing Aifly Education & Technology Co. June 18, 2007 Language training

Crystal Digital Technology Co., Ltd. August 2, 2006 Image design

Yuanpei Century (Beijing) Education and December 30, Language service

Technology Co., Ltd. 2006

Aokang Group Co., Ltd. March 22, 2007 Leather products

Guangzhou Liby Enterprise Group Co., Ltd. April 10, 2007 Detergent

PWC Zhong Tian CPAs Co., Ltd. April 25, 2007 Accounting service

Guangzhou Dayang Motorcycle Co., Ltd. May 24, 2007 Motorcycles

Capital Information Development Holdings June 15, 2007 Language service

Co., Ltd.

Unipack (Beijing) Co., Ltd. July 09, 2007 Printing

Microsoft (China) Co., Ltd June 28, 2007 Software

Kokuyo Co., Ltd. (Japan) July 12, 2007 Office design

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 75

 Enterprise Signing Date Sponsored Item

Newauto Silicon Valley Video Technology Co., August 1, 2007 Computer translation service
Ltd.

Mondo (Italy) December 19, Basketball court, Handball cancha

2006 and track & field ground

Other Sponsorship Programmes Petroleum Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Coca

Cola (China) Beverage Co, Ltd., Panasonic Corporation
The Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay, with its duration and Adidas (Suzhou) Corporation Ltd. provided
and scale, needed an independent sponsorship sponsorship for the Chinese Paralympic Delegation. 10
programme. As the Torch Relay was internationally Beijing 2008 Sponsors and six Beijing 2008 Providers
held, BOCOG selected Coca-Cola (China), Samsung also became sponsors and partners of the Paralympic
Electronics and Lenovo as Torch Relay Partners. The Games in Beijing.
three enterprises enjoyed exclusive rights such as
the presence of their logos and brands throughout
torchbearer selection and relay legs at home and
4.1.3 Service for Sponsors
abroad. Volkswagen Group and Bank of China became
Torch Relay Suppliers. On February 2, 2005, BOCOG inaugurated the Beijing
2008 Olympic Games Partner Club, the first of its kind
In addition to sports equipment suppliers designated in Olympic Games history, with the hope of providing
by the IFs, BOCOG recruited 15 sports equipment a platform for the Beijing 2008 Partners to get together
manufacturers from home and abroad as Sports and communicate with each other.
Equipment Suppliers for 18 Olympic Game sports in
Beijing. These suppliers also took charge of installation, The BOCOG Marketing Department organised 16
adjustment and equipment maintenance. events after the club was established, which received
a warm welcome from the Partners. Many of them co-
On May 22, 2007, BOCOG and the Hong Kong Olympic sponsored the events.
Equestrian Committee launched the Beijing Olympic
Games Equestrian Events Marketing Programme , Between March 17 and April 1, 2008, in line with the
which was created to accommodate Olympic conventions of previous Olympic Games, BOCOG
enthusiasm of enterprises in Hong Kong by recruiting and the IOC jointly organised some 20 seminars for
local sponsors and licensed retailers. The sponsors, the Partners to exchange ideas about Games-time
including collaborative sponsors and supportive operation plans.
sponsors, were able to associate their logos and brands
with the Beijing Olympic Games equestrian events, the Between 2005 and 2008, an annual conference
Hong Kong Olympic Delegation and the Hong Kong was held for sponsors, at which important issues
Olympic Committee. were discussed and experiences exchanged. The
sponsors were also informed of the progress in Games
BOCOG also solicited sponsorship for the Beijing preparation.
Paralympic Games. Altogether 35 enterprises became
sponsors of the Beijing Paralympic Games, among Starting in 2007, the Marketing Department
whom were nine TOPs and 11 Beijing 2008 Partners. established a work team and appointed customer
Atos Origin (Beijing), Volkswagen Group (China), service managers to take charge of service for each
Omega (Switzerland), Lenovo Group, China National category of sponsorship (see the chart below).

76 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 Pre-Games Sponsor Services

Sponsorship contact

Symbol approval

Coordination & implementation

Customer Services VIK management

Support for Sponsors’ marketing and operation

Anti-ambush marketing

Sponsor participation in themed activities

Accommodation

Transportation

Services for
Receptions Ticketing
Sponsors
Security

Sponsor Hospitality Centre

Sponsor conferences

Sponsor-themed seminars
Conventions &
Activities Beijing 2008 Partner Club

Signing ceremonies and other activities

Marketing publicity

Sponsor identity programme

Publicity &
Identification Outdoor advertisement control and sales

Commercials and advertisement control and sales

Comprehensive Management, budgeting, foreign affairs, personnel,

Services information, chronicles, etc.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 77

During the Beijing Olympic Games, sponsor services During Games time, 35 sponsor reception hotels were
included the following tasks: prepared, with approximately 8,400 rooms. 760,000
tickets for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and
●  Assistance in implementing sponsor operation competition events were distributed to sponsors and
plans 1,053 vehicles were leased. 26,715 staff members from
●  Accommodation, transportation, accreditation, the sponsors received accreditation service, among
arrival & departure, security, ticketing, etc. whom, 364 were VIP accredited members. Rate Cards
●  Operation of the Sponsor Hospitality Centre were also available for sponsors in need of services
●  Accreditation operations at the airport such as vehicle and telecommunications.
●  Operation of sponsor hospitality suites
78 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 4.2 Licensing

The Beijing Olympic Games Olympic culture

Licensing Programme involved ●  Guaranteeing anti-counterfeiting
products carrying Olympic features for licensed products and
intellectual property rights, such cracking down on fake products
as the Beijing Olympic Games
emblem and mascots and the The Licensing Programme
commercial symbols of the Chinese was composed of three sub-
Olympic Committee. Enterprises programmes regarding licensed
manufacturing and marketing products, commemorative coins
these products had to obtain and commemorative stamps. It
authorisation from BOCOG. was carried out at home during
the second half of 2003 and
The Licensing Programme was internationally right after the Athens
aimed at promoting Olympic brands Olympic Games in 2004.
and images. A complete range
of products with unique Chinese
characteristics and Beijing flavour
4.2.1 Licensed Products
were designed to cater to different
customer groups. In August 2004, BOCOG started the
Beijing Olympic Games Licensing
In line with the Licensing Programme one-year trial operation.
Programme , BOCOG completed the On November 2, 2005, the Licensing
following tasks: Programme was officially launched.

●  Selecting enterprises to develop Production

product series to promote Beijing
1 Olympic brands and images In selecting licensed enterprises
2 ●  Formulating and implementing for production and sales, BOCOG
effective marketing strategies implemented several principles:
1. Inaugural Ceremony of the ●  Establishing an efficient retail
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games network for pre-Games and Games- ●  Basing selections on market
Partner Club (February 2, 2005) time product sales research, qualification assessment
2. Outside of the Olympic ●  Strengthening the image and field inspection
Hospitality Centre
of licensed shops to showcase ●  Focusing on financial strength,

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 79

design and production capacity, quality control, contract fulfillment assessment
environmental standards, anti-counterfeiting
measures, marketing strategies, sales network and In May 2006, recruitment of licensed enterprises
after-sales service was completed. Then on June 29, 23 manufacturers
●  Attaching importance to prompt license fee and 23 retailers signed contracts with BOCOG and
submission became the first Beijing Olympic Games licensed
●  Renewing contracts periodically in accordance with enterprises. Altogether BOCOG engaged 67 licensed

Opening of the Spring Fair of Licensed Olympic Products (April 4, 2006)

manufacturers and 81 licensed retailers from China’s To promote the licensed Olympic products, BOCOG
state-owned, joint-venture and private enterprises. reduced the licensing fee from 10 per cent to eight per
cent, and the price of Olympic souvenirs was lowered
BOCOG appointed a panel, composed of by eight to 10 per cent. These efforts were applauded
representatives from trade associations and experts by customers.
from various fields to examine licensed products in
terms of design, quality and price. A licensed product sales network, composed of
some 3,000 licensed shops, counters and agencies,
Promotion was established across the 31 Chinese provinces,
autonomous regions and municipalities. The postal
Over 7,000 different kinds of licensed products were sector and the rural commodity retail network were
developed for the Beijing Olympic Games, belonging to also incorporated to enhance sales of Olympic licensed
10 categories including badges, apparel and accessories, products. A licensed flagship shop was opened on
stationery, handicrafts, cases and bags, household textiles, the busy Wangfujing Commercial Street in downtown
articles of daily use, precious metal ware, precious stone Beijing. The shop covered an area of 1,000 square
and jade ware, and banners and flags. metres and offered a great variety of licensed Olympic

80 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

products. commemorative coins and bills.

In 2005, BOCOG launched the marketing of licensed The Beijing Olympic Games Commemorative Coins
products outside China. It signed agreements with the Programme was officially launched after BOCOG and
Olympic Committees of the United States, Canada, the People’s Bank of China signed with the IOC the
Japan and Britain and authorised them to conduct Agreement on Issuing Commemorative Coins for the
sales operations within their jurisdictions. Games of the XXIX Olympiad on April 26, 2006.

BOCOG also designated chief sales agencies to take July 2006 witnessed the first set of two general
charge of international sales of licensed products in commemorative coins and the first set of six precious
countries and regions other than the United States, metal commemorative coins. In September, BOCOG
Canada, Japan and Britain. and the People’s Bank of China jointly held in Beijing
the ceremony for issuing the coins.
In 2007, BOCOG even opened online shops to boost
the sales of licensed Olympic products. In December of the same year, the IOC and China
Gold Coin Corporation signed the Agreement on
During the Beijing Olympic Games, the BOCOG Distribution Sales of Commemorative Coins Outside
Marketing Department authorised four licensed the People’s Republic of China .
venue retailers to open 54 shops at 39 competition
and non-competition venues, which occupied a total In January 2007, a second set of eight precious metal
business area of more than 6,000 square metres and commemorative coins was unveiled, followed by a
covered almost all places of daily activities for athletes, second set of two general commemorative coins in July.
accredited members and spectators.
In 2008, the first commemorative bill in Olympic
On August 8, 2008, the 3,000-square-metre Beijing Games history made its debut, together with a third
Olympic Superstore was opened in the Olympic Green set of nine precious metal commemorative coins and
Central Area. the final set of three general commemorative coins.

Altogether, the People’s Bank of China issued 29

4.2.2 Commemorative Coins 10-kilogramme gold coins, 4,016 five-ounce gold
coins, 360,000 one-third-ounce gold coins, 40,016 one-
The Commemorative Coins Programme included kilogramme silver coins and 1.92 million one-ounce
general commemorative coins, precious metal silver coins. Altogether, nine types of gold coins and 14
commemorative coins and commemorative bills, types of silver coins were made public.
all featuring the Beijing Olympic Games emblem,
competition venues, competition events, places of As for general commemorative coins, between July 2006
interest in Beijing as well as Chinese cultural traditions. and July 2008, the People’s Bank of China issued eight
one-yuan commemorative coins, totalling 10 million
BOCOG authorised the People’s Bank of China, pieces with a total value of RMB 80 million. In 2008, the
the country’s only legitimate institution to issue Bank also issued 10 million 10-yuan commemorative
commemorative coins and bills, to exclusively bills, with a total value of RMB 100 million.
implement the Beijing Olympic Games
Commemorative Coins Programme .
4.2.3 Commemorative Stamps
In actual operation, the sales network of the China
Banknote Printing & Minting Corporation and the The Beijing Olympic Games Commemorative Stamps
China Gold Coin Corporation (both are subordinate Programme included general commemorative stamps,
to the People’s Bank of China), branches and offices special commemorative stamps and stamp collection
of the People’s Bank of China and Beijing Olympic products, all featuring Olympic intellectual property
Games licensed shops carried out marketing of rights.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 81

Counter for Beijing Olympic Games commemorative stamps at a post office in Beijing

●  General commemorative stamps focused on On November 11, 2005, Fuwa, the Beijing Olympic
subjects such as the Beijing Olympic Games emblem, Games mascots, were unveiled at the 1000-day
mascots, competition venues, competition events and countdown celebration for the opening of the
other themed activities. Olympic Games. The next day, in the Great Hall of
●  Special commemorative stamps were designed the People, BOCOG and China Post celebrated the
for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay, the gold issuance of Commemorative Stamps for the Beijing
medalists of the Games in Beijing as well as partners Olympic Games Emblem and Mascots, which had six
and sponsors of the Games. stamps featuring the emblem and the five mascots.
●  Stamp collection products included Beijing
Olympics-themed commemorative envelopes, first-day Commemorative stamps and stamp collection
covers, stamp folders, postcards and stamp albums. products released between January 2006 and
December 2007 were primarily aimed to promote
China Post’s sales network and licensed Beijing Olympic knowledge as well as introduce competition
Olympic Games shops handled marketing of events and Beijing Olympic venues.
commemorative stamps and stamp collection
products. Promotion outside the jurisdiction of the Starting in January 2008, emphasis of the
Chinese Olympic Committee was conducted in line Commemorative Stamps Programme was shifted
with relevant IOC regulations. to promoting events such as the Torch Relay,
the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and sports
As early as July 13, 2002, BOCOG issued the competitions of the Games. Throughout 2008,
commemorative envelope, stamp folder and BOCOG and China Post released eight sets of Olympic
commemorative badge for the first anniversary of commemorative stamps and hundreds of kinds of
Beijing's successful bid for the Olympic Games. stamp collection products. They also jointly issued
commemorative stamps with London, the Host City of
On November 7, 2005, the Beijing Olympic Games the Olympic Games in 2012.
Commemorative Stamps Programme was officially
launched with BOCOG and China Post signing a Altogether, 116 million copies of 24 standard
licensed operation agreement on issuance of the commemorative stamps with a face value ranging
commemorative stamps and stamp collection from 60 fen to 15 yuan each were sold. Sales of
products. The Programme would cover the span special commemorative stamps and stamp collection
from the debut of the official mascots to the products totalled 3.5 million copies and one million
commencement of the Olympic Games. copies respectively.
82 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 4.3 Ticketing

As one of the three major ●  Supervising ticket manufacturing

components of the Marketing Plan and distribution
for the Beijing Olympic Games , ●  Managing Games-time venue
the Ticketing Programme was ticketing operations
launched in October 2006. Ticketing
service operations were created In designing and manufacturing
in preparing for and hosting the tickets for the Games, anti-
Games, with 6.5 million tickets sold counterfeiting features including
in total. Radio Frequency Identification
(RFiD) technology, as well as
environmentally-friendly materials
4.3.1 Preparations and high-tech printing, were
employed. RFiD technology also
At the beginning, the BOCOG made ticket checking fairly easy.
Marketing Department was in
charge of the Programme . In Through tender and bid, BOCOG
September 2006, the Beijing selected Beijing Gehua Ticketmaster,
Olympic Ticketing Centre was an experienced ticketing agency
established to take over ticketing which had participated in ticketing
operations for the Opening and operations within the Chinese
Closing Ceremonies as well as mainland during the previous
sports events during the Olympic Olympic Games, as the exclusive
and Paralympic Games. Major tasks ticketing service provider. The
completed by the Ticketing Centre agency developed the Ticketing
included: System and integrated resources for
ticketing operations.
●  Formulating policies and the
operational plan Income level of the Chinese public
●  staging publicity campaign for was taken into consideration in
ticketing operations deciding on ticket prices.
●  Opening up sales channels
●  Developing and maintaining the On November 29, 2006, BOCOG
Beijing Olympic Ticketing System announced the highest and lowest
●  Implementing ticket sales ticket prices for the Opening and

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 83

Sample ticket for the Beijing Olympic Games

Closing Ceremonies and competition events. On Apart from reserved seats, in accordance with Olympic
March 8, 2007, the official Beijing Olympic ticket conventions, for accredited members and camera
website was put into operation, with detailed ticket positions as well as for unexpected guests, about 6.8
prices released to the public. million tickets were available for sale. In line with IOC
policies, these tickets were available to the public, with
Tickets for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of no free tickets offered. Ticket sales mainly targeted
the Beijing Olympic Games were priced in five classes, contracted clients and spectators from home and
ranging respectively from RMB 200 to 5000 and from abroad.
RMB 150 to 3,000.
Tickets sold to overseas clients, including international
Price ranges of the tickets for some popular sports are spectators, accounted for 25 per cent of the total, and
listed below: Chinese clients and spectators took up a 75 per cent
share.
●  Athletics - RMB 50 to 800
●  Basketball - RMB 50 to1000 Some 60,000 tickets were available for the Opening
●  Diving - RMB 60 to 500 Ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, in which over
●  Swimming - RMB 100 to 800 26,000 were sold to Chinese spectators, accounting
●  Football - RMB 40 to 800 for 40.8 per cent of the total. This represented a seven
percentage point increase compared with that of the
Tickets for some events, such as mountain bike cycling, Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
modern pentathlon, 10-kilometre swimming and
boxing, cost even less, ranging from RMB 30 to 50.
Some sports did not require tickets at all, such as road
4.3.2 Sales Operation
cycling and walking.
BOCOG signed the Agreement on Ticket Sales for
In line with the Olympic Education Programme , the Beijing Olympic Games with the NOCs and their
980,000 tickets, accounting for 14 per cent of the ticket agents to standardise international ticketing
total, were subsidised by BOCOG for primary and operations. Tickets were sold to the NOCs or their
middle school students and young athletes. Tickets for designated ticket agents before they were made
preliminary competitions cost only RMB 5, and those available to the international public.
for finals only RMB 10.
Residents in Hong Kong and Macao Special
According to statistics, the average ticket price for the Administrative Regions were able to buy tickets
Beijing Olympic Games was RMB 158. 14 per cent of from agents designated by the Hong Kong Olympic
the tickets ranged from RMB 5 to 10, 31 per cent from Committee and the Macao Sport Development Board,
RMB 20 to 80, 50 per cent from RMB 100 to 500, and and residents in Taiwan could obtain tickets from
five per cent from RMB 600 to 1000. the agent appointed by the Chinese Taipei Olympic

84 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Committee. then supervised the service provider to improve the
Ticketing System and organised third-party tests.
Ticket sales on the Chinese mainland were carried out Ticketing policy was shifted to “open application for
with the following principles: random selection through drawing lots”. One month
later, Phase Two of ticket sales was resumed, and no
●  Provide every citizen with equal opportunities to further technical breakdown occurred.
purchase tickets
●  Conduct ticketing operations in stages During Phase Three, which was between April 2008
●  Simplify sales procedures and the opening of the Beijing Olympic Games, real-
time ticket sales took place. The policy was still “first-
Major channels for ordering tickets included the official come, first-served”, and tickets sold were ones left from
Beijing Olympic ticketing website, hotlines of the the two previous phases.
Beijing Olympic Ticketing Centre and 1,000 designated
ticket sales counters at Bank of China offices across the Phase Four, ticket sales during the Olympic Games,
country, or competition venue box offices. was also carried out in the principle of “first-come,
first-served”, during which all the tickets left from the
From April to September 2007, Phase One of ticketing previous three phases were made available.
operations (advance booking) was conducted, during
which the applicants obtained the right of buying Between April and June 2008, tickets ordered during
tickets for certain competitions instead of actual tickets the first two phases were printed, which were then
with seat numbers. Booking was carried out in the distributed to buyers between June and July.
form of drawing lots.
Contracted clients and ticket agents for NOCs
Phase Two of ticketing operations started in October were required to pick up their tickets at designated
2007 in the principle of “first-come, first-served”. box offices. The NOC ticket agents took charge of
Despite the fact that the Beijing Olympic Ticketing distributing tickets to international buyers. Buyers on
System had undergone several rounds of tests and had the Chinese mainland collected their tickets at the
been working properly in Phase One, it broke down 1,000 designated ticket sales counters in Bank of China
soon after Phase Two was launched due to too many offices across the country.
visits at the same time. The ticket service provider
implemented emergency back-up plan but this did 6.5 million out of 6.8 million tickets were sold for the
not work. Beijing Olympic Games, accounting for 95.6 per cent of
the total.
The Ticketing Centre had to suspend ticket sales. It

Ticket Sales to Major Clients

Percentage of
Market Segment Tickets Sold
Tickets Sold

IOC and Future OCOGs 86,939 1%

IFs 59,465 1%

TOPs + BOCOG Partners and Suppliers 656,805 10%

Broadcasters 52,472 1%

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 85

 Percentage of
Market Segment Tickets Sold
Tickets Sold

NOCs 922,495 14%

Chinese General Public 4,685,879 72%

Total 6,464,055 100%

Domestic Ticket Sales through Different Channels

Phase Bank Outlets Calling Centre Official Website Venue Box Offices Total

193,284 2,956 1,038,642 0

1 1,234,882
16% 0% 84% 0%

138,358 2,032 287,607 0

2 427,997
32% 0% 67% 0%

258,341 1,245 565,829 62,854

3 888,269
29% 0% 64% 7%

0 5,518 0 518,344
4 523,862
0% 1% 0% 99%

Total 19% 0% 62% 19% 3,075,010

Visitors to the official website of the Beijing Olympic Also, thanks to BOCOG’s policy of “restriction on the
Ticket Centre peaked at 173 million times per day, and number of tickets available”, as well as the effective
the daily sales record was 510,000 tickets. 187 of the anti-scalping operations jointly conducted by the
205 NOCs participated in ticketing operations. Ticketing Centre, the BOCOG Legal Affairs Department
and Security Department, as well as concerned
Supervision by the National Audit Office of the departments of the IOC, scalpers were rare throughout
People’s Republic of China showed that no violation ticketing operations, who were dealt with according to
of ticketing policies or procedures was found with relevant laws and regulations.
the work of the Beijing Olympic Ticketing Centre.

86 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Citizens wait for football preliminary tickets

Summary
The Marketing Plan for the Beijing Olympic Games , number of well-known brands, but also rewarded
implemented in line with the conventions of the the participants of the Programme with handsome
Olympic Movement and the concepts of “Green financial returns.
Olympics, High-tech Olympics and People’s Olympics”,
ensured that the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic The Beijing Olympic Ticketing Programme was
Games obtained sufficient funds and reliable technical developed with several special features. Income
and service support. It also encouraged the extensive levels of the Chinese general public were assessed
participation of enterprises from home and abroad. to ensure ticket availability. Low-priced tickets were
reserved for primary and middle school students and
In implementing the Sponsor Programme , selection young athletes in upholding the Olympic Education
of and service for Beijing 2008 Partners, Sponsors Programme . Fair and transparent procedures were
and Suppliers were emphasised, and in carrying adopted, and problems were dealt with effectively.
out the Licensing Programme , products of various All these measures helped set a number of historic
categories were designed and manufactured to satisfy Olympic records for ticketing operations during the
the demand of the market. This not only fostered a Games in Beijing.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 87

88 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 Chapter 5
Finance
Financial management of the Beijing Olympic Games involved operations
regarding overall budget and accounting plans, financial management
regulations, accounting and clearance, foreign exchange management,
preferential Games-related insurance and taxation policies, and Rate Card
and VIK services.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 89

New automatic teller machine at an Olympic venue

90 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 5.1 Budgeting

The BOCOG Finance Department studies were carried out on budget

took charge of planning and items, with planned revenue
revising the overall Games budget verified and cash flow statements
and hired financial firms to assist in completed. The department
auditing and supervision. also standardised budget
implementation statistics and
income-expenditure analysis.
5.1.1 Planning and
Adjustments In addition, the Finance Department
worked with the Co-host Cities on
In compiling the budget plan, their budget plans and helped them
BOCOG did the following: settle problems.

●  Negotiating with the Chinese Three major adjustment sessions

Central Government and took place in budget planning.
governments of Beijing and the Co-
host Cities The first readjustment was
●  Referencing budget plans completed in May 2005, in which
of the previous Games and necessary items were added and
communicating with the IOC expenditures for all budget items
●  Consulting Chinese and were recalculated.
international experts
In April 2007, following the
All other BOCOG departments IOC’s advice, the second budget
submitted their individual budget readjustment was carried out, and
plans and had discussions with the rights and responsibilities of
the Finance Department about BOCOG, government authorities
adjustments and final confirmation. and the Co-host Cities were clarified.

The Finance Department organised In April 2008, the Finance

a special panel to make plans Department released the final
for revenue, expenditure and edition of the Overall Budget
auditing, as well as a budget for Plan for the Beijing Olympic and
the Paralympic Games. Feasibility Paralympic Games and confirmed

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 91

the planned expenditure for the Games, which was budgets of collaborative projects, large-scale events,
approved by the IOC. BOCOG reception activities, Good Luck Beijing Test
Events, etc.
In preparing for the Games, the Finance Department
continued to make minor adjustments to the Drawing on the experience from the Good Luck Beijing
budgeted items with four focuses: Test Events in 2007, BOCOG improved the general
policies on financial management of the venue teams.
●  Revising the budget in accordance with updated
information about contracts and revenue The department also drafted the Rules for Utilising
●  Providing financial support for new plans proposed Public Welfare Lottery Funds for the Olympic Projects
by relevant departments and ensured allocation of Olympics-related lottery
●  Increasing funds for venue operations funds with the support of the Ministry of Finance of
●  Integrating demands of the Olympic and Paralympic the People’s Republic of China.
Games
Management in Venuisation

5.1.2 Budget Implementation

Management and services were equally emphasised in
venuisation.
To efficiently implement the budget and provide
reliable financing for the Games, the BOCOG Finance To help the venue teams handle problems they
Department adhered to the following principles: frequently encountered, a training manual for venue
team financial management was compiled and
●  Observing relevant state finance laws and training sessions were offered. For specific problems,
regulations as well as IOC practices the Finance Department communicated with the
●  Exercising integral financial management team concerned to work out a solution.
●  Opening up financial resources
●  Focusing on key projects The Finance Department coordinated with the other
●  Practising thrift BOCOG departments in checking funds to be allocated
●  Balancing revenue and expenditure to venue teams and released funds to approved
projects. Prior to the opening of the Games, the
Rules and Regulations department allocated some RMB 300 million for the
venue teams to conduct operations.
The Finance Department formulated rules and
regulations to better control the size of the overall The Finance Department also worked with local
budget. authorities to help the venue teams solve financial
problems regarding competition organisation and
For items budgeted at RMB one million or less, BOCOG venue operations.
designated third party agencies to make project
appraisals before granting approval. During this period, management of funds was
strengthened. Regulations on use of funds were
For projects exceeding RMB one million, BOCOG finalised and unnecessary expenditures were trimmed.
formulated the Rules Concerning Large-sum
Expenditures , which required a panel of experts from
all relevant departments to evaluate the projects.
5.1.3 “Thrifty Games”

It was estimated that these measures helped cut the The BOCOG Finance Department implemented more
budget by 10 to 15 per cent and a total of RMB one than 40 rules and regulations to standardise financial
billion was saved. management.

A variety of methods were employed to manage the Budget plans were carefully reviewed before

92 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

implementation. A budget implementation institutions to take part in the appraisal of BOCOG
information system was established, with a warning budget planning. Appraisals were also conducted on
mechanism to fend off financial risks. large-sum expenditures in case of overspending.

The Finance Department abided by the principle Renowned Chinese accounting firms were hired as
of transparent and effective utilisation of funds and independent third parties to perform financial and
material resources in preparing for the Games. asset auditing.

Regulations were formulated concerning government BOCOG placed considerable emphasis on financial
procurement, bid and tender, business negotiation, returns. In preparing for the Games, the Finance
control of large-sum expenditure, etc. Department conducted portfolio investments in terms
of RMB and U.S. dollars without impairing fund security
In fulfilling contracts, fund management procedures and fluidity. The yearly interest return reached RMB
were strictly followed. 314 million and US$ 40 million respectively.

While small purchases were completed by the BOCOG To minimise financial risks in the event of RMB
departments themselves, most of the materials and appreciation against U.S. dollar, the Finance
services were obtained by the Finance Department, Department and Bank of China signed an agreement
and outsourced projects were implemented through on fixing the RMB exchange rate against the U.S.
bid and tender and open negotiation. dollar in the long term. Exchange settlements in line
with this arrangement amounted to US$ 335 million,
The Finance Department invited the Beijing Finance effectively averting potential risks caused by exchange
and Investment Evaluation Centre and other financial rate fluctuation.

Interns with the BOCOG Finance Department

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 93

BOCOG seminar on financial management

94 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

5.2 Accounting Management

In line with the Accounting Law The Finance Department assisted

of the People’s Republic of China, the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay
Regulations for Accounting of Centre and the BOCOG Opening &
Non-profit Organisations and Closing Ceremonies Department
other related laws and regulations, in improving their accounting
BOCOG formulated the Accounting management.
Methods of the Beijing Organising
Committee for the Games of Accounts were opened specifically
the XXIX Olympiad , which was to handle revenue from ticketing,
approved by the Ministry of Finance accommodation, catering, Rate
of the People’s Republic of China. Card, etc. Special regulations and
management procedures were
formulated for these accounts, with
5.2.1 Focuses of designated supervisory personnel.
Management
The department participated
The BOCOG Finance Department in the management of BOCOG
attached great importance to contracts, offering financial advice
accounting to ensure efficient fund before contracts were signed, and
use. monitored account settlements as
contracts were implemented. Also,
Regular reviews were conducted a contract financial management
on accounting results, during which module was added to BOCOG’s
review standards and settlement financial information system.
procedures were constantly
improved. Drawing on the experience from
the Good Luck Beijing Test Events,
The accounting settlement system the department offered training
was established, with accounting for venue finance managers and
management software updated convened regular meetings for
regularly to guarantee smooth financial management operations.
operations. In collaboration with accounting
firms, the department also

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 95

conducted on-site auditing and supervision. Accounting management of competition venues was
either entrusted to designated accounting firms, or
The Finance Department coordinated with the undertaken by the sub-centre or the venue teams.
People's Bank of China (China’s central bank) and Bank
of China to improve flexibility of venue team accounts Accounting operations for non-competition venues,
in order to guarantee efficiency in account settling. except for the Beijing Capital International Airport and
the Beijing Olympic Village, were implemented by the
Finance Department.
5.2.2 Games-time Accounting
The department allocated subsidiaries to the owners
As the Olympic venues in Beijing were located in of (or local authorities in charge of) individual training
different districts and counties, the BOCOG Finance venues, who would make their own decisions on fund
Department adopted various management methods use.
in line with the actual conditions of each venue.
Despite the fact that multiple management methods
The department established a sub-centre for brought certain complexity to the work of the Finance
accounting operations of competition venues in the Department, they greatly facilitated smooth Games-
Olympic Green and its surrounding areas. time accounting operations.

96 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

5.3 Banking, Insurance and Taxation

While strengthening financial venues worked well.

management and accounting
control, the BOCOG Finance Bank of China set up five temporary
Department coordinated with banking offices in the Olympic
government authorities and venues. In addition to personal
financial and business institutions to service, the offices offered corporate
provide services regarding banking, banking assistance concerning
insurance and taxation. temporary banking accounts,
Games-time orders of the Beijing
Olympic Broadcasting Co., Ltd
5.3.1 Banking (BOB), Rate Card service and cash
collection.
BOCOG, Bank of China’s Olympic
Affairs Office and VISA International Bank of China also sent staff to
co-founded the financial service work with the venue teams and
mechanism for the Beijing Olympic dispatched armoured cash transit
Games. vehicles.

During the Good Luck Beijing Facts about Games-time Banking

Test Events, the BOCOG Finance Service
Department formulated a financial
service plan and coordinated with The 26 ATM and 1,343 POS
Bank of China to implement services, machines at all competition and
which laid a solid foundation for non-competition venues ran
Games-time operations. smoothly throughout the Games.
7,819 transactions were completed
Games-time Arrangements at the ATMs of the five temporary
banking offices in the Olympic
During the Beijing Olympic and venues, with a total transaction
Paralympic Games, the Automatic volume of RMB 10.87 million.
Teller Machines (ATM) and Point
of Sales (POS) machines in all Some 160 staff at Bank of China’s
competition and non-competition temporary banking offices worked

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 97

PICC Property and Casualty Co. Ltd., signs to become a Beijing 2008 Partner

more than 12 hours a day and handled altogether remittance and cash withdrawal. Approval and
66,670 individual transactions of foreign currency implementation of these policies helped secure quality
exchange, totalling RMB 67.76 million. 9,909 corporate financial services for all Olympic Family members.
banking transactions were completed.
Assisted by Bank of China, the Finance Department
A total of 898 banking staff assisted in selling selected financial products to preserve asset value, and
meal tickets, cashiering and counterfeit banknote prepared contracts in terms of RMB to reduce potential
identification at the venues. financial risks.

Armoured cash transit vehicles were sent nearly 40

times to guarantee the distribution of allowance, US$
5.3.2 Insurance
3.1 million in total, to 2,090 technical officials.
In December 2006, BOCOG’s Compendium of Overall
At BOCOG’s request, Bank of China also established Insurance Planning was approved by the IOC. BOCOG
a foreign currency exchange counter in the Olympic then worked with the People’s Insurance Company
Youth Camp. of China Property and Casualty Co. Ltd. (PICC P&C) to
formulate the Insurance & Claims Settlement Work Plan
Regulation of Foreign Exchange for the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as
well as the Games-time insurance operational plan.
Starting in 2006, the BOCOG Finance Department
applied to the People’s Bank of China and the State Service Plans
Administration of Foreign Exchange for Olympics-
related RMB and foreign exchange regulation policies BOCOG and PICC P&C made an overall Games-time
concerning transactions such as foreign exchange claim settlement plan as well as six sub-plans to cover

98 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Olympic Family members and volunteers, vehicles, the designated Olympic hospitals to open green channels
Torch Relay, the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and for claim settlements. This arrangement enabled
sailing and equestrian events. patients to receive medical treatment and claim their
losses promptly.
Five categories of insurance policies were developed
regarding comprehensive liability, vehicle, property, In preparing for the Olympic Games, the BOCOG
and life insurance for client groups and volunteers, Finance Department completed 120 insurance
covering almost every aspect in regard to the property, transactions, which covered 207,182 people, 7,379
persons and activities involved in the Beijing Olympic vehicles, 184 vessels, and all BOCOG assets.
and Paralympic Games.
Throughout the Games, 2,577 accident claims,
BOCOG and PICC P&C conducted risk assessments including some 100 major accidents, were handled.
before the Games and prepared contingency schemes BOCOG and PICC P&C also worked closely with
and claim settlement plans to minimise risks involved international organisations to conduct five first aid and
in the Games. medical repatriation operations for Olympic Family
members and international volunteers.
Operational Mechanism

Prior to the Games, BOCOG and PICC P&C organised

5.3.3 Preferential Tax Policies
insurance service training and rehearsals for members
of the insurance service team and venue finance In line with the practice of previous Games, the
managers. Chinese government adopted 89 preferential
tax policies to ease the tax burden of the Games’
During the Games, the Beijing Olympic Insurance organisers and participants.
Service Command Centre was established, with
an 800-member insurance service team (260 of Related Organisations
whom were accredited staff) deployed at all venues,
designated Olympic hospitals and transit hubs to As one of the major beneficiaries of the Olympics
handle claim settlements. and Paralympics-related tax breaks, BOCOG enjoyed
preferential policies regarding value added tax,
BOCOG bought comprehensive liability insurance with consumption tax, tariff, sales tax, corporate income tax,
PICC P&C to cover all potential risks in preparing for land appreciation tax, stamp tax, vehicle and vessel tax
and hosting the Games. With only one policy, not only and vehicle purchase tax.
were all liabilities covered, but insurance costs were
also reduced and claim settlements were made easier. Income of the IOC and the IPC related to the Beijing
Olympic Games and generated within China, was exempt
In addition, the practice of “open policy” was adopted from taxation. Stamp tax regarding Games-related
and PICC P&C underwrote BOCOG’s changing assets contracts signed with the IOC was also written off.
with a fixed rate, which extended coverage to
purchased or rented assets. The Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) enjoyed
business and stamp tax breaks, including stamp tax
Olympic Family members and volunteers were regarding Games-related contracts and business
protected through life and medical insurance as well tax regarding income share paid on installments by
as first aid and medical repatriation service. Life and BOCOG in line with the Joint Market Development
medical insurance would not only cover accidental Agreement and profit share paid by BOCOG in line
injury, death, disability and burns but also compensate with the Host City Contract .
for certain medical expenses.
China Disabled Persons’ Federation was also exempt
As most of the claims were related to accidental from taxation regarding the income share paid on
injury or illness, BOCOG and PICC P&C worked with installments by BOCOG in line with the Joint Market

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 99

 Development Agreement. from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as
overseas businesses which operated on the Chinese
Games Broadcasters mainland.

Beijing Olympic Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (BOB) enjoyed Materials donated for Olympics-related construction
several tax breaks, including: were exempt from income tax.

●  Business tax on funds from BOCOG for BOB’s TV Land appropriation for Olympic venue and facility
broadcast operations construction was exempt from tax.
●  Business tax on BOB’s income from work space and
equipment lease, as well as related service VIK donated by partners and sponsors was exempt
●  Tariff on BOB’s import of broadcast equipment from income tax, and VIK in the form of financial
consumables service, telecommunications service, information
●  Tariff on BOB’s import of broadcast equipment (tax consultation and insurance was exempt from business
would be imposed if the equipment was transferred tax.
out of China later than the date specified on the bank-
issued Letter of Indemnity ) Individuals

Other entities, including Olympic Broadcasting Services Athletes did not have to pay income tax for prize
(OBS), were also entitled to certain tax breaks: money and other award proceeds.

●  Business tax and provision for income tax on the Individuals making financial contributions to BOCOG,
income of OBS from its technical and management the COC, the IOC and Beijing Municipality (less than
services for the Games 30 per cent of their total income) were exempt from
●  Business tax and provision for income tax on the individual income tax.
income of OBS and other overseas entities from leasing
imported equipment to BOB International experts, referees and other technical
officials, as well as Chinese technical officials, working
Donors and Sponsors for the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games were
exempt from tax on their income obtained during the
Income tax was written off on donation and Games.
sponsorship from enterprises, including businesses

100 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

5.4 Rate Card and Value in Kind

In line with the Host City Contract , work area, photo work area and
Rate Card was provided for client media stand at competition and
groups, so that they were able to non-competition venues)
obtain equipment rental service ●  Broadcasters (in the IBC, photo
at the most competitive price. work area and commentator work
Value in Kind (VIK) offered by area at competition venues)
Olympic sponsors constituted a ●  Olympic sponsors (at the Sponsor
major material source for Rate Card Hospitality Centre and licensed
service. shops at competition and non-
competition venues)

5.4.1 Rate Card Service BOCOG set up an on-line ordering

Contents system, through which client groups
were able to purchase products
Non-profit Rate Card service was and services with their designated
aimed at providing client groups usernames and passwords.
with necessary material support
during Games time. Products and services available with
Rate Card are listed below:
Client groups requiring Rate Card
service mainly included: ●  Fixed telecommunications
devices
●  NOC delegations (inside the ●  Internet accessing devices
Olympic Village) ●  Data transmission devices
●  The IOC (at the Olympic Family ●  Mobile telecommunications
Hotels, the IOC Marketing Club devices
in the Sponsor Hospitality Centre ●  Audio-visual products
and doping-control stations at ●  Printing and copying machines
competition venues) ●  Information technology and
●  The IFs (in offices for IFs equipment
chairpersons, secretary-generals ●  Furniture and household
and technical officials at Olympic appliances
venues) ●  Energy products
●  Media (in the MPC, and media ●  Vehicles

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 101

 Statistics showed that during the Beijing Olympic At the Sponsor Hospitality Centre, the team assisted in
and Paralympic Games, the Rate Card service team distributing 506 products and services required by 14
received some 700 clients, providing over 430 kinds of sponsors.
products and 42,000 types of services.
At vehicle dispatch centres, the team made 1,500
vehicle reservations for clients and offered one-stop
5.4.2 Rate Card Service Operations vehicle rental service.

Games-time Rate Card services included material and Provisional Order Processing
equipment distribution, provisional order processing,
and maintenance and technical support. After the It was preferred that Rate Card service orders be
Games, the Rate Card service team worked with made before the Games. However, most local media
technical and logistics sectors to collect materials and agencies at the Beijing Olympic Games submitted
equipment. provisional orders during Games time.

Distribution When the MPC was open on July 8, 2008, for example,
the media Rate Card service centre received 1,633
At the IBC and the MPC, the Rate Card service team orders, and over 300 Internet access cards were
distributed materials and equipment used for sold. The service centre adjusted its work schedule
private rental space to 112 media agencies and 114 accordingly and offered round-the-clock service to
broadcasters. handle orders.

The team helped launch requested technical services The Rate Card work group in the Beijing Olympic
on previously set dates, and assisted in equipment Village received 94 orders from 63 clients concerning
performance tests. It also offered technical support 175 pieces of technical equipment and 43 pieces of
and maintenance service for equipment brought by furniture, as well as orders for vehicle service.
clients themselves.
Maintenance and Technical Support
The Rate Card service team cooperated with the
technical and logistics teams in the Olympic Village The Rate Card service team was responsible for
in distributing materials and equipment to NOC maintenance and technical support for all equipment
delegations, sponsors, contractors and the IOC. and services it provided. During the Games, it received
some 10,000 visits concerning maintenance and

102 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 1 2

1. Chef de Mission of the Luxemburg

Olympic delegation receives a SIM card
at the Rate Card Office

2. Inside of the Sponsor Hospitality

Centre

technical support. vehicle service, energy, etc., accounting for 23 per cent
of the total financial support BOCOG received.
For example, in order to respond to complaints from
major media agencies about slow Internet access BOCOG incorporated VIK operations into overall
speed, the Rate Card service centre coordinated with financial management and prioritised VIK procurement
the technical support sector to handle the problem. over cash purchase of materials and equipment to
The service centre also worked with the technical reduce cash disbursement and maximise the financial
support sector and China Mobile Communications value of VIK.
Corporation to offer low-price Wi-Fi service and
expand WLAN coverage in the Media Villages. The BOCOG Finance Department took charge of VIK
management in the following aspects:
Post-Games Collection
●  Formulating VIK management policies and
As all Rate Card users were to leave between procurement procedures
August 24 and 29, 2008, the Rate Card service ●  Negotiating contracts with sponsors regarding VIK
team, in collaboration with technical, logistics and supply
transportation sectors, laid out detailed collection ●  Offering VIK marketing advice based on market
plans and contacted users to confirm the materials research and budgeting
and equipment that needed to be brought back. ●  Inviting participation of third parties in VIK contract
negotiation and VIK pricing
Most of the materials and equipment were collected ●  Coordinating VIK procurement, including
in a timely manner. For example, about 90 per cent of procurement made by the COC, BOB and the Co-host
leased vehicles were returned within four days. Cities
●  Checking accounts with VIK sponsors on a quarterly
basis
5.4.3 VIK Management ●  Assisting relevant departments in tracking VIK
distribution, and supervising post-Games VIK collection
Among the more than 130 sponsors of the Beijing ●  Establishing a database about experts and
Olympic and Paralympic Games, 78 offered VIK support organisations conducting VIK pricing review, and
in addition to cash contributions. managing VIK data

VIK offers included over 100 kinds of materials and The Finance Department and other BOCOG functional
services covering information technology, finance, departments worked together to define products and

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 103

 services needed, so that VIK supply would correspond departments and functional areas strictly abide by
to the demands of the Games. VIK management regulations when conducting VIK
procurement.
The Finance Department then negotiated with
potential VIK sponsors on the basis of budget to settle BOCOG cooperated with the sponsors in the spirit
categories and pricing of VIK supply. Assessments of mutual understanding to effectively handle issues
were conducted on sponsors’ supply capacity, with arising in VIK operations.
marketing projects carried out accordingly.
After the Games, the remainder of VIK supply was
In implementing VIK operations, the Finance transformed into cash, totalling RMB 300 million.
Department made sure that venue teams, related
104 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 Solar-powered street lamps

Summary
BOCOG set its goal for financial operations as provisions and practices of the Olympic Movement.
supporting a world-class Olympic Games with
necessary infrastructure and financial resources as well The Finance Department established effective
as fulfilling all commitments made to the IOC and the mechanisms and adopted sound work procedures
international community. to strengthen budget implementation, accounting
management and services of banking, insurance and
The BOCOG Finance Department worked efficiently taxation, which all helped achieve thrifty Olympic and
on budgeting and financial management in line Paralympic Games in Beijing.
with China’s laws and regulations, as well as relevant

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 105

106 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 Chapter 6
Law Enforcement and
Discipline Inspection
Beijing’s Olympic legislation initiative, with the focus on Olympics-related
contract supervision and protection of Olympic intellectual property rights,
not only helped ensure the success of the Olympic Games, but also raised
the Chinese society’s awareness of administration by the rule of law. The
mechanism BOCOG established to audit and supervise its internal operations,
Olympic venue construction and Games-time venue operations will leave a
rich legacy for government departments and public institutions.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 107

 6.1 Law Enforcement

In 2002, the Beijing Olympic Action Olympic Games.

Plan was released, in which Beijing ●  Beijing’s Olympic legislation, as a
made the commitment that it supplement to the state legislation,
would step up the protection of should essentially be based on
Olympic symbols and provide a China’s existing legal system.
legal guarantee for hosting the
Olympic Games. Legislative activities triggered by
the Beijing Olympic Games included
those that were directly related to
6.1.1 Olympic Legislation the Games, addressing issues such
as Olympic intellectual property
Guided by the National People’s rights (IPR) protection and entry
Congress (China’s top legislature) & exit control of NOC delegations
and the State Council of China, the and their personal belongings; and
Beijing Municipal People’s Congress those that were indirectly related,
(Beijing’s top legislature) and the concerning city operations during
Beijing Municipal Government the Games preparation.
strove to improve laws and
regulations related to the legal After winning the bid for the
environment in preparing for and Olympic Games, Beijing laid down
hosting the Olympic Games. 16 legislative initiatives which
touched upon legal aspects
Olympic legislation was conducted of Olympic IPR, construction
in two principles: and management of accessible
facilities, doping control, public
●  Preparation for and hosting security of large-scale events, radio
of the Beijing Olympic Games management, volunteer service,
should adhere to China’s laws food safety, media operations, anti-
and regulations. In addition, full smoking, etc.
1 respect should be given to Beijing’s
commitment in the Host City In October 2001, the Beijing
Contract and the conventions and Municipal Government
1. 100-day countdown to the Opening norms established in the Olympic promulgated the Regulations on
Ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games Charter and during the previous Protection of Olympic Intellectual

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 109

 Olympics-related legal documents presented to law enforcement institutions

Property Rights in Beijing . launched a number of Olympic legislation publicity

and education campaigns.
In February 2002, the State Council of China issued
the Regulations on Protection of Olympic Symbols , On March 27, 2007, for instance, the Office of Beijing
and in November 2006, the Regulations on Reporting Legal Publicity and Education Leading Group, the
Activities in China by Foreign Journalists during the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Justice and the BOCOG
Beijing Olympic Games and the Preparatory Period . Legal Affairs Department jointly launched a three-
month campaign, using public transport vehicles as
Three large-scale opinion polls concerning Olympic the “classroom” to promote, in the form of posters and
legislation were conducted in Beijing, which solicited video clips, the Law of the People's Republic of China
over 100 proposals. on Road Traffic Safety , Law of the People's Republic of
China on Public Security Administration Punishments ,
In 2007, the Standing Committee of Beijing Regulations on Protection of Olympic Symbols ,
Municipal People’s Congress issued the Resolutions and Regulations of Beijing on City Appearance and
on Strengthening the Legal System for Preparing Environmental Sanitation .
and Hosting a Successful Beijing Olympic Games ,
which authorised the Beijing Municipal Government Starting from July 2007, a one-year publicity campaign
to stipulate temporary rules, regulations and for Olympics-related laws and regulations also began
administrative orders to maintain public order before with concerted efforts of the Communist Party of
and during the Beijing Olympic Games, without China Central Committee’s Publicity Department, the
violating the Constitution of the People’s Republic Ministry of Justice of the People’s Republic of China,
of China , state laws and administrative rules and the General Administration of Sport of China, BOCOG,
regulations, and local cardinal laws and regulations. and the National Office for Law Popularisation.

To popularise these Olympics-related laws and All these efforts helped improve the legal environment
regulations, BOCOG and governments at various levels for the Beijing Olympic Games.
110 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
6.1.2 BOCOG’s Legal Work

The BOCOG Legal Affairs Department took charge of coordinating legal issues such as contracts and Olympic IPR
protection, and assisting in the work of the Court of Arbitration for Sports.

Legal Issues

Rights and Interests

Comprehensive
Guarantee and Supervision of Contracts Coordination
Infringement Prosecution

Assistance Media Inspection of Documents Contract Breach Legal Service Legal

to Law and Ads Venues and Management Handling Consultation
Enforcement Monitoring Surrounding
Areas

Major Legal Issues Handled by the BOCOG Legal Affairs Department

Contract Supervision BOCOG sought to acquire such rights and interests

through legal means.
BOCOG incorporated Olympics-related legal contents
into the contracts for preparing and hosting the For instance, in soliciting the emblem, theme slogan
Olympic Games. and mascots for the Beijing Olympic Games, BOCOG
required that all the applicants sign contracts so as to
In signing and implementing contracts, BOCOG implement the IOC’s regulations on IPR protection.
attached great importance to the social responsibilities For the applicants whose designs were selected and
of the parties involved and required that the cardinal who thus became IPR owners of the Olympic symbols,
principles and core concepts of the Beijing Olympic BOCOG assisted them with copyright or trademark
Games be adhered to. All stakeholders had to obey registration, as well as other IPR protection procedures.
Chinese laws and international conventions regarding Relevant legal protection procedures were also fulfilled
issues such as environmental protection, human in the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative
resources management and social security. Regions, Taiwan, as well as other countries and regions.

BOCOG also adhered to the principle of fairness and As the IOC’s intangible assets, Olympic symbols and
justice in negotiating and executing contracts signed brands provide a major source of funds for hosting
with international organisations and enterprises. Legal the Olympic Games. Therefore, BOCOG designated
disputes were to be settled through arbitration, and if its Marketing Department to manage the commercial
need be, through lawsuits. application of the Olympic symbols, with the support
of the Legal Affairs Department.
Protection of Rights and Interests
In addition, BOCOG authorised third parties to use the
To better protect Olympic symbols and brands, Olympic symbols for non-commercial purposes in line

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 111

 BOCOG Legal Affairs Department sets up a consultancy desk with the industry and commerce administrative authorities in a shopping centre to
promote Olympic symbol IPR protection

with Olympics-related laws and regulations. ●  Cracking down on illegal ticket sales
●  Monitoring advertisements and signage outside the
The Olympic IPR owners could resort to legal means venues to stop Olympic symbol abuse
to safeguard their rights and interests if there were ●  Stopping unauthorised online broadcast of the
incidents of IPR infringement. BOCOG also involved Beijing Olympic Games
itself directly or assisted the Customs and the industry ●  Reporting daily to the Games-time Command
and commerce administrative sector in addressing Centre and the IOC on incidents of IPR infringement
the issues to ensure that administrative enforcement and ambush marketing
was a far more effective approach in handling IPR ●  Coordinating with the related departments and
infringement. institutions in conducting legal operations, including
the industry and commerce administrative sector, the
Details about BOCOG’s efforts in protecting Olympic Customs and the publicity sector
IPR will be laid out in 6.1.3 “Protection of Olympic
Intellectual Property Rights”.
6.1.3 Protection of Intellectual Property
Games-time Legal Operations
Rights

The BOCOG Legal Affairs Department coordinated Before the State Council of China and the Beijing
with concerned IOC departments and set up a special Municipal Government laid down specific Olympics-
working group to inspect the venues and conduct the related laws and regulations, the Olympic IPR
following legal operations: was protected mainly through existing laws and
regulations, including:
●  Inspecting Olympic venues to promptly handle IPR
infringement and contract violations ●  Trademark Law of the People’s Republic of China

112 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Copyright registration ceremony for Fuwa, the official mascots of the Beijing Olympic Games (November 11, 2005)

●  Copyright Law of the People’s Republic of China Paralympic Games. The emblems and official mascots
●  Patent Law of the People’s Republic of China of the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games and
●  Sports Law of the People’s Republic of China the secondary symbols were also registered as special
●  Regulations on the Administration of Special Marks symbols.

These, combined with newly enacted Olympics- BOCOG registered in the name of the IOC the symbols,
related laws and regulations, formed a comprehensive such as the emblem and the typeface of “Beijing 2008”,
protection mechanism for the Olympic IPR. as trademarks in more than 100 countries and regions
to guarantee the rights and interests of Worldwide
Olympic Symbols Olympic Partners as well as worldwide sales of licensed
commodities.
BOCOG protected the Olympic symbols through
trademark and copyright registration as well as special BOCOG assembled a collection of legal documents
symbol registration. concerning the protection of Olympic IPR and
exclusive Beijing Olympic symbols, and presented it to
The emblem, mascots and theme slogan of the Beijing Chinese legal authorities for law enforcement and to
Olympic Games were all registered as trademarks. The media agencies for publicity and education.
emblem alone was registered as trademark in the 45
categories of Olympic commodities and services. Working with the Beijing Administration for Industry
and Commerce, BOCOG issued the Rewards for
BOCOG copyrighted the 13 designs for Olympic Reporting on Abuse of Olympic Symbols to encourage
symbols and slogans, including the emblem, mascots, public participation in preventing Olympic IPR
torch, Torch Relay slogan, pictograms, secondary infringement.
symbols and medals of the Beijing Olympic and

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 113

 From 2002 to the commencement of the Olympic Before the commencement of the Olympic Games, the
Games, China’s law enforcement institutions and Marketing Department composed a brand protection
the industry and commerce administrative sector action plan and a venue brand protection guide.
investigated 4,000 Olympic symbol infringement cases.
China Customs tracked down some 200 infringement During the Games, the brand protection team worked
incidents, of which nearly 100 were subjected to with the Marketing Department to discover problems,
criminal investigation. With the Olympic Games which were jointly settled by the Legal Affairs
drawing near, BOCOG intensified its IPR protection Department and law enforcement institutions. Focuses
operations. Between January and July 2008, BOCOG were placed on ambush market prevention, venue
communicated with the industry and commerce brand control and outdoor advertisement control.
administrative sector on more than 1,500 issues
regarding the use of Olympic symbols. BOCOG encouraged protection of Olympic brands
and prevention of ambush markets through publicity
BOCOG attached great importance to improving campaigns. Specific arrangements were made to
public awareness of Olympic symbol IPR protection. enhance the public's recognition of Olympic partners
It organised cultural activities, lectures and forums, and sponsors as well as their logos and brands. A
issued promotional videos and pamphlets and solicited reporting mechanism was implemented to promptly
proposals to create a favourable legal environment for curb ambush marketing practices. Severe punishments
protecting the Olympic symbols. were handed out for Olympic brand infringements.

For example, after the Regulations on Protection In terms of marketing, each venue team appointed
of Olympic Symbols was put into effect on April 1, staff to take charge of brand protection. Before
2002, the BOCOG Legal Affairs Department organised the Games, BOCOG organised training for venue
publicity campaigns every year to promote the management personnel in charge of marketing.
Regulations . Regulations were also implemented on commercials
and advertisements allowed for certain types of
BOCOG also initiated symposiums and lectures Olympic venues.
to inform college and university students of the
significance of protecting Olympic symbols. The BOCOG and the Beijing Municipal Government jointly
Legal Affairs Department even drafted pre-Games established a coordination team in charge of outdoor
volunteers from colleges and universities to help commercial and advertisement control. In line with
report infringement incidents and conduct publicity the Notice of the Beijing Municipality on Temporary
campaigns. Outdoor Commercial and Advertisement Control
during the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games ,
Brand Protection outdoor commercials and advertisements in Beijing
were subject to temporary control measures between
Brand protection was handled by BOCOG’s Marketing July 11 and September 17, 2008, for the purpose
Department and Legal Affairs Department as well as of promoting Olympic image projects, city image
the government law enforcement sector. projects, and brands and logos of the Beijing Olympic
partners and sponsors.

114 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 6.2 Discipline Inspection

At the BOCOG inauguration ceremony on December In 2005, heads of BOCOG departments and divisions
13, 2001, the establishment of the Supervision signed the Letter of Responsibility for Upholding
Commission for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad Cleanness in Preparing for and Hosting the Beijing
was also pronounced. The Supervision Commission Olympic Games with the BOCOG Vice-president in
undertook overall discipline inspection regarding the charge. In 2007, venue managers and managers of the
preparation for and hosting of the Beijing Olympic functional areas signed the Letter of Responsibility .
Games.
In terms of actual supervision operation, the
Supervision Commission targeted specific issues
6.2.1 BOCOG Internal Operations concerning Games preparation each year and heard
the BOCOG departments’ reports on progress made
In 2002, the Supervision Commission formulated the in preparing for and hosting the Games. It also sent
Work Plan of the Supervision Commission for the staff members to conduct field inspections on major
Games of the XXIX Olympiad , covering major issues operations such as tenders and bids of key projects
such as financial management, material management, and ticket drawing lots.
marketing and procurement. The Work Plan also
clarified the principles, focuses and measures of Efforts were also stepped up to audit fund use,
BOCOG’s internal supervision. especially allocation of large funds and post-Games
asset disposal. Hotline and e-mail address were
A complete set of supervisory regulations, with more announced to the public to receive comments and
than 200 clauses, were gradually developed in the handle complaints on supervision and auditing issues.
principle of “preventing corruption through fair and
transparent supervisory operations”, addressing issues Altogether, the Audit & Supervision Department
including finance, human resources management, conducted seven audits on the revenue and
international relations, procurement, material expenditure of BOCOG and 20 audits on fund use of
management, contracts, gifts and souvenirs, marketing, special projects. Follow-up meetings were convened
donation, information disclosure, code of conduct, etc. by the Supervision Commission to discuss audit
reports and address problems.
The BOCOG Audit & Supervision Department
formulated the Regulations on a Responsibility System
to Uphold Cleanness in Preparing for and Hosting the
6.2.2 Venue Construction Inspection
Beijing Olympic Games , which specified responsibilities
of staff members at different levels. The system was Beijing and the Co-host Cities all established a venue
adopted later by the venue teams. construction supervision and auditing mechanism.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 115

 The staff members involved in venue construction construction material quality control, completion
operations were subject to corresponding supervision schedule, budget implementation and cost control.
and auditing regulations. Responsibilities of relevant
parties were also clarified: Auditing firms were designated to examine projects
entrusted to a third party as well as the management
●  Supervisory bodies would oversee the conduct of of Olympic construction funds.
government departments and civil servants in venue
construction Starting in 2002, the Beijing Municipal Audit Bureau
●  Government departments, especially the Beijing audited a number of major projects, including
Municipality 2008 Engineering Construction demolition projects in the planned Olympic Green
Headquarters, would supervise venue owners in line Central Area and the initial construction of the National
with the Letter of Responsibility in Beijing Olympic Aquatics Centre.
Venue Construction
●  The State-owned Assets Supervision &
Administration Commission and the Beijing
6.2.3 Venue Operation Inspection
Municipality 2008 Engineering Construction
Headquarters signed the Letter of Responsibility To supervise venue operations, audit and supervision
in Beijing Olympic Venue Construction with offices were set up in 23 competition venues (venue
project contractors to regulate project quality and clusters) and five major non-competition venues.
construction safety
These offices kept a close eye on the accuracy,
Starting in 2003, the Supervision Commission conformity and efficiency of venue operation budgets
performed 20 Olympic venue inspections, which were as well as inventory management and asset disposal,
focused on construction quality and safety control, and guided venue teams in addressing problems.

Members of the Supervision Commission for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad
inspect the construction of the National Stadium (January 8, 2004)

116 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Venue team staff receive construction materials

Before the commencement of the Beijing Olympic The Audit & Supervision Department also formulated
Games, the Supervision Commission conducted regulations such as Venue Team Disciplines during the
inspections at major competition venues and non- Beijing Olympic Games , and coordinated venue teams
competition venues in Beijing and the Co-host Cities to implement the regulations during Games time.
in terms of the implementation of venue operation After the Games, the department took measures to
regulations, during which proposals were made strengthen asset disposal and auditing.
concerning venue team discipline, emergency
operations, post-Games asset disposal, etc.

Summary
Throughout the evolution of the modern Olympic initiatives.
Games, many guidelines and conventions have been
developed to regulate conduct of the host countries in To implement legal instruments and ensure cleanness
preparing for and hosting the Games. These guidelines in preparing for the Games, BOCOG’s audit and
and conventions have been enriched by contributions supervision sector worked conscientiously, with an
from organisers of each Olympic Games. emphasis on major projects and events. This helped
ensure effective legal service for the Games and left
Beijing not only strived to practise these existing valuable experience to government departments and
guidelines and conventions but also improved its legal public institutions.
environment through Olympics-related legislation

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 117

1. July 25, 2008 _ Citizens
of Shanghai waited
outside the booking office
early in the morning to
buy tickets for the football
preliminaries

2. Radio Frequency
Identification (RFiD)
technology was used for
the first time in Olympic
Games tickets. The six
anti-counterfeiting RFiD
technologies helped
achieve zero incidence of
counterfeit tickets during
the Beijing Olympic Games

118 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 Chapter 7
Media
BOCOG fully recognised the importance of the extensive Games coverage
and the major role of the world media in this process. It implemented
media-friendly policies, established first-class media coverage and broadcast
facilities, and provided considerate service for media staff from all over the
world.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 119

 Service Guide for Foreign Media Coverage issued by BOCOG

120 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 7.1 Preparations

BOCOG adhered to the concept Beijing Olympic Games and the

of “service first” in preparing for Preparatory Period .
media operations during the Beijing
Olympic Games. The Guide covered a variety of issues
on work and dwelling permits,
cultural relics filming, interviews
7.1.1 New Regulations with Chinese athletes, employment
offers to local Chinese citizens, office
Before the Games, BOCOG rental, Customs clearance, entry of
hosted three world broadcaster radio communications equipment,
conferences, two world news temporary entry of motor vehicles,
media conferences and three driving permits, taxation, insurance,
national media symposiums to temporary bank accounts, sale
brief the accredited media on of international newspapers and
Beijing’s preparatory work. It also magazines in China, reception of
received visits from world media international satellite TV signals and
and broadcasters and solicited Internet access.
suggestions from them on media
operation arrangements during the
Beijing Olympic Games.
7.1.2 One-stop Media
Service
On January 1, 2007, Regulations
on Reporting Activities in China Starting on July 1, 2007, a one-
by Foreign Journalists during the stop media service office was
Beijing Olympic Games and the jointly established by BOCOG
Preparatory Period took effect. and 17 government institutions
Soon afterwards, the BOCOG Media of Beijing Municipality to handle
Operations Department and related administrative procedures in
departments of the Chinese Central granting interview approval to
Government and Beijing Municipal international media in China.
Government compiled the Guide
on Reporting Activities in China One-stop media service, which
by Foreign Journalists during the integrated receiving, reviewing

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 121

 and ratifying interview applications, greatly simplified Throughout the Games, 38 temporary bank accounts
application procedures. Post-Games statistics indicated were opened for international media agencies and
that throughout the Games, the one-stop media temporary driving licenses were issued to 1,033
service office served more than 600 international international accredited staff of 53 media agencies
media agencies, handling some 15,200 consultation from 37 countries and regions.
requirements, granting 3,100 approvals and issuing
2,203 visas. The one-stop media service office also coordinated
the Customs offices in Beijing and the Co-host Cities
The temporary one-stop service station at the Beijing to issue more than 1,100 Letters of Confirmation
Capital International Airport helped 445 international for Equipment Entry & Exit to international media
journalists and reporters with their ID check. operating in these cities.

122 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 7.2 Games-time Media Operations

The Beijing Olympic Games drew an National Stadium and the National
unprecedented number of 32,278 Aquatics Centre. It was only about
journalists and reporters, among a 10-minute walk from the Beijing
whom 26,298 were accredited Olympic Village and a 15-minute
media staff, and 225 Rights Holding drive from the Green Homeland
Broadcasters (RHBs), making it Media Village.
one of the greatest galas of media
exchange in Chinese history. The MPC, with a usable floor area
of 62,000 square metres, was the
largest of its kind in the history of
7.2.1 Major Facilities the Olympic Games. During Games
time, it was opened around the
BOCOG worked closely with the IOC clock to serve 5,800 accredited
Press Commission and the Radio media staff.
and TV Commission to provide
high-standard facilities for Games The buildings of the MPC were part
coverage and broadcast. of the National Convention Centre.
The MPC contained the lobby, main
Main Press Centre press workroom, photographer
workroom, press conference rooms,
The Main Press Centre (MPC) of private rental space, canteen and
the Beijing Olympic Games was other functional zones.
the headquarters for accredited
journalists, photographers and non- The 5,000-square-metre main press
rights-holding broadcasters. BOCOG workroom enjoyed a space large
also conducted its media operations enough for 970 journalists to work
here. at the same time, and the 34 TV sets
provided the latest competition
Located in the Olympic Green results.
Central Area, the MPC faced the
1 International Broadcast Centre (IBC) The photographer workroom could
and was connected by convenient hold 250 people at the same time,
1. Beijing 2008 International transportation with major with large lenses available.
Media Centre competition venues such as the

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 123

 MPC press workroom Press workroom in Beijing 2008 International Media Centre

Five press conference rooms, the largest one able to The MPC provided a fixed telecommunications
hold 800 people, the smallest one 80 people, and the network and wireless broadband service, and it was
remaining three 200 each, were used. Simultaneous the first time in the history of the Olympic Games that
interpretation, involving Chinese , English, French, media staff had access to wireless broadband service.
German, Russian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish, was Wireless broadband service was also available in press
available during Games time. tribunes at the competition venues.

The 1,650-square-metre main lobby had a commercial “Group security check” was conducted for the first time
zone, a language service zone, media reception desk in Olympic history. Accredited journalists only had
and other functional zones. photocopying and fax to go through security check once before boarding
centre, a library and the Office of Olympic News the “media-only” bus, so that they did not have to be
Services (ONS) . On either side of the lobby were checked again while travelling between venues.
facilities such as supermarket, post office, banking
office, computer repair shop, newsstand, travel agency, Beijing 2008 International Media Centre
coffee shop, telecommunications service room,
pharmacy, first-aid station, laundry, gym and lost & The Beijing 2008 International Media Centre (BIMC),
found office. set in the five-star Gehua New Century Hotel jointly
operated by the BOCOG Media & Communications
A three-star hotel and a five-star hotel were located Department and the Information Office of the Beijing
to the south and north of the MPC, which offered 800 Municipal Government, was used for non-accredited
standard rooms and business suites. This arrangement, media staff during the Olympic and Paralympic Games
with all the convenience it brought about, was spoken in Beijing.
highly of by international media staff.
Located in the northern section of the Third Ring Road,
In the vicinity of the MPC were also the Media the BIMC was only two kilometres away from the
Accreditation Centre, Guest Pass Centre, Car Park (with National Stadium and the National Aquatics Centre.
space for 1,100 vehicles), Media Shuttle Bus Station
and Taxi Rank. The BIMC, occupying a space of some 30,000 square

124 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 Photo work area at a competition venue

metres, had multiple functional zones for media From July 27 to August 25, 2008, some 300 paid staff
registration, operation, exhibition, etc. It offered a and 1,000 volunteers at the 42 venues in Beijing and
work area for 600 media staff, as well as two press the Co-host Cities received over 90,000 journalists,
conference rooms of 600 and 200 seats respectively. reporters and photographers.
On the walls of the area were TV screens showing
competition events, and the wireless broadband During the period, the ONS conducted operations
service was available. such as pre-Games information collection, Games-time
news coverage, release of competition results and
The 1,800-square-metre canteen would cater to information integration.
journalists and photographers from all over the world.
Shuttle bus service was available between the BIMC Before the Games, Infostrada Sports, an international
and major living quarters of the media staff. Other provider of event news service at the Beijing Olympic
service and recreational facilities made life in the BIMC Games, submitted information such as competition
cosy and comfortable. results of previous Games and athlete résumés. By
August 15, 2008, résumés of 11,565 athletes, 92
coaches, and 247 officials, as well as the overview of all
7.2.2 Games-time ONS 204 NOCs, had been collected. Information about 170
horses was also obtained.
The BOCOG Media Operations Department recruited
148 international staff members and 298 international Venue ONS teams helped collect background
volunteers for the ONS operations. These professionals, information such as history and rules of the events,
with native-like English proficiency and experience qualifications for Games participation, description of
in media work for large scale sporting events, related venues and sports equipment, competition
helped greatly improve the newsworthiness of ONS records and results, as well as overviews of the related
operations. IFs.

On July 8, 2008, the MPC was officially opened to the All necessary information had been submitted and
media, and between July 25 and August 27, the MPC input into the Beijing Olympic Games News Service
operated 24 hours per day. System (INFO2008) by July 25, 2008.
Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 125
 Between July 25 and August 24, 2008, the News procedures.
Service Division of the BOCOG Media Operations
Department furnished INFO2008’s Games News Based on the information integration operational
column with 11,815 news reports (1.5 times that of the plan, information about competition results, medal
Athens 2004 Olympic Games) with an average of 381 tally, competition records, traffic, weather, etc. was
reports per day and 825 reports on the peak day of automatically updated. Information about cultural
August 21. events, sponsor activities, press conference schedule,
news release from the IOC and BOCOG, transportation
As flash quotes were frequently used by journalists schedule for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies,
and reporters, the editing room compiled for them media operation policies, etc. was processed through
“daily flash quote highlights”. The editors also collected ONS operations.
Games-related statistics, which were popular among
the media staff.
7.2.3 News Gathering
During the Games, competition results were delivered
to the press workroom, photographer workroom, Between July 8 and August 24, 2008, 39 press
private rental space and venue ONS centres. To conferences were held in the MPC and 85 in the BIMC.
guarantee competition results delivery at the venues,
the IOC offered two training sessions to the venue A spokespersons’ office was established to release
ONS staff and helped formulate standard delivery Olympics-related news and answer questions from

Media tour of Games-time security facilities

126 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

the media. Media staff were also able to interact international media staff to visit cultural relics and
with representatives from government authorities historic sites in Beijing, including the Great Wall, the
stationed in the MPC and the BIMC on topics such Forbidden City and the Temple of confucius, and
as environmental protection, transportation and new landmarks such as the Olympic Subway Line, the
tourism, and to conduct interviews with experts and Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall and the renovated
representatives of Beijing citizens on various issues. Qianmen Street.

To facilitate interviews by the international media, The MPC and the BIMC both had interview application
10 media tour routes and 100 media resorts were desks which were open 24 hours everyday. In line with
arranged to highlight the “New Beijing Great the practices of previous Games, applications were
Olympics” initiative. The MPC and the BIMC organised replied to within 24 hours. During the Games, the MPC
media tours to the Beijing Olympic Food Inspection received 840 written applications, among which 810
Centre, the Beijing Olympic Environment Monitoring were granted approval, accounting for 96 per cent of
Centre, the Beijing Olympic Transportation Operation the total. It also received 5,903 phone calls consulting
Command Centre, the Beijing Meteorological Bureau about or filing applications, among which 5,700 were
and other institutions. settled, accounting for 97 per cent of the total. The
BIMC granted 451 approvals on the 487 applications
In addition, the MPC and the BIMC arranged for the received, accounting for 94 per cent of the total.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 127

128 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 7.3 TV Broadcast

The Beijing Olympic Games international broadcast centre in

broadcast operations featured the Olympic history. The IBC had a
widest coverage, highest audience usable area of 90,000 square metres,
rating and best broadcast effect in of which 55,000 square metres were
the history of the Olympic Games. used for broadcast operations.
CCTV audiences on the Chinese
mainland alone reached 1.1 billion, The IBC hosted the BOB and the
and 211 million people in the U.S. RHBs studios. During Games time,
watched the Games on the National some 18,000 media staff, 5,000 from
Broadcasting Company (NBC). BOB and 13,000 from RHBs, worked
Broadcasters from all over the world around the clock, and it took them
conducted 5,000 hours of coverage only a 10-minute walk to reach the
and live broadcast, reaching 4.7 National Stadium and the National
billion people worldwide and Aquatics Centre.
setting a new Olympic Games TV
broadcast record. A seven-floor multi-media
broadcasting tower stood between
the IBC and the National Stadium.
7.3.1 International The 160-metre tower enabled the
Broadcast Centre RHBs, including CCTV and NBC, to
make the Olympic Green Central
The Beijing Olympic Games Area their studio backdrop.
International Broadcast Centre
(IBC) was the heart of the Olympic
broadcast operations and
7.3.2 Broadcast Operations
headquarters for all the RHBs. Support
1

2 The IBC occupied the grand In preparing for the Beijing Olympic
exhibition hall of the National Games broadcast operations,
Convention Centre in the Olympic BOCOG and Beijing Municipality
1. Media boat used for covering rowing,
canoe/kayak, sailing and triathlon Green Central Area, as well as made great efforts to meet the
swimming events building floors B2 to F7. With needs of all the broadcasters.
2. Beijing Olympic Broadcasting Co., Ltd in a construction area of 139,950
the IBC square metres, it was the largest For instance, with BOCOG’s

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 129

 CCTV studio in the IBC

coordination efforts, 59 satellite news gathering so that they did not have to crowd with press
vehicles were granted entry into China. journalists. This arrangement also enabled journalists in
the press tribune to clearly see the interviews on their
BOB was granted approval to set up their cameras on screens.
the roof of the National Museum, from which the busy
Tian’anmen Square was captured as the backdrop Statistics indicated that from May 2008 to the end
for many TV studios. It also had its broadcast base of the Games, BOCOG coordinated with the Ministry
established on the east side of the Square, where of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China
NBC of the U.S., the European Broadcasting Union, and China Customs to issue 352 business visas and
Consortium of Japan and other major RHBs were able 66 J2 visas to broadcasters, granted 28 permits to 20
to use Tian’anmen Gate as the backdrop for their TV stations for entry of 28 mobile satellite outside
broadcast. broadcast vans. Letter of Approval was issued to
24 international broadcasters. BOCOG also held 34
Independent camera zones were allocated to BOB in broadcaster briefings to solve problems that emerged
eight major competition venues for photographers during the Games.
and reporters to conduct live interviews with athletes,
130 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 commentator seats and 2,580 observer seats were
prepared at the venues.

For the first time in Olympic history, Beijing Olympic

Games TV broadcast adopted high-definition
specification signals and 5.1 surround sound audio
signals for all 28 sports, which constituted a collection
of high-definition records for the Games.

A number of technical breakthroughs were also

achieved.

For example, virtual graphics were added to the

broadcast of track & field, swimming, sailing and
canoe/kayak. Three-dimensional (3D) maps in high-
definition format were applied to road cycling,
mountain bike cycling, marathon, equestrian and
triathlon. GPS was used to locate boats in sailing and
canoe/kayak events.

Media operations involved the largest and most

7.3.3 Games-time Broadcast sophisticated public signal gathering network for
live broadcast, which connected the IBC with all
Between August 8 and 26, 2008, the IBC was open competition venues and their surrounding areas.
around the clock to facilitate the work of the
RHBs. Some 120 broadcasters stationed in the IBC. Chinese radio and TV stations, including CCTV and
Altogether, 17 world broadcasters’ organisations with TV stations of Beijing, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Liaoning,
225 RHBs, as well as six new-media broadcasters, were Shanghai, Tianjin and Zhejiang, were in charge of
involved in Games broadcast, and accredited broadcast production of live broadcast signals for seven sports,
staff totaled 13,000. namely, table tennis, badminton, modern pentathlon,
football, basketball, volleyball and tennis.
BOB, engaged 5,000 staff, 861 video cameras for live
broadcast, 30 video cameras for news gathering, 275 China National Radio and China Radio International
digital video recorders, 302 video tape recorders, set up studios in the IBC to send signals back to their
500-hour-capacity high-definition video servers, 59 HD headquarters, a first-time practice for the two radio
outside broadcast vans and seven audio vans. 1,420 stations.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 131

 7.4 Support Services

29,379 media staff applied to set up to the north of the MPC

BOCOG for Beijing Olympic to handle manufacturing and
Games accreditation. The Media validation of the Olympic Identity &
Accreditation Centre (MAC) was Acceditation Cards (OIACs).

Statistics on Media Accreditation

OIAC OIAC
Type
Manufactured Validated

Host broadcasters 6,119 5,777

Rights Holding Broadcasters 13,298 12,415

Journalists & photographers 6,881 6,512

Total 26,298 24,704

Before the Games, 1,142 the Green Homeland Media Village

accommodation reservations were came on August 4 with 942 new
sent in. BOCOG coordinated with guests, and the in-house guests
contracted media hotels in Beijing totalled 5,927. Huiyuan Apartments
and the Co-host Cities to process Media Village received 729 new guests
these reservations and make on July 29, and the total number of
accommodation arrangements guests on that day reached 938.
between August 1 and 24, 2008.
Except for the peak on August The media transportation helpdesk
9 with 11,807 guests, the daily received vehicle reservations and
average between August 10 and 24 reply to media transportation
ranged from 10,500 to 11,807. inquiries from media hotels and
venue teams. The helpdesk also
On July 25, 2008, the two Media handled complaints, informed guests
Villages in Beijing were open to of updated bus schedules and helped
guests. The peak check-in period for recover lost belongings.

132 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 Statistics from the Transportation Helpdesk
Inquiries 6,643

T3 reservations 153

Reservations for bus to training venues 26 buses for 98 people

Reservations for bus to Tianjin Seven buses for 126 people

Reservations for bus to Qinhuangdao Eight buses for 106 people

Complaints 40

Lost items found Six mobile phones, three laptops, one camera, clothing, etc.

Media Rate Card service helped guarantee media support.

agencies’ Games-time operations in the MPC’s rental
space in terms of furniture, equipment, electric power, Before the Games, Rate Card service focused on
communications, vehicle permits, etc. It was also a operations such as electric circuit maintenance,
major channel for media staff in the press workroom furniture move-in, technical equipment installation
and venue press tribunes in obtaining information and material move-in.

During Games time, the focus of Rate Card service

was shifted to rental space allocation, assistance in
operations of major media agencies, vehicle permit
granting and placement of Games-time orders.

Support services for media operations also included

logistics and Customs clearance. Coordination
between BOCOG and China Customs made the entry
of materials and equipment into China possible.

BOCOG published the Games-time Media Operation

Guide Kits to inform accredited media staff of Games-
time services, facilities and relevant media operation
policies.

Multi-media broadcasting tower in the

Olympic Green

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 133

 Media Service Guides
Title Language Printed Copies

English 7,000
Media Guide
Chinese 3,000

English 25,000
Media Transport Service Guide
Chinese 5,000

Main Press Centre Guide English 7,000

Photographers Guide English 3,000

Venue teams of the MPC and the IBC offered birthdays during the Beijing Olympic Games. CDs of
personalised services to media staff. For example, they the Closing Ceremony were distributed to media staff
sent their best wishes to the staff who cerebrated their as souvenirs. In total, 20,000 copies were distributed.

Opening Ceremony Media Guide

134 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

7.5 Promotion of the Games through Media

In addition to Games-time ONS as air pollution control, emission

and TV broadcast, promotion of the reduction and energy efficiency
Beijing Olympic Games was given initiatives in Beijing.
great priority.
The two centres also held four press
conferences and five rounds of live
7.5.1 Focuses of Promotion interviews to highlight the efforts
of “High-tech Olympics” regarding
Starting from the 100-day Olympic venue construction,
countdown to the Opening intelligent traffic control system, etc.
Ceremony of the Beijing Olympic
Games, media agencies in Beijing Another eight press conferences
gave extensive coverage of the and 15 rounds of live interviews
following: were held to promote the ideal
of “People’s Olympics”, in which
● The Olympic Games as an Olympic education, cultural relic
international sports event and protection and volunteerism were
cultural gala spread to the public.
● Support from Olympic Family
members and Beijing Olympic Major news agencies in Beijing,
Partners and Sponsors including Beijing Daily and Beijing
● Best wishes from all over the Television Station all added Beijing
world for the success of the Beijing Olympic Games promotion columns
Olympic Games to their programmes.

The concepts of “Green Olympics, Local media also promoted the

High-tech Olympics and People’s idea that the Games in Beijing
Olympics” were emphasised in would benefit the public in terms
promoting the Games. of transportation, food safety,
environment, air quality and social
The MPC and the BIMC held 10 security, and that the Games would
press conferences and 12 rounds help improve the harmonious
of live interviews to publicise major development of Chinese society as
steps for “Green Olympics”, such a whole.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 135

 From the 100-day countdown to the opening of and the Paralympic Games through their Olympic
the Beijing Paralympic Games, more than 30 press channels or columns.
conferences and 20 in-depth interviews regarding the
Beijing Paralympics were organised to publicise the Comprehensive on-line coverage of the Games also
concept - Transcendence, Integration, and Equality. commenced on major websites and won great support
Meanwhile, local media covered the preparations for from the netizens. During the Olympic and Paralympic
the Paralympic Games as well as the construction of Games, page views of major websites including SOHU.
accessible facilities. com reached 10.3 billion, with an average number of
58.4 million per day.

7.5.2 Promotion through the Internet

7.5.3 Publicity Campaigns
Many publicity campaigns were launched on the
Internet prior to and during the Games, creating a BOCOG and the Beijing Municipal Government issued
favourable consensus for the Olympic and Paralympic more than 2,000,000 copies of various publications in
Games in cyber space. Chinese, English, French, Spanish, German, Japanese,
Russian, Korean and Arabic, which included those for
After Beijing won the Olympic bid, the former official general readers such as city maps, city guides, and
Olympic bid website became BOCOG’s official website a general introductory handbook titled Welcome to
([Link]). On November 7, 2005, [Link] Beijing.
began managing the BOCOG official website.
There were also publications designed for athletes
In the beginning, the official website had Chinese, such as Meet You in Beijing , and brochures for
English and French versions only. Later, Spanish and journalists titled City of Olympics . 20,000 copies of
Arabic versions were added. During the Games, 15,000 300 Chinese Sentences for the Olympic Games were
news stories and 25,000 photos were released via the prepared in the MPC and IBC, which were distributed
official website. 38 on-line interviews with prominent to media staff within a week. Altogether, 600,000
figures were conducted. Competition results were also copies of publicity material were released in the MPC,
released through the website. the IBC and the BIMC.

All the press conferences held in the MPC were BOCOG set up six newsstands at the MPC and the
publicised on the BOCOG official website, which Beijing Olympic Village, each offering more than
helped enhance the influence of conferences and 90 international newspapers and 2,000 books in
constituted an important information source for international languages. These publications were
media staff. Statistics indicated that some eight million warmly received by spectators, journalists and athletes.
people viewed the conference webpage.
Prior to the Games, Beijing Olympic Games
Starting on August 1, 2008, more and more netizens promotional videos were played on more than one
visited the BOCOG official website, and the number million flights of 14 major international airlines. These
increased from two million visits per day to 24 million included five videos shot by world-renowned directors
on the day of the Opening Ceremony, and continued from Britain, France, Italy, Iran and the Hong Kong
to increase, exceeding 100 million on August 12. Special Administrative Region.
Between August 14 and 24, the number almost hit 200
million, a record high in terms of page views, Among CCTV, one of the most recognisable names in China’s
the visitors, 71.9 per cent were netizens from foreign media industry, was granted the right of Games live
countries and regions. broadcast and broadcast via news media. Its subsidiary,
China International Television Co., Ltd, obtained the
Starting from April 2008, major local websites began exclusive right to issue audio-visual products about
to report the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay, preparations the Games.
for the Games, competition events, Olympic legacies

136 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Between August 1 and October 31, 2008, a grand In addition, a 100-episode TV documentary series,
exhibition titled “One World One Dream” was “Stories of the Beijing Olympic Games ”, was filmed.
sponsored by BOCOG, Beijing Municipality, the The documentary, consisting of three parts - people
General Administration of Sport of China and China of Beijing, the city and Olympic preparation. The
Disabled Persons’ Federation. With 1,800 exhibits and documentary series not only displayed Beijing’s
2,200 photos, the exhibition demonstrated the efforts cultural traditions, its seven-year Games’ preparation
of Beijing in bidding and preparing for the Olympic and its development in the modern era, but also
Games, as well as the enthusiasm of and support provided clues for international journalists to conduct
from the Chinese public and international friends. The news coverage.
exhibition received more than 500,000 visitors.

Summary
BOCOG adopted a “service first” strategy for Beijing media agencies and provided one-stop media service
Olympic Games media operations. Based on this to facilitate Games-time media operations and TV
strategy, favourable policies were formulated with first- broadcast, as well as a whole package of support
rate broadcast facilities prepared and ONS drovided. services covering almost every aspect of media staff’s
Greater freedom was granted to international media life and work in Beijing during the Olympic Games.
in covering the Games thanks to the Regulations on
Reporting Activities in China by Foreign Journalists In addition, efforts were made to promote the
during the Beijing Olympic Games and the Preparatory Games. Conventional publicity and modern Internet
Period . campaigns helped achieve the greatest possible
publicity effect.
BOCOG solicited suggestions from major international

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 137

138 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 Chapter 8
Technical Support and
Logistics
Technical support and logistics represented two unique elements that
witnessed the Olympic passion in Beijing. The BOCOG technical support
team distinguished itself not only through its scientific planning but also
through its effective integration of all resources. The BOCOG Logistics
Department, in offering material support to the Games preparation, created
a management model involving procurement and delivery as well as post-
Games collection.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 139

 8.1 Technical Support Guidelines

The ultimate goal of technical information, results printing and

support for the Games was to distribution, results data, results
provide reliable and comprehensive release on the BOCOG website
technical service. and INFO2008, commentator
information system, radio INFO,
long-distance commentator
8.1.1 Service Categories information system, etc.

Services provided by the BOCOG Information

Technology Department involved
the following: Information service involved 10
systems, providing information
Competition Results for BOCOG staff, volunteers, sport
entries & qualification, arrival &
This service included timing departure, traffic, medical care,
and scoring, venue scoreboard accommodation and protocol. It

Digital Beijing Building

140 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

also involved 22 BOCOG office systems, regarding per cent of work and problems would be dealt with by
sports information, venue management, accreditation, venue technical support groups independent of the
technical facilities, logistics and finance, etc. In TOC, while relevant information was to be reported to
addition, it provided servers, computers and network the TOC through various channels, such as the daily
equipment, etc. newsletter and the content management system.

Communications
8.1.3 Technical Support Team
The communications service involved fixed phones,
leased lines, pay phones, mobile phones, mobile The team had three divisions: the venue technical
communications terminals, ADSL, broadband, WLAN, support groups, the TOC, and the technical emergency
trunk communications, and cable TV. response group.

Radio Frequency Venue Technical Support Groups

This service involved application for and approval A venue technical support group functioned
of radio frequency, access authorisation for radio
frequency devices, radio frequency monitoring and ●  to ensure all technical products and services needed
coordination. by the venue concerned be delivered as planned, and
report to the venue manager and the TOC manager
Audio and Video about technical operations of the venue
●  to maintain daily operations of all technical
The audio and video service involved temporary wiring equipment or facilities of the venue concerned, and
and uninterrupted power supply, as well as audio and monitor the operation of technical systems concerning
video devices, at the venues. communications, information and competition results
● to ensure all problems concerning the venue be
Technical Infrastructure solved within a specified timeframe
● to exchange views on technical products and
Technical infrastructure operations involved the Main services with all functional areas of the venue and the
Operations Centre (MOC), Technology Operation TOC
Centre (TOC), Primary Data Centre, Information ● to collect the equipment after the Games
Network Security Monitoring Centre, Integration Lab,
Backup Technical Operation Centre, Backup Data Technical Operation Centre
Centre, and Technical Support Call Centre.
The primary function of the TOC was to support venue
Technical Systems for Relevant Functional Areas operations.

This service involved television broadcast, security, All the venue technical support groups reported to the
ticketing, and transportation. TOC, which in turn provided daily reports to the MOC.
When necessary, the TOC worked with the MOC and
Sport Command Centre to address specific issues.
8.1.2 Service Strategies
The TOC also provided the IOC Technology
Games-time technical operation strategies called for Department with a daily briefing and was the primary
feasible planning and standardised management. point of contact with the IOC Technology Department
on a daily basis during the Games.
The strategies were aimed at ensuring smooth Games-
time technical operations with the resources and The TOC functioned
sound management. In accordance with the overall
technical support operational principle, more than 90 ●  to manage and allocate all technical equipment,

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 141

 Technicians monitor the operation of venue facilities

facilities and human resources (including BOCOG solutions to reported problems and emergencies,
partners and technical volunteers), and ensure all running the major technical systems, equipment,
technical products and services be delivered and and facilities for the Beijing Olympic Games, and
rendered as planned coordinating all technical partners in the management
● to monitor the operation of technical systems of technical assets and human resources
concerning communications, information, competition
results and other technical systems, and ensure all Technical Emergency Response Group
problems concerning the venue be solved within a
specified time limit The technical emergency response group functioned
● to report to the technology and Internet support
division and relevant NOCs about the operation of ● to follow the orders of the TOC to handle problems
technical equipment and facilities, and communicate that could not be dealt with by the venue technical
and coordinate with competition organisers, media, team
sport presentation managers, venue managers, as well ● to assist the venue technical team in solving
as the IOC Technology Department in order to render problems within a specified timeframe, report to
efficient solutions to emergencies the TOC supervisor on a regular basis, and manage
● to run daily routines, such as monitoring the materials, equipment or backup spare parts needed in
operation of various networks, accepting applications an emergency technical response
for the Helpdesk L1 technical services, offering

142 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

8.2 Technical Operation Details

To ensure smooth Games-time events.

technical operations, strategies and
procedures were carefully laid out. Suggestions from the IOC played
an important role in formulating
the strategies and procedures, and
8.2.1 Strategies and dialogues with the IOC Technology
Procedures Department contributed to the
smooth technical operations of the
Based on the study of the Transfer Games.
of Knowledge (TOK), the technical
support team made working
strategies and procedures in regard
8.2.2 Test Operations
to the Beijing Olympic Games.
Test operations of the technical
Take the timing and scoring system systems, the Good Luck Beijing Test
and the competition results system Events and the technical rehearsals
for instance. They each had two for the Games guaranteed the
or three back-up systems, which Games-time technical support.
all underwent comprehensive
tests and rehearsals. As changes System Performance Tests
in demand were inevitable, all
technical systems had sufficient All the information and competition
flexibility for adjustments and back- results systems underwent sufficient
up operations. tests.

Thanks to configuration During the early stage of technical

adjustments and other measures, project planning, an authoritative
the reliability of all the venue software testing agency was invited
technical systems was constantly to conduct third-party tests on
improved through the Good Luck all information and competition
Beijing Test Events, and the systems results systems. It then reported all
had zero breakdown during the defects discovered during testing
transition between competition and tracked them until they were

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 143

 1

1. High-definition signal is
adopted in broadcasting the
Beijing Olympic Games

2. Wind metre in the Olympic

Rowing-Canoeing Park

144 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

eliminated. By the opening of the Beijing Olympic Games on
August 8, 2008, the technical support team had
Test Events handled a total of 90,461 breakdowns, consultations
and service requests.
All the staff from the technical support team
participated in the 46 Good Luck Beijing Test Events For 17 days during the Games, the technical support
through which they gained valuable experience. call centre and the venue technical support groups
received a total of 10,023 reports, concerning
Technical Rehearsals 5,704 breakdowns and 4,319 requests. 5,148 of the
breakdowns were addressed at the venue level,
The first technical rehearsal was held on April 1 to 3, accounting for 94.4 per cent of the total.
2008. Attended by 600 staff, it was a simulation of the
true technical needs of the Beijing Olympic Games. During the Games, 98.5 per cent of reported problems
More than 100 simulation tests were carried out. were solved by the technical support team, with
most of the serious problems promptly handled. No
The second technical rehearsal lasted from June 10 technical breakdown affecting competitions or media
to 12, 2008. It was a simulation of the three busiest coverage ever occurred.
competition days (August 13, 16, 21). This rehearsal
was designed to register the responsiveness of the About 8,800 technical staff participated in Games-time
technical support team by addressing a variety of work, of whom 570 were paid staff from the BOCOG
problems including hardware breakdown, software Technology Department, as well as temporarily loaned
failure, sport equipment changes, complaints, security staff from the venue owners and the TOC. The rest
breaches, Internet interruption and power failure. included 5,600 contracted staff and 2,630 volunteers.

This rehearsal tested all the systems in 500 simulated

scenes for 35 competition events and the exhibition
8.2.4 Technical “Firsts”
event of Wushu. More than 2,500 people and 39
venues, including six Co-host City venues and six Technical support operations during the Beijing
non-competition venues, were involved, which was Olympic Games achieved a number of breakthroughs.
unprecedented in the history of the Olympic Games.
The rehearsal proved that all the systems were ready For the first time in Olympic history, RHBs could log
for the Games. onto the real-time information system in their home
countries to give commentary.

8.2.3 Operations Reliable WLAN service was provided. During the

Games, 2,550 WLAN access cards (including 600 INFO
Technical infrastructure and essential technical services cards) were distributed. The WLAN service operated
were in place 60 days before the second technical smoothly even when 2,200 users were online at the
rehearsal, which laid a solid foundation for the Games- same time.
time technical operations.
The media had wireless access to INFO2008. Users
The TOC was stationed in the Digital Beijing Building were able to visit INFO2008 via WLAN to do reading
and began providing technical support for the Good and editing even at the venue media stand or the
Luck Beijing Test Events and for all the venues as early workroom.
as August 3, 2007. Starting from July 25, 2008 the TOC
was in 24-hour operation to address technical defects. Information display in Chinese, the mother tongue of
the Host Country, was used in 32 events at 31 venues.
All the technical systems ran smoothly, which was
acknowledged by the IOC Technology Department, Associated Press, Reuters, Agence France Presse, Getty
BOB, and major Rights Holding Broadcasters (RHBs) Images, and Xinhua News Agency were provided
and news agencies. with fibre optic network-based solutions for bulk
Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 145
 The WLAN devices installed in the photo work areas and the photo edition areas at the venues, which make high-
speed data transmission possible

news material transmission across venues. During the Cable television networks used in previous Olympic
Games, WLAN service promptly transmitted 66TB files Games all adopted analog signal systems. In Beijing,
(equaling eight million high-definition pictures) for though, all cable TV networks were digitalised,
the five news agencies, which greatly facilitated image which was a milestone in the development of
transmission. Olympic television transmission technology - a good
manifestation of the “High-tech Olympics”.
All media clients were able to access fixed Internet
service with one-megabyte bandwidth in the media High-definition digital television programmes (via
working areas at the venues. cable TV network) offered better audio and visual
presentations of the competitions. Games Video on
The official website of the Beijing Olympic Games ran Demand Service was available 30 minutes after the
smoothly for three straight years. It offered contents start of competitions. Coaches, athletes and journalists
in five languages (Chinese, English, French, Spanish were able to watch video of on-going and completed
and Arabic), and provided the cell phone version, the competitions, through which they were able to better
interactive electronic map technology for spectators understand their opponents and develop competition
as well as voiced information and sign language news strategies.
broadcasts for spectators with a disability.

146 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 8.3 Logistics Overview

After its establishment in 2005, standards, resource requirements

the BOCOG Logistics Department and possible risks.
organised Olympic logistics
services in four stages: planning, At the end of 2006, the Logistics
adjustments, Games-time Department came up with a model
operations, and post-Games for Olympic logistics operations,
collection and disposal. which was later approved by
specialists from home and abroad.

8.3.1 Planning Organisational Structure

Initial preparations for logistics Established in September 2005,

operations were conducted the BOCOG Logistics Department
between 2004 and the end of 2006. was comprised of the Procurement
Division, Asset Division, Logistics
Research Division and Comprehensive
Business Division. By the end of
Based on research conducted from 2006, the Logistics Department had
2004 to early 2005 on the logistics 66 staff.
operations of the past Olympic
Games, BOCOG delineated its After the Beijing Olympics Logistics
strategic plan and basic framework Centre (OLC) was put to use,
for Olympic logistics operations. major responsibilities previously
assumed by the Logistics Division
In July 2005, the Concept of Beijing were delegated to the OLC. By the
Olympic Games Logistics Operation opening of the Games, a total of
Programme was formed, which 3,164 accredited staff were on the
classified logistics services based logistics support team.
on responsibilities, clients, service

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 147

 Organisational Structure of the Logistics Division (two years before the Games)

Director of Logistics

International Cargo Logistics Centre Venue Logistics Logistics Information

Transportation Group Group Work Group System Group

Management Model

On a centralised basis with a view to guaranteeing ●  BOCOG Regulations on Goods Purchase

efficient utilisation of Olympic assets and funds, ●  BOCOG Regulations on Games-time Procurement
Beijing Olympic Logistics practiced material planning,
procurement, allocation, distribution and disposal. The Logistics Department also coordinated with
related government departments and issued the
To this end, BOCOG established a three-tier following documents:
management system: the Logistics Department
acquired the overall responsibility; the divisions in ●  Notice on Tax Policies for the Games of the XXIX
charge coordinated management; users implemented Olympiad
material management. ●  Notice on Customs Clearance for the Olympic
Goods
BOCOG also made it clear that in fulfilling the ●  Quarantine Inspection Programme for the Games of
requirements of the Games, all the materials be the XXIX Olympiad
obtained through marketing, utilising proprietors’ ●  Regulations on Letters of Indemnity for Temporarily
resources, outsourcing, leasing or loaning, purchasing Imported Goods
with cash or appealing for donations.
Initial Testing
Policies
In August 2006, the Logistics Department participated
To guide material management, the BOCOG in three Good Luck Beijing Test Events - Women’s
Logistics Department formulated a series of rules and World Softball Championships, World Youth Track
regulations, including: & Field Championships and Qingdao International
Regatta - during which logistics services for the Games
●  Material Management Methods were tested.
●  Regulations on Souvenir Management
●  Good Luck Beijing Test Events Material Management Core logistics operation staff were trained during these
Methods events, which enhanced their managerial expertise.
●  Allocation Principles and Criteria for the Beijing
Olympic and Paralympic Games In the meantime, the softball test event used logistics
●  Regulations on Managing Materials in Warehouses services provided by the United Parcel Service (UPS),
one of the Beijing 2008 Partners, through which the
To regulate procurement, the Logistics Department Logistics Department was able to evaluate its sponsor’s
worked out the documents such as: professional quality and strengthen the cooperation
between the two sides.
148 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
8.3.2 Adjustments management of technical facilities, sports equipment,
and furniture and electric appliances, while the
From June 2007 to June 2008, Beijing held more Logistics Department was in charge of the overall
than 40 Good Luck Beijing Test Events, as well as two bookkeeping.
comprehensive operation tests, during which defects
were identified and addressed. The Logistics Department also tracked material
management of non-competition venues and
Venuisation conducted inspections on a quarterly basis.

Venuisation was launched in 2007, and the venue Specialised Logistics Operations
logistics work groups, as part of the venue teams,
cooperated with the other functional areas to In June 2006, BOCOG and UPS signed a memorandum
complete the overall logistics operation plan. of understanding. The two parties would work
together to develop and implement operational plans
Through participation in organising the test events, for Olympic logistics and to ensure inventory and
the venue logistics work groups improved the delivery of material for the Games. They also signed
logistics management, examined their capability of a venue logistics service agreement for the Women’s
handling provisional procurement and enhanced their World Softball Championships, through which logistics
cooperation with UPS. The work groups also addressed services provided by the Logistics Department and
problems and gained valuable experience in material UPS were tested.
collection and disposal after the events.
In August 2006, BOCOG signed with North Shield
After the comprehensive operation test in August Corporation the agreement on transporting horses for
2007, coordination between relevant departments and the Olympic equestrian euents.
functional areas were further enhanced.
In July 2007, BOCOG signed the sailing equipment
Statistics showed that 98.7 per cent of the material transportation agreement with UPS and Schenker
needed for the test events were effectively managed, China, and issued the sailing equipment transportation
and the figure of three venues even reached 100 per manual.
cent.
In the second half of 2007, the Logistics Department
Also throughout the test events, the Logistics and the Olympic Village Department established a
Department mapped out detailed testing plans for joint work group to prepare for logistics operations in
logistics operations and issued regulations on material the Village.
management and procurement in cash, criteria for
material distribution, and venue logistics operation The Logistics Department also established a joint work
policies and procedures. Statistics indicated that the group with the Opening & Closing Ceremonies Centre
Logistics Department formulated and amended 29 to conduct logistics operations at venues such as the
general policies concerning logistics operations. National Stadium and the Olympic Green Common
Domain.
Improvements in Procurement and Material
Management The Logistics Department signed documents
concerning logistics operations with the NOCs.
In line with the needs of the test events, procurement
policies were adjusted constantly and sports To guarantee smooth and efficient Customs clearance
equipment procurement was carried out in phases. of Olympic materials, the Logistics Department
cooperated with related Chinese governmental sectors
To ensure quality material management, due to establish a joint work group to simplify Customs
importance was given to the three-tier management clearance procedures.
system. Three ledgers were designated to the

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 149

 Beijing Olympic Logistics Centre By July 24, 253 yachts and canoes in 15 containers
from the NOCs of 62 countries and regions had also
The Olympic Logistics Centre (OLC) was the first arrived at their designated places.
among the non-competition venues to go into
operation. BOCOG and UPS signed a service By August 6, 41 flights transported altogether 219
agreement for the OLC and clarified that UPS would horses, 143 grooms and 157,000 kilogrammes of
be responsible for warehousing while the OLC work material.
team be set up to assist UPS.
Statistics showed that from March to July 2008, the
In September 2007, the OLC also set up a logistics Logistics Department finalised 49 procurement
support team with related authorities of the districts categories, with a volume of RMB 248 million.
and counties of Beijing.
By the end of July 2008, BOCOG had prepared
Cooperation of the OLC work team, the logistics 6,698,000 items for the Games, valued at RMB 850
support team and UPS made possible the smooth million, among which fixed assets and low-value
logistics operations during the test events and the durable goods totalled 481,000 items (RMB 530
Olympic Games (detailed information of the OLC is million), consumables 6,097,000 items (RMB 280
included in 8.4 “Olympic Logistics Centre”). million), souvenirs 71,000 items (RMB 1.028 million)
and intangible assets (software, etc) 48,000 items (RMB
Logistics Information System 29.085 million).

The Beijing Olympic logistics information system Inspection

involved inventory and asset management, material
procurement, transportation schedule and post- From June to the end of July 2008, the Logistics
Games material collection and disposal. Department organised inspections at each venue to
check the materials.
In 2007, modules for inventory and asset management
entered operation. Haier Group Company, Staples Commerce & Trade
Co., Ltd., HK Royal Furniture Holding Ltd., and sponsors
In 2008, modules for master delivery schedule, in charge of furniture and electronic appliances all
procurement and post-Games collection and disposal completed quality inspections on the more than
were in operation. 200,000 items supplied for the Games.

The OLC provided warehousing and delivery service

8.3.3 Games-time Operations for sponsors including Lenovo, Atos Origin, China
Netcom, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Omega
Games-time logistics operations started in June 2008 Enterprises, etc.
with Games-related material move-in.
After initial quality inspections and packing at the OLC,
Material Preparation all technical facilities provided by the sponsors were
transported to the venues.
Starting in June, logistics services were in full
operation, and by July 20, the sports equipment for Customs Clearance and Transportation
26 competition events (except sailing and equestrian)
had all arrived, regarding 65 procurement categories As the Beijing Olympic Games was drawing near,
of some 800, 000 items. Customs clearance of Olympic materials reached a
peak period.
By July 15, 62 boats in 26 containers for the 15
teams participating in the Games had reached their A large quantity of broadcast equipment, as well as
designated places. materials of the NOC delegations and IFs, arrived at the

150 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Customs at roughly the same time. By the end of July Company dispatched more than 200 staff to provide
2008, up to 300 consignments would arrive within a service at each venue, Staples Commerce & Trade Co.,
single day. Ltd. contributed 120 staff, and Royal Furniture Holding
Ltd. sent over 50 staff. Their services during the Games
With the coordination of all the other BOCOG received unanimous recognition.
departments and related sectors, the Logistics
Department’s Customs clearance work group provided Games-time Venue Logistics
efficient service for the clients. By the end of July, the
work group had assisted Olympic Family members in At the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games, the
some 5,000 operations which involved US$ 1.5 billion venue logistics service support group used forklifts to
of materials. supply drinking water for crew on duty and provided
ice used in competitions on a daily basis at each venue.
By the end of July, the venue logistics work groups They also took charge of material exchanges between
had moved 53,000 cubic metres of materials into the venues, as well as material transition from the Olympic
competition venues and 12,000 cubic metres into the to the Paralympic Games.
non-competition venues.
From August 19 to 21, 2008, the logistics work group of
The Logistics Department coordinated with related the National Indoor Stadium worked 30 hours without
suppliers and transporters to complete the safety stop, with a total of 42 staff and machines such as
check of 420 transportation vehicles. electric-powered forklifts, manual hydraulic carts and
flat pull carts, to prepare 1,500 cubic metres of material
The Logistics Department issued a total of 965 Vehicle for the transition between gymnastics competition,
Access and Parking Permits (VAPPs) during material gymnastics show and handball competition.
move-in, 1,027 during Games time, and 1,060 during
material move-out and the Paralympic Games. On August 23, the logistics work group of the National
Stadium completed two material transitions between
Games-time Logistics Support track and field competition and football competition
within 16 hours.
During Games time, a logistics service support group
was established to deal with unexpected problems From August 24 to September 5, the logistics work
on the spot and undertook provisional procurement, groups at the 16 competition venues, including the
such as the procurement for the modern pentathlon Fencing Hall of the National Convention Centre,
and cycling caused by the change of bib number the National Aquatics Centre and Beijing Science
specifications. and Technology University Gymnasium, as well as
related non-competition venues, completed material
The service support group also coordinated with transition between the Olympic and the Paralympic
contractors for Games-time sports equipment and Games efficiently.
service supplies.
With safety as the focus at all times, the venue logistics
To handle changes in venue logistics requirements, the work groups succeeded in operating accident-free
logistics service support group coordinated with UPS logistics through security screening, training and other
promptly and developed correspondent contingency measures.
plans, such as the purchase of 20 electric vehicles for
venue logistics operations. Master Delivery Schedule and Material Tracking

The sponsors concerned also jointly set up a The Logistics Department studied the demands for
contingency service support scheme regarding logistics vehicles at each venue and coordinated the
furniture and electronic appliances. Each sponsor completion and implementation of the Master Delivery
allocated considerable human and material resources Schedule .
for smooth operation of the Games: Haier Group

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 151

 Olympics-dedicated freight passage at the Tianjin Customs

By September 20, 2008 when the Master Delivery coordination with Beijing Equity Exchange, BOCOG
Schedule came to an end, the OLC had made 40,295 completed the auction of over 1,000 pieces of furniture
logistics arrangements, with an average of more than and household appliances used in the Qinglan
500 per day, which helped ensure that losistics trucks Building (BOCOG’s office building in the early stage of
of all kinds entered each venue in a safe and orderly Olympic preparation).
manner.
By September 30, 2008, material collection and
The Logistics Department signed the Letter of disposal of 1,087,800 items was completed at the 39
Responsibility concerning material tracking with competition, non-competition and training venues,
each venue manager, and the venue logistics work with a total of 1,665 truck loads (145 of which were
groups signed an inventory form of indoor assets. materials used for the Opening Ceremony of the
Each category of material was registered in the Beijing Olympic Games).
correspondent assets account, which facilitated post-
Games collection and disposal. In line with the legal procedures and the principles
of thrift and transparency, the Beijing Municipal
Government and BOCOG organised post-Games
8.3.4 Post-Games Collection and Disposal material disposal.

Right before the end of the Beijing Paralympic Games, BOCOG donated over 5,600 Olympic items to
the Logistics Department had organised a work group provinces and municipalities throughout China and
for material move-out. organised auctions of the props used at the Opening
and Closing Ceremonies of the Games, such as the fou
On June 25 2008, BOCOG and Beijing Equity Exchange drum (a clay percussion instrument used in Ancient
signed the Olympic Goods Disposal Agreement . In China).

152 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

8.4 Olympic Logistics Centre

The Olympic Logistics Centre Warehouse (rented by BOCOG) was

(OLC) was the management hub completed and put into operation,
for material distribution, material and by May 2008, BOCOG had
security screening, Customs rented all the warehouses at the
clearance, the Master Delivery OLC.
Schedule and material management
information. By the end of July 2008, all work
had been completed, including
warehouses at each venue and
8.4.1 OLC Overview hard surface facilities, security
screening overlays, PC factories, the
The OLC was located in Shunyi BOB warehouse at the OLC and the
Airport Logistics Park, Beijing, the power capacity increase renovation
west side of the park being only project.
27 kilometres from the major
Olympic venues. Connected to Also at the end of July, the Olympic
many motorways, it enjoyed very image and identity signs and
convenient transportation. billboards, venue transportation,
public information and pedestrian
The OLC had four warehouses, with signs were installed at the OLC and
a floor space of about 102,000 the venues.
square metres and a hard surface of
about 42,000 square metres. There
was also a storage space for BOB,
8.4.2 The OLC Work Team
which had an area of 12,000 square
metres and was divided into the Preparation for the OLC started at
test site and the warehouse site. the end of 2006.

In May 2006, BOCOG signed a In September 2007, the OLC work

leasing contract with Prologis team was established.
Company, through which facilities
at each warehouse were leased. In May 2008, all the OLC work team
staff and volunteers were in place,
In February 2007, the No. 1 and the OLC operation started,

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 153

 involving the Venue Manager, the functional areas, Detailed Operation Design were published.
UPS work team, security team and local authorities.
In April 2008, the third edition of the Operational
Before the Games, the BOCOG Logistics Department Plan for the Beijing Logistics Centre was completed,
carried out a variety of training for the 1,027 work team covering the issues of the OLC warehousing
staff, such as the 12 training sessions for a total of 1,100 arrangements, material move-in, master delivery
security personnel at different levels. schedule, transition, staffing, accreditation and post-
Games material move-out.
The director of the Logistics Department not only gave
lectures himself but also organised a group of core
members to lecture at the training sessions and to
8.4.3 OLC Operational Statistics
compile seven training manuals.
During the Good Luck Beijing Test Events and the
At the same time, the OLC formulated related Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games, the OLC
regulations and work plans, which were constantly undertook material storage, processing and delivery. It
readjusted and improved. also functioned as the Games-time Logistics Operation
Command Centre.
Before the Games, for instance, the OLC mapped out
six security regulations, security responsibilities for Delivery
12 posts, as well as 29 security plans. In addition, 14
venue operation regulations, 25 business operation From March 8, 2007 to September 30, 2008, the OLC
regulations, nine operation support regulations and 58 handled 18,340,000 items from 6,466 consignments,
emergency plans were formulated. and delivered 1,045 tons of materials. 40,295
arrangements concerning the Master Delivery
In accordance with the construction schedule for Schedule were made.
facilities at each OLC warehouse, four issues of the

The Key Performance Indication (KPI) Index of the OLC

Rate of Rate of
Order Rate of Rate of Goods
KPI Accuracy Delivery Rate of Prompt
Fulfillment Inventory in Good
Index of Storage Fulfillment Distribution (%)
Rate (%) Accuracy (%) Condition (%)
Space (%) (%)

Average 120 120 120 120 99.95 99.95

Customs Clearance Coordination Material Management

In November 2006, the first consignment of By September 30, 2008, the OLC had got 1,504 orders
Olympic material passed through China Customs, for materials in the warehousing information system
and by September 30, 2008, the OLC had helped and devised management codes for 10,892 kinds of
Olympic Family members handle Customs clearance material. 13,754 reception and delivery of materials
procedures for over 5,000 times, involving a total value were completed, involving 8,011,156 items and
of US$ 1.5 billion. 6,893,417 items respectively.

154 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Beijing Olympic Logistics Centre

Information Service Communications Group Corporation, Mattsushita

Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., and Omega Enterprises
The Olympic logistics information system provided to provide technical support for the venues. It also
strong support for inventory and assets management, allocated and delivered technical materials to each
transportation planning and post-Games material venue in and out of Beijing.
collection and disposal.
All technical facilities were delivered to the venues
24 defects were identified and addressed. Altogether, after primary quality examination and containerisation
primary data of 255 users and 205 venues as well as at the OLC.
9,453 pieces of logistics information were recorded.
Security Screening
The system provided all competition venues and major
non-competition venues in Beijing with information Starting in March 2007, the OLC security work group
support, helped check 1,737 receipts, and facilitated conducted screening on more than 5,800 construction
the smooth transition from manual book keeping to workers.
e-bookkeeping.
Between July 1, 2008 and the end of the Paralympic
Technical Support Games, the OLC security work group screened 3,199
transport vehicles, completed a total of 55,195 security
The OLC technical support group coordinated screening checks on 3,221 transport personnel, and
sponsors such as Lenovo, Atos Origin, China Network examined 16,284 personal items.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 155

156 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
Logistics staff unload the
Olympic supplies

Summary
Technical support was essential for hosting the
Olympic Games. Through studying the Transfer of
Knowledge, the BOCOG technical support team
formulated plans and work procedures for all events.

Resources were integrated to address technical

problems, and a number of technical breakthroughs
were achieved, such as the command system for
the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Games,
Chinese language information displays during live
television broadcast, and the venue security command
system.

The BOCOG Logistics Department supervised

operations of logistics, material procurement and asset
management, and developed an effective logistics
operation management system for material tracking,
distribution and post-Games collection and disposal.
This joint inventory management model helped
facilitate the smooth cooperation among different
sectors.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 157

158 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 Chapter 9
City Operation and
Environment
BOCOG developed detailed guidelines and an effective operation
mechanism for Games-time city operations, and supervised the Co-host
Cities in conducting their operations in hosting sailing, equestrian and
football competitions. In an effort to fulfill the commitment of a “Green
Olympics”, BOCOG identified environmental protection as one of the major
tasks, which distinctly echoes the trend of the modern Olympic Movement.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 159

 Staff from the State Grid test the power flow at an Olympic venue

160 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

9.1 City Operation Guidelines

City operations regarding the Beijing Government compiled the City

Olympic Games were undertaken by Operation Plan during the Beijing
the Beijing Municipal Government. 2008 Olympic and Paralympic
Through addressing issues related Games , which clarified the tasks,
to infrastructure, transportation, coordination mechanism and
environment, culture, commerce, material and institutional support
tourism, public hygiene and legal for Games-time city operations.
system, Beijing Municipality not
only sought to host a successful Also in 2006, work on city
Olympic Games in 2008, but also operations started with the
endeavoured to attain development establishment of the Beijing
in the long run. Municipality 2008 Environment
Construction Headquarters (the
“2008” Environment Headquarters).
9.1.1 Concept of City
Operations The “2008” Environment
Headquarters cooperated with
In May 2005, Beijing Municipality the Beijing Municipality 2008
started compiling the Concept Engineering Construction
of City Operations based on the Headquarters (the “2008”
outlines provided by BOCOG. Engineering Headquarters) to
command, coordinate and supervise
Meetings were held between venue construction projects as well
BOCOG and Beijing Municipality, as municipal engineering and utility
during which city operation plans projects in the surrounding areas.
were deliberated in reference
to Beijing’s actual conditions. The “2008” Environment
IOC experts were also invited to Headquarters also collected
share their knowledge about city data in August of 2006 and 2007
operations during the Sydney 2000 from the key sectors involved
and Athens 2004 Olympic Games. in city operations and defined
major city operations indices.
In 2006, based on the Concept The City Operations Index Daily
of City Operations , the Municipal was compiled with a monitoring

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 161

 Simulation exercise for Games-time weather service

platform and an early warning system put in place. Olympic venues

●  Sewage water treatment, up to 92 per cent with 50
The Municipal Government departments and the per cent reused
authorities of Beijing districts and counties jointly
established leading groups and preparatory offices to Commodity Supply
facilitate regular venue operations.
●  Commodity supply with stable prices and a rich
variety
9.1.2 Games-time Operation Plan Communications and Information Security
●  Support and information security control
As the Olympic Games drew near, Beijing Municipality
●  Integration of communications resources to prepare
issued the Master Plan for City Operations during the
for emergency
Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games . Between June
1 and October 8, 2008, the Olympic Games Command ●  Radio and mobile phone signal coverage of
System was set for the Games-time operation mode. Olympics-related areas

Focus of Operations Production Safety

●  Safety inspection and risk prevention
12 major aspects of Games-time city operations were
●  Control of toxic and dangerous chemicals
identified according to the Master Plan .
●  Organisation of emergency response brigades
Energy and Water Supply
Transportation
●  Water Source protection
●  Municipal pipeline system protection ●  Security control at traffic hubs and public
●  Dual-power and dual-water supply at all the transportation stations

162 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

●  Implementation of Olympic bus lanes and varied projects
work schedules to avoid peak hours ●  Waste classification and recycling
●  Restrictions on government vehicles ●  Sanitation control at Olympic venues and the
●  Odd-even plate number restrictions on automobiles surrounding areas
in Beijing
●  Promotion of public transportation Tourist Reception
●  Service quality control of BOCOG contracted hotels
Atmospheric Pollution Control
●  Reception at public scenic spots and major tourist
●  Emission restrictions on automobiles attractions
●  Emission restrictions on major polluting enterprises
●  Retrieval of oil and gas cans and pollution control of
Culture and Sports
fuel depots
●  Implementation of National IV Emission Standards ●  Quality cultural and sports events, including the
(equivalent to Euro IV Emission Standards) as of July Beijing Olympic Torch Relay
1, 2008 on public transportation vehicles, urban ●  Support service for the 24 Olympic Cultural Squares
sanitation vehicles and heavy vehicles for postal in Beijing
service, which were sold and registered in Beijing
●  Cooperation with neighbouring provinces, Public Hygiene
autonomous regions and municipalities to prepare for
●  Games-time food safety control
pollution emergencies caused by extreme weather
●  Establishment of a public health emergency
conditions
response mechanism to handle major health hazards
City Environment such as infectious or animal-borne diseases
●  Games-time pharmaceutical reserve
●  Implementation of city image and urban greening

Slogan under a cloverleaf in Beijing - The Olympic Games is coming. Are you ready?

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 163

 Beijing Olympic sailing events in Qingdao

●  Organisation of designated Olympic hospitals, The responsibilities of the Beijing Municipal

emergency health care stations, emergency vehicles Government and BOCOG were defined by the
and first aid staff boundaries of the Olympic venue security perimetre.
In principle, the Municipal Government and authorities
Public Security of districts and counties commanded city operations
outside the security perimetre and performed their
●  Security information
duties within their own jurisdiction, while Olympic
●  Olympic venue security control
venue teams took charge of the operations inside the
●  Security operations regarding large-scale public
perimetre.
events
●  Postal service security Should there be any emergencies inside the Olympic
venues, they would be dealt with in line with the
Disaster Prevention and Relief general contingency plan formulated by the municipal
authorities.
●  Early warning for geological disasters as well as
prevention and relief plans
A peripheral support team was organised for each of
●  Monitoring and early warning for meteorological
the Olympic venues outside the Olympic Green, with
disasters such as floods, storms and extremely high a senior staff member joining the leadership of the
temperatures venue operation team. Through participating in test
●  Extreme weather control during the Opening and events and emergency response rehearsals, the venue
Closing Ceremonies of the Olympic and Paralympic team and the peripheral support team improved
Games coordination and got ready for the Games.

Games-time Operation Mechanism Relevant government sectors, public utility companies

and other service providers also made preparations for
The two-tier command system, consisting of regular and emergency operations concerning water,
the Command Headquarters and the MOC, was heating, electricity, sanitation, transport, etc.
established for Games-time city operations (see 1.4.2
“Games-time Command”). Some 400,000 city volunteers, most of whom were

164 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

college students, worked at the 550 city volunteer 13th Paralympic Games , based on which the Olympic
service stands outside the venues and other areas in Equestrian Committee was established in October
Beijing. In addition, more than one million citizens 2005. In February 2006, the Olympic Equestrian
participated in Games-time city operations as social Committee set up the Equestrian Events Company for
volunteers. These volunteers provided strong support the Games of the XXIX Olympiad to handle specific
for smooth city operations during the Games. operations.

The Co-host Cities implemented unified policies and

9.1.3 Co-host City Operation Guidelines standards set by BOCOG.

The cities of Qingdao and Hong Kong would host Through intensifying training and supervision, BOCOG
respectively the sailing and equestrian events of ensured that standards of venues and facilities, as well
the Beijing Olympic Games, and the cities of Tianjin, as services in the Co-host Cities, were the same as
Shanghai, Shenyang and Qinhuangdao would jointly those in Beijing.
accommodate the football preliminaries with Beijing.
In preparing for the events, BOCOG supervised the Co- All the venues would report promptly to BOCOG any
host City operations with the principle of “Games-time major incidents concerning the preparation for and
operations with overall planning and coordination”. holding of the Games. They were also required to assist
BOCOG in Games publicity, and to make sure that
Working Principle BOCOG was the only authority to directly contact the
international sports organisations.
Qingdao, Tianjin, Shanghai, Shenyang, and
Qinhuangdao signed with BOCOG the Agreement While the Co-host Cities strictly observed the
on the Principle of Relationship between BOCOG and IOC technical guidelines and BOCOG working
Co-host City Governments. The five Co-host Cities requirements, they were allowed to take into
each set up an organising body (the Qingdao Sailing consideration their actual conditions and carry out
Committee and the football competition offices of the work with flexibility. BOCOG would extend to them full
other four cities) with senior municipal government respect and support.
officials assuming leadership.
The six Co-host Cities each formed its operation
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region signed with team and established a Games-time operation
BOCOG the Arrangements for Hosting Equestrian mechanism integrating competition organisation,
Events of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad and the venue management and support of local authorities.

Tianjin Olympic Centre Stadium

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 165

 Test events were organised in these cities to assess Municipal Government launched a number of projects
operations and enhance staff experience. to improve its waterways, urban sanitation and green
coverage. It adopted coastal pollution technologies
BOCOG’s General Office took charge of coordination to ensure that water quality in the regatta area reach
between its functional areas and the operation teams Grade I National Standards. Garbage was taken care
in the Co-host Cities. of, with sewage water treatment rate reaching 84 per
cent.
Co-host City Operation Highlights
The city also introduced buoy stations and vessels
The Co-host Cities all made special arrangements for meteorological observation, among other
to demonstrate their commitment to fulfilling the technologies, to guarantee the availability of hydro-
concepts of “Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics and meteorological information during Games time.
People’s Olympics”.
The Olympic Equestrian Committee strengthened the
In preparing for the sailing events, Qingdao Olympic image projects in major areas in Hong Kong
implemented the “Clear Water, Blue Sky” Action Plan to conform to the overall Beijing Olympic image and
to ensure a quality Games-time environment. The identity standards. In addition, a series of Olympic
166 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
cultural and sports activities were organised for the services including hotel reception, medical care,
citizens. The Olympic ambience was felt in every volunteer service, transportation and weather forecast.
corner of the city during Games time.
The campaigns, entitled “Welcome to the Olympic
Considering the weather conditions in summer, the Football Games, Join Hands to Construct the City”
Equestrian Committee scheduled competition events and “Civility Starts from Ourselves, We Hail for the
for morning or evening to avoid intense heat. This Olympics”, were launched in these cities and drew
arrangement not only brought about better athletic great support from the citizens.
performances, but also benefited the spectators and
increased the ticket sales. The Co-host Cities also enacted security plans,
deployed security forces and carried out a number of
Citizens of Hong Kong were eager to participate in simulation exercises to strengthen security control. The
volunteer services. The venues alone engaged a total security personnel worked hard and security screening
of 1, 800 Games-time volunteers. was spectator-friendly, which greatly contributed to a
“Safe, Peaceful Olympics”.
Many citizens were attracted to the events since it
was a precious opportunity for them to experience Detailed information about city operations in
the Olympics so closely. Hong Kong’s status as an preparing for and holding the Games, with regard to
“Equestrian City” was enhanced by the Olympic events. aspects such as security, transportation and volunteer
services, will be provided in the next few chapters of
The Co-host Cities for football preliminaries this volume of the Official Report .
demonstrated warmth and hospitality through the

1. Shenyang Olympic Stadium

2. Shanghai Stadium
1
3. Qinhuangdao Olympic Sports Centre Stadium
2 3 4
4. Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue (Sha Tin)

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 167

 9.2 Environmental Protection

The Centennial Olympic Congress related industries

held in Paris in 1994, took up for ●  Raising public awareness of
the first time, the integration of environmental protection and
sports and environment as one of eco-friendly consumption, and
its themes. With the adoption of encouraging citizens to make
the Olympic Movement ’s Agenda Beijing a more livable city
21 in 1999, the IOC reaffirmed
commitments of the Olympic 9.2.1 BOCOG’s
Movement on environmental Environmental Initiatives
protection and sustainable
development, thus making BOCOG and Beijing Municipality
environment a key component of compiled a series of environmental
the modern Olympic spirit. operation guidelines to stage
environmentally-friendly Games
Beijing’s “Green Olympics” initiative with minimum negative impacts.
distinctly echoed the trend of the
Olympic Movement and the city’s The BOCOG Construction &
endeavour to improve its eco- Environment Department
environment. Therefore, BOCOG undertook the job of coordinating
attached great importance to with government departments to
and identified major tasks of achieve a “Green Olympics” and
environmental protection in city briefing the IOC about the progress.
operations. The Beijing Municipal Government
was in charge of implementing the
●  Making environmental
environmental initiatives, and the
protection a prerequisite in Olympic
Beijing Municipal Environmental
construction and formulating strict
Protection Bureau undertook
ecological standards to guarantee most of the actual environmental
enforcement operations.
●  Adopting eco-friendly and
energy-saving technologies BOCOG’s Environmental
and materials, enhancing the Management
city’s image, and promoting the
development of environment- In 2003, BOCOG engaged

168 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Environment Guideline for the Olympic Project and Guide to Environmental Protection for Beijing Olympic Torch Relay (Excerpts)

professional companies to establish an environmental BOCOG supported Beijing and the Co-host Cities in
management system for its operations. strengthening their environmental protection efforts,
and put forward specific requirements to minimise
In April 2004, BOCOG President Liu Qi signed the negative impacts on the environment and ecosystem
BOCOG Environmental Management Guidelines , based when preparing for the Games.
on which the BOCOG Environmental Management
System Manual was completed. The Manual defined The BOCOG Construction & Environment Department
environmental responsibilities of the departments also participated in the review of environmental
and institutions concerned, and the concept of “Green protection plans regarding the bids for the Olympic
Olympics” was incorporated into every aspect of construction projects.
Games preparation.
Guidance for Environmental Protection
In implementing the environmental management
system and achieving “Green Office”, BOCOG did the In November 2002, BOCOG approved of the first
following: special guide to Olympics-related environmental
protection, the Environment Guideline for the Olympic
●  Practising “paperless office” Project .
●  Adopting recyclable, simple-packaged and energy-
saving office supplies The Guideline put forward requirements for Olympic
●  Minimising the use of disposable products construction projects regarding energy conservation,
●  Conducting garbage sorting landscaping, green building materials, water
conservation and reuse, solid waste disposal and
●  Encouraging energy-saving drives such as using
reuse, and noise control. It also contained policies
natural ventilation instead of air-conditioning
for organising tender and bid, reviewing design,
supervising construction, conducting inspection and

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 169

 promoting the environmental demonstration projects. In 2005, BOCOG was honoured with top recognition in
the "Third Annual Ozone Layer Protection Contribution
In compliance with the Environment Guideline for Award" by the State Environmental Protection
the Olympic Project and Guide to Green Olympic Administration (now the Ministry of Environmental
Construction , the 2008 Engineering Headquarters Protection of the People’s Republic of China).
worked with the construction companies to create 24
“Green Olympics” demonstration construction projects. The BOCOG Construction & Environment Department
also coordinated with other BOCOG departments to
●  National Stadium
compile environment-related regulations and offer
●  National Aquatics Centre
training concerning operations of Olympic partners
●  National Convention Centre
and sponsors, contracted hotels, transportation,
●  Digital Beijing Building catering, the Torch Relay, logistics, procurement, solid
●  National Indoor Stadium waste management, etc.
●  Beijing Olympic Village
●  Green Homeland Media Village For example, the Guide to Environmental Protection
●  Olympic Green Central Area during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay had
●  Beijing Workers’ Stadium specific environmental requirements for the selection
●  Chaoyang Park Beach Volleyball Ground of the Torch Relay route, and for protection of
●  Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park geological and topographical features, historical
●  Changping Triathlon Venue resorts and scenic spots of the regions the Torch Relay
●  Laoshan Velodrome would cover, which greatly reduced the negative
●  Laoshan Bicycle Moto Cross (BMX) Venue environmental effects of the activities.
●  Beijing Shooting Range Hall
Cooperation with Environmental Organisations
●  Beijing Olympic Basketball Arena
●  Fengtai Sports Centre Softball Field
BOCOG invited experts from home and abroad to offer
●  Beijing Shooting Range CTF
advice on achieving “Green Olympics”.
●  Road Cycling Course
●  Capital Gymnasium
Experts from Italy and the United States joined the
●  Peking University Gymnasium Olympic Air Quality Assurance Working Group to deal
●  Beijing Science and Technology University with air quality control during the Olympic Games.
Gymnasium
●  Beijing University of Technology Gymnasium One key example was cooperation between BOCOG
●  Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Italian Ministry for the Environment, Land
Gymnasium and Sea in 26 programmes concerning waste control,
intelligent transportation management system,
BOCOG worked closely with the government environmental capacity building, solar water heaters
departments in promoting the environmental in the Beijing Olympic Village, electric vehicles used at
protection measures and technologies in Olympic competition venues, etc.
venue construction and operations.
BOCOG, the State Environmental Protection
For instance, in all the Beijing Olympic venues, energy- Administration and other government departments
saving refrigerants were used to reduce threats to co-sponsored international environment seminars and
the ozone layer. Waste water recycling was achieved participated in various environmental campaigns led
in all the venues, and the goal of cutting energy by sponsors of the Beijing Olympic Games and non-
consumption by 50 per cent was realised. Green areas governmental environmental organisations in China.
totalled 700 hectares, covering over 60 per cent of
the venue area and exceeding the commitment of 30 BOCOG worked in line with the guidance of the
to 40 per cent green coverage at the venues when IOC Sport & Environment Commission and signed
Beijing bid for the Games. a Memorandum of Understanding with the United

170 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Bicycle lease stations, which encourage citizens to practise “green commuting”

Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on making The IOC and the Chinese public were kept informed
Beijing 2008 an environmentally-friendly Olympic of the government’s progress in strengthening
Games. environmental protection and improving the
ecological environment.
In 2007, BOCOG was honoured with UNEP's “Ozone
Layer Protection Public Awareness Award”. In 2004, BOCOG and the Beijing Municipal
Environmental Protection Bureau organised a “Green
“Green Olympics” Publicity Olympics, Green Action” lecture group to help
popularise the concept of “Green Olympics” in local
The BOCOG Construction & Environment Department communities, schools, enterprises and institutions.
cooperated with the Media & Communications
Department to promote the concept of “Green Citizens in Beijing organised various “Green Olympics”
Olympics” by means of publications and video clips, campaigns, among which the “Car-free Day” deserves
Internet media campaigns and Olympic-themed special mention.
activities.
In 2006, the 112 drivers’ clubs, environmental groups,
Environment-themed columns were added to college students’ environmental societies and the
BOCOG’s official website as well as venue and city media sector in Beijing jointly launched a monthly
information systems. “Car-free Day” initiative, which drew considerable
support from the public. According to incomplete
In the International Broadcast Centre, Media Villages, statistics, on June 5, 2006, the World Environment Day,
Olympic Village and unaccredited media staff 250,000 Beijing citizens took public transportation or
reception booths, “Green Olympics” information rode bicycles instead of driving their private cars.
desks were set up for collecting and exchanging data
about environmental initiatives carried out by Beijing On July 17, 2008, drivers in Beijing organised the
Olympic partners and sponsors. activity of “Green Olympics, Green Travelling” to
solicit support for the Municipality’s Games-time

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 171

 vehicle restrictions based on “odd-even” license plate Games-time Environmental Operations
numbers. In line with the restrictions, cars with license
plates ending in odd numbers were allowed on the During Games time, concerned divisions of the BOCOG
roads on odd-numbered calendar days, while those Construction & Environment Department (Cleaning
with even-numbered plates were permitted on even- & Waste, Environment Construction, Environment
numbered dates. Management, etc.) joined the Transportation &
Environment Support Group under the MOC. Their
BOCOG attached great importance to developing tasks included:
youths’ environmental awareness and supported the
●  Supervising environmental protection in venue test
“Green Olympics, Green Campus” initiative. It helped
operations
publicise among students environmental protection
●  Coordinating environmental emergency operations
concepts, and encouraged them to maintain a clean
campus environment, practise garbage sorting and at the venues and the surrounding areas
recycling, and protect wildlife and water sources. The ●  Providing environment information, publicising
initiative won heartfelt support from schools in China. environment protection highlights, planning and
organising environmental activities for the Olympic
Youths were involved in the “Green Olympics” themed Youth Camp, and arranging news releases concerning
activities, including a painting contest titled “Green environmental issues
Dreams, Colourful Olympics” for primary and middle ●  Managing venue sanitation and waste removal
school students from home and abroad, a bilingual ●  Supervising demolition and dismantling of temporary
(Chinese and English) speech contest titled “I Am a projects to reduce negative environmental effects
Participant in the Green Olympics” for middle school ●  Preparing reports on environmental operations, and
students, and an activity titled “Save a Bucket of Water organising post-Games assessments on environment
This Summer” for primary school students in Beijing. effects

Organisational Structure for Venue Environmental Operations

Main Operation Centre

Environmental Functional Area (FA) Venue Management

Venue Manager

Consultancy and Coordination between Venues

Deputy Venue Manager in charge of logistics

FA Manager in charge of environment & waste management

(paid Staff)

FA Manager Assistant (staff of the contractor)

Venue Environment Coordinator (volunteer)

172 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Take waste management operations for instance. Led 2008, 6,386 tons of waste had been removed from
by the Cleaning & Waste Division, 64 paid staff, 109 the venues, with 4,688 tons of waste was sorted and
volunteers and some 6,000 contracted employees recycled, accounting for 73.4 per cent of the total. Their
worked at the Olympic venues for environmental efforts helped create a clean and comfortable Games-
protection and sanitation control. By August 24, time environment.

Venue Cleaning and Waste Management

Task Undertaker Support

Venue Cleaning and Waste Venue Owners BOCOG Construction &

Collection Environment Department

Waste Removal & Disposal Beijing Municipal Administration BOCOG Construction &
Commission Environment Department

Plan and Standards for Venue BOCOG Construction & Beijing Municipal Administration
Cleaning and Waste Management; Environment Department Commission, Venue Owners
Games-time Supervision

Games spectators exchange plastic bottles for T-shirts made of recycled materials

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 173

 9.2.2 Overview of Environmental started in 1998, and after the successful bid for the
Protection in Beijing Olympic Games, preparation for the Games became
an even more important catalyst to help intensify the
Beijing’s Olympics-related environmental efforts were city’s environmental initiatives.

80% 73 73
69
62
60% 59

40%

20%

0%
2001 2003 2005 2007 2008

Growth of Beijing’s Tertiary Industry (2001-2008)

Nearly a decade’s efforts and some RMB 200 billion million tons.
investment shaped for Beijing a solid foundation to
ensure a Games-time environment featuring clean air, Also, the Beijing Olympic Games-time Air Quality
beautiful scenery and a balanced eco-system. Control Panel was jointly established by the Ministry of
Environmental Protection, Beijing Municipality and the
Air Quality six neighbouring provinces and municipalities, namely
Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia and Shandong,
Starting in 1998, Beijing Municipality quickened its to strengthen environmental operations through
pace of combating air pollution. After the city was stringent restrictions on polluting enterprises and
awarded the Games, programmes were developed to vehicle control.
ensure air quality during Games time.
Beijing Municipality also set up 27 air quality sampling
Efforts were intensified in 2008, with a number of stations to monitor the concentration of sulfur dioxide
projects completed such as clean energy fueled (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
heating for 61,000 households in the old city proper’s and particulate matter (PM10), and the data collected
cultural relics protection zone, and desulfurisation, was made available to the public. During Games time,
nitrogen oxide abatement and dust control efforts on another 18 temporary sampling stations were added
the four major thermal power stations in Beijing. at major competition venues for outdoor air quality
control.
On March 1, 2008, the National IV Emission
Standards (equivalent to the Euro IV Standards) were With these measures, air quality in the city saw
implemented, ahead of the originally decided date of considerable improvement. In 2008, pollutants in
July 1, 2008. 11,000 old public transportation vehicles the air dropped by about 50 per cent, with SO2, CO,
were removed. Also, 2,349 public transportation NO2 and PM10 reduced respectively by 30 per cent,
buses and 2,941 taxis were added, which were all 12 per cent, 32 per cent and 32 per cent compared
environmentally-friendly vehicles. with those of 1998. In terms of China’s air quality
standards, the number of days that reached Grade II
Before the Games, the 1,462 gas stations, 52 oil depots was 274. During the Olympic Games, concentration of
and 1,387 tanker trucks in Beijing were all upgraded to SO2, CO and NO2 was comparable to those of major
meet the environmental standards. Chemical plants international cities and PM10 concentration met the air
in the city were shut down and iron and steel works quality guideline values stipulated by the World Health
of the Shougang Group reduced its output by four Organisation (WHO).

174 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 80% 75
63 66 67
61 63
60% 51 55

40%

20%

0%
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Percentage of Number of Days Reaching Air Quality Standards in Beijing (2001-2008)

Water Quality rose from 320 million cubic metres in 2001 to 800
million cubic metres in 2008, and sewage treatment
In 2001, Beijing formulated plans and implemented rate increased from 38 per cent to 90 per cent during
eco-friendly measures to protect drinking water the same period. A number of small and medium-sized
sources, clean rivers and lakes, and enhance sewage sewage treatment facilities were also set up in satellite
treatment capacity. towns and villages on the outskirts of Beijing, which
treated altogether 140 million cubic metres of sewage
Between 2000 and 2007, Beijing set up nine sewage per year. By 2008, 57 per cent of the city’s waste water
treatment plants. In 2008, five more were completed had been treated and reused.
and put into operation. Sewage treatment capacity

100%
90 90
80
80%
70
60% 56 58
48
42
40%

20%
0%
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Sewage Treatment Rate in Beijing (2001-2008)

Beijing carried out environmental operations on more Shelterbelts (in Northeastern, North and Northwestern
than 40 major rivers in the city. Aquatic plants and China) and the greening of Mount Taihang.
animals fit for the environment were introduced into
waterways, which helped form a natural purification By 2008, some 10,000 hectares of green area had
system. Clean water was supplied regularly to these been added to the capital’s urban districts compared
rivers. 10 water recycling projects were built in lakes with that of 2001, with the public green coverage
and rivers to improve water quality. rate increasing from 38 per cent to 43 per cent. The
green coverage rate of the city had increased from 44
Prior to the opening of the Olympic Games, all projects per cent to 51.6 per cent. The per capita green area
to improve ecological conditions of rivers within increased by 12 square metres.
Beijing’s Sixth Ring Road were completed.
25,000 hectares of green passages and shelter forests
Greening and Eco-environmental Protection for farmland, as well as 12,600 hectares of urban
greenbelts, were created. Also taking shape were
Beijing Municipality carried out a number of greening the three green ecological screens composed of the
projects, including sandstorm source management greenbelts and greening projects on the plains and
to protect Beijing and Tianjin, the Three-North mountains.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 175

 These greening projects helped absorb 16.48 improvement of Beijing’s ecological environment but
million tons of carbon dioxide in the seven years of also marked the fulfillment of Beijing’s commitment to
Games preparation, which not only indicated the hold a “Green Olympics”.

44%

42%

40%

38%

36%
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Urban Green Coverage in the Eight Urban Districts of Beijing (2001-2008)

m2
47 48 49
50 45 46
44
40
40
30

20

10

0
2002 2004 2006 2008

Per Capita Green Area in Beijing (2002-2008)

According to the Olympic Ecological Environment Water supply in the park came entirely from recycling.
Protection Programme , biodiversity preservation Biological filtering by aquatic plants and animals, as
in Beijing’s nature reserves and wetlands was well as via microbes, helped maintain water quality
strengthened. By 2008, natural reserves had accounted in the area. The park set a good example of bio-
for 8.3 per cent of Beijing’s total area. In greening the purification for water systems in North China.
city, extensive care was given to building an eco-
system with diversified plant species and wild birds. Solid Waste Disposal

Wetlands constitute one nature’s most bio-diversified In 2002, Beijing began promoting household garbage
landscapes. Existing wetlands in Beijing with an area sorting in 250 local communities. By 2003, 545
of more than 100 hectares add up to 50,000 hectares, residential communities and industrial parks were
accounting for nearly three percent of the city’s practising garbage sorting.
total. Of these, natural river wetlands take up 35,000
hectares. Six wetland reserves have been set aside, By the end of 2007, the garbage sorting rate had
with a total area of more than 20,000 hectares. reached 52 per cent, with 35 per cent of garbage
transferred to resources compared with 10 per cent in
The Olympic Forest Park was a model project of eco- 2000. The commitments made when preparing for the
preservation. Located to the north of the National Games, i.e. achieving garbage sorting and utilisation
Stadium and with an area of 680 hectares, it was one of rates of 50 and 30 per cent respectively, were fulfilled.
Beijing’s largest artificial green lands. The artificial lake
in the park covered an area of 26.7 hectares, including In 2008, household waste detoxification rates in urban
45,000 square metres of wetlands, and harboured and suburban areas reached 100 per cent and 85 per
some 530,000 plants of over 180 species. cent respectively. Waste classification was popularised.
176 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
In Beijing’s Xicheng District, 265 local communities, 156 measures taken during Games time in dealing with
governmental organisations and business enterprises, emissions will be retained after the Games. Enterprises
accounting for 75 per cent of the total, practised waste that stopped production during Games time may not
classification. resume production until they solve their pollution
problems. State environmental authorities will
On the whole, environmental protection has become continue to coordinate air pollution control initiatives
an integral part of people’s life since the inception of in Beijing and its surrounding provinces, autonomous
“Green Olympics” in Beijing seven years ago. Beijing’s regions and municipalities.
environmental sector has made it clear that temporary

Summary
In preparing for the Beijing Olympic Games, BOCOG the “Green Olympics” environmental campaigns.
strived to comply with IOC rules and practices, while
taking into consideration China’s overall situation. A “Green Olympics” not only helped improve Beijing’s
environment, but also had tremendous impacts on
BOCOG and government authorities clearly defined Beijing citizens’ way of life. More and more people
their responsibilities as well as cooperated closely in now consciously practise green consumption and
implementing city operations and in responding to participate in environmental initiatives. The number
emergencies. of citizens engaged in environmental campaigns is
still on the rise after the Games. Ultimately, the Games
Great importance was attached to environmental has certainly left a profound environmental legacy for
protection as it is one of the core concepts of the Beijing and China, and for the Olympic Movement as
Olympic spirit. In achieving this goal, Beijing intensified well.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 177

178 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 Chapter 10
Security, Transportation and
Arrival & Departure
Security and transportation are always vital to large-scale sports events.
By intensifying domestic and international cooperation and studying the
specific requirements of the major client groups, BOCOG heightened
security, ensured smooth transportation and provided efficient arrival &
departure service during the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 179

 Yangshanqiao Office of the Beijing Olympic Games Security Command Centre

180 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 10.1 Security

The Ministry of Public Security of ●  Formulating action plans for the

the People’s Republic of China and Games security operations and
the Beijing Municipal Public Security establishing a security technical
Bureau worked closely to guarantee support system
a smooth Olympic Games in Beijing
and to create a safe environment In December 2004, the Beijing
for NOC delegations, Olympic Olympic Games Security
Family members, media staff and Coordination Group was
spectators from all over the world. established, which involved relevant
departments of the Chinese Central
Government, the army, the armed
10.1.1 Planning for Security police and the Beijing Municipal
Government.
Preparation for the Beijing Olympic
Games security operations started Under the Security Coordination
in September 2001 and BOCOG Group were the Beijing Olympic
coordinated the following tasks: Games Security Command Centre
and the Beijing Olympic Games
●  Studying the experience of all Security Information Centre.
previous Games and other large-
scale sports events BOCOG’s Security Department
●  Intensifying security information coordinated with the IOC in
collection and analysis and making assessing security demands and
held press briefings.
risk assessments
●  Improving Olympics-related
Between 2005 and 2007, the venue
legislation
security teams, which were staffed
●  Planning for the Games-time
mainly with professionals, were
security command mechanism assembled.
and compiling the Overall Security
Operation Guidelines during the The Security Coordination Group
Beijing Olympic Games also helped the governments of the
●  Integrating security features into Co-host Cities set up their security
venue construction operation corps. The government

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 181

 Security personnel at work

Security screening zone for accredited staff

of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, with the teams and the authorities in charge of the areas where
assistance of the Chinese Central Government, was there were Olympic venues.
responsible for the security of the equestrian events.
Venue construction and facility installation were
synchorised in terms of planning, designing,
10.1.2 Security and Venue Construction implementation, quality control and operation.

Venue security operations of the Beijing Olympic BOCOG and the government security sector organised
Games were conducted with the joint efforts of venue tender and bid for security facility installation and

182 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

operation. BOCOG worked with government sectors regarding
foreign affairs, intelligence and sports to establish
Throughout venue construction, the BOCOG Security the Beijing Olympic Security Background Information
Department and the government security sector Database. Games-time entry & exit policies were
participated in security facility installation and stipulated with green channels prepared.
monitored venue security features.
BOCOG also solicited suggestions from the IOC and
To facilitate Games-time visitor flow, different exits other client groups to address their particular needs
and passageways were designated to spectators, VIPs, for security.
athletes, technicians and media staff. The spectators’
exits, in particular, were arranged near bus or rail transit
stations so as to relieve entry & exit burdens before
10.1.3 Security Staff Preparation
and after the competition events.
During the Games, some 110, 000 security personnel
An Olympic security command support system was carried out operations at the venues, assisting Olympic
put in place to connect the Security Command Centre Family members and other distinguished guests and
and all venues in Beijing and the Co-host Cities. providing protection for Olympics-related events.

To respond effectively to unexpected incidents, the Beijing Olympic security staff mainly came from the
security staff implemented correspondent regulations public security sector, intelligence sector, armed police
and measures at competition and training venues, in and professional security service providers. Students
which construction features, capacity, competition from military academies and police institutes were
schedule and potential risks were taken into recruited as volunteers. The People’s Liberation Army
consideration. Anti-doping labs and medal storage also participated in security operations during Games
rooms were under special protection. time.

Drawing on the experience obtained in the Beijing City volunteers in Beijing and the Co-host Cities helped
Olympic model venue project (the Beijing Workers’ maintain public order and were instructed to report
Gymnasium), the BOCOG Security Department theft and fire incidents. Thanks to their hard work,
formulated the General Security Operation Guidelines security in streets and local communities was greatly
for the Beijing Olympic Venues for all the venue enhanced.
security teams.
The BOCOG Security Department offered training to
Venue security teams also cooperated with authorities security personnel for Olympic knowledge, technical
in charge of areas where venues were located in order terminology, anti-terrorism and antiriot, fire control,
to improve overall security in the surrounding regions. traffic management and emergency response.
Lectures, case studies and field drills were conducted
In addition to concrete security work, BOCOG made to build a security corps of entrepreneurship and
great efforts to publicise the Beijing Olympic Games professionalism.
security initiative and to keep the domestic and
international media well informed of the progress The Beijing Olympic Games Security Command Centre
through press conferences and media tours. and the security sectors of the Co-host Cities organised
many general and special security operation rehearsals,
During the Good Luck Beijing Test Events, adjustments and addressed potential risks concerning Olympic
were made to the security command system, with venues, contracted hotels and designated Olympic
responsibilities delegated to the Security Command hospitals, and other Olympics-related infrastructure
Centre, armed police and the army, regarding sectors and facilities.
of emergency relief, medical aid and anti-terrorism
operations. With a comprehensive simulation rehearsal held on
the morning of June 28, 2008, the Beijing Olympic

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 183

 Games Security Command Centre was ready for the regions. Interpol announced that a hotline would be
opening of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. set up during the Games with the Beijing Olympic
Games Security Command Centre for information
exchange. Interpol would also help China track down
10.1.4 International Security Cooperation international terrorists and soccer hooligans through
its global database of lost and stolen passports. It even
To gain more experience, BOCOG sent staff to the decided to send a special support panel to China to
Athens 2004 Olympic Games and Torino 2006 Olympic help with these operations.
Winter Games, the 2006 FiFA World Cup (hosted in
Germany) and many other large-scale sports events. In July 2008, the Beijing Olympic Games International
It signed a memorandum with the Athens Organising Police Liaison Centre was established with participation
Committee of the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad of some 200 police and intelligence officers from more
(ATHOC) to solicit professional advice, and invited than 80 countries. BOCOG provided information about
security experts from the IOC and of previous Games security work to the International Police Liaison Centre
to provide consultancy service. on a daily basis.

BOCOG conducted exchanges with more than 30

organisations worldwide, including the IOC, the
10.1.5 Games-time Security
International Police Organsation (Interpol), Shanghai
Cooperative Organisation and security sectors of the Between July and September 2008, the BOCOG
U.S. and the U.K., and reached consensus with them Security Department and the government security
on security cooperation, information sharing, anti- sector completed the following tasks:
terrorism and antiriot. It also kept in touch with foreign
embassies in China and security sectors of various ●  Launching the Games-time security command and
countries in order to share information. cooperation mechanism with international police and
intelligence organisations, and keeping contact with
A three-day international conference on Beijing
the IOC’s security sector
Olympic Games security was convened in Beijing in
●  Placing venue security staff, completing site-
April 2008, which drew participation of some 400
clearing and pre-Games venue lock-up
representatives from more than 120 countries and
●  Acquiring security operation information of large-

184 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

scale events and providing protection for important facilities accordingly to ease the pressune.
clients
●  Detecting and controlling security risks at Olympic The Security Department and the Games Service
venues and facilities and their surrounding areas, as Department worked together to facilitate exit after
well as sites for large-scale events competition events. If congestions occurred at any
●  Establishing the transportation security alarm exit, traffic policemen outside the venue would send
system and defining Olympic traffic lanes in passenger vehicles to relieve the problem.
●  Coordinating security operations in the Co-host
Cities Special arrangements, such as the round-the-clock
●  Holding press briefings regarding Beijing Olympic security screening, were made for media staff, since
Games security they were usually the first to arrive and the last to
leave. Athletes and other special guests also enjoyed
certain privileges in accessing venues.
Security management and service were combined to
create a safe and harmonious environment at Olympic Security staff and volunteers could be found
venues. Take security screening for instance. As it was everywhere in and outside the venues to deal with
a necessary procedure for anyone to enter venues, possible problems. Many of them wore civilian clothes
which usually took some time to complete, the BOCOG when they were on duty in the hope of not spoiling
Security Department made assessments on visitor the festive ambience of the Beijing Olympic Games.
flow at each venue and arranged security screening

1
2
3

1. Antiriot drills

2. BOCOG security staff in

an exchange programme
during the Torino 2006
Olympic Winter Games

3. International
Conferenece on Security
for Beijing Olympic
Games
 10.2 Transportation

Beijing has more than 16 million Before the opening of the

residents, and according to statistics, Olympic Games, roads, overpasses
by August 7, 2008, it had 3.38 million and bridges had all been well
motor vehicles. Therefore, Beijing maintained. New tactile surface
Municipality set “safety, punctuality, indication roadways and ramps
reliability and convenience” as the were added and old ones were
goal for transportation during the repaired, which totaled some
Beijing Olympic and Paralympic 510,000 square metres.
Games.
To tackle traffic congestion,
preferential terms were given to
10.2.1 City Transportation developing public transportation.
Network Beijing Municipality improved
transportation facilities, adopted
On December 3, 2002, the “Beijing a low-fare policy, set aside more
Olympic Action Plan” Traffic public transportation lanes, built a
Infrastructure Construction and number of transit hubs, optimised
Management Plan was released, bus route coverage and improved
according to which Olympic service standards. All these efforts
transportation infrastructure would paid off, and by the end of 2007,
be combined with long-term city 34.5 per cent of passengers
transportation improvement. had used public transportation,
compared with 28 per cent in 2002.
By the end of 2007, roads in Beijing
had increased from 2,500 kilometres An intelligent city transportation
in 2001 to 4,500 kilometres, with management system was put in
expressways totaling 800 kilometres. place, which integrated traffic
Rail transit lines had increased from command, transportation network
two in 2002 to eight by July 2008, management, traffic accident
with a mileage of 200 kilometres. alarm, traffic monitoring, digital
A comprehensive network of traffic policing, expressway control,
highways, expressways, ring roads, traffic signs, and real-time traffic
trunk and feeder roads, and rail assessment. The Olympic public
transit lines finally took shape. transportation management

186 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Vehicles for Olympic transportation service

mechanism and the public transportation vehicle Department issued a series of documents regarding
maintenance system were also established. transportation operation, management and service
during the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games to
In February 2008, Terminal 3 of the Beijing Capital guide the Olympic transportation initiatives.
International Airport was put into operation, which
enhanced its passenger capacity from 36 million to 72 Infrastructure
million per year. New terminals at the two alternative
airports were also put into use. Before June 2008, 72 road construction and
maintenance projects had been completed in the
Before the opening of the Games, the newly- vicinity of the Olympic venues.
constructed Beijing South Railway Station was open
to traffic. The country’s first high-speed railway train, In July 2008, the Olympic Rail Transit Network
running 350 kilometres per hour, would take the Command Centre was put in place. The newly-
passengers to the Co-host City of Tianjin in 30 minutes. constructed Airport Express Rail was capable of taking
There were also high-speed trains to the Co-host City passengers to Beijing’s downtown area within 30
of Shanghai. In addition, the second Beijing-Tianjin minutes. The 4.5-kilometre Olympic Subway Line
Highway was completed. (Subway Line 8), the only rail transit access to the
Olympic Green Central Area, became a major route for
The Co-host Cities also stepped up infrastructure spectators, media staff and Games staff.
construction to improve traffic conditions in the
hope of creating a better Games-time transportation The newly operated subway lines (the Olympic
environment. Subway Line, Subway Line 10 and the Airport Express
Rail) and the existing ones (Subway Line 1, Line 2,
Line 13 and Subway Batong Line) formed a network
10.2.2 Olympic Transportation System to cover major areas in Beijing, which helped fulfill
Beijing’s commitment of “access to 80 per cent of the
Between 2004 and 2006, the BOCOG Transportation competition venues in Beijing by rail transit”.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 187

 Temporary bus stops and car parks were also prepared Personnel
outside the Olympic venues.
The Beijing Olympic Games engaged as many
Management Focuses as 22,000 Games staff, volunteers and staff from
contractors to provide transportation services such as
Olympic transportation management focused on traffic management, driving and on-board language
Olympic lanes, traffic signs, Games-time traffic service.
simulation, relevant policies and regulations and
Olympic traffic system maintenance. Vehicles

Olympic lanes, marked with patterns of the Olympic Some 9,000 vehicles had been prepared by the end
rings, were set aside on the city’s main roads. Between of 2007 for Games-time transportation, among which
July 20 and September 20, 2008, Beijing traffic control 2,000 served non-accredited media, large-scale events
authorities used these lanes to ensure an average and Olympic bus lines. These vehicles were all installed
vehicle speed of 60 kilometres per hour, so that with GPS and the wireless digital communications
athletes, NOC team officials and Olympic officials were system.
able to arrive at their venues within 30 minutes.
In reference to the practices of previous Games, the
Some 10, 00 Olympic traffic signs were placed BOCOG Transportation Department set standards
along transportation routes and Olympic lanes, in on vehicles, service life, environmental protection
the enclosed zones of the Olympic venues and in features, space between seats, upholstery and exterior
the vicinity of the venues, and at Olympic shuttle appearance, so as to satisfy the needs of different
bus stops. Signs in Co-host Cities were designed in client groups.
reference to those in Beijing.
Beijing’s public transportation sector purchased nearly
Aided by virtual technology, BOCOG built up a 16,000 eco-friendly buses and weeded out old buses.
simulation model for traffic flows at the Olympic By June 2008, 20,156 buses were engaged in public
venues and in the city of Beijing. The simulation transportation.
model also helped predict the flows of vehicles and
pedestrians, which played an important role in making In 2007 alone, 12 groups of 72 new subway trains and
traffic control plans during Games time. 7,800 environmently-friendly taxis took the place of old
ones. Taxis were all equipped with GPS.
Based on the competition schedule, the BOCOG
Transport Department made bus operation Accessible facilities were added to Olympic traffic
arrangements for client groups and established a routes and city transportation infrastructure, and
GPS system for the Olympic transportation vehicles. during the Paralympic Games, some 2,000 buses and
During the Good Luck Beijing Test Events, the Olympic 70 taxis with accessible facilities were ready to serve
traffic command system was checked, with necessary people with a disability.
adjustments made. In July 2008, the system was ready
for Games-time transportation operations. Maintenance

The division in charge of transportation services

10.2.3 Games-time Support cooperated with sponsors, contractors and insurance
companies to conduct vehicle safety checks and sent
To guarantee smooth Games-time transportation, mechanics to offer maintenance service at major
Beijing made considerable preparations in terms of transit stations and vehicle dispatching centres. 28
personnel, vehicles and maintenance. designated Olympic gas stations were arranged in the
vicinity of these places.
188 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
Round-the-clock emergency and maintenance Command
service was available at transit stations, vehicle
dispatching centres, designated Olympic gas stations During the Games, the BOCOG Transportation
and Volkswagen 4S stores (Volkswagen was one of Department was transformed into a sub-centre
the Beijing 2008 Partners and “4S” stands for sales, in charge of transportation services under the
sparepart, service and survey). Olympic Transportation Operation Centre, with eight
subordinate service teams to target specific client
BOCOG purchased full insurance for Olympic vehicles groups:
from the People’s Insurance Company of China (PICC).
●  Athletes and NOC team officials
153 contingency brigades with 3,408 emergency kits ●  Accredited media staff
and 16,000 tons of materials for emergency operations ●  IFs
were also ready for the Olympic Games. ●  Olympic Family members (allocated vehicles)
●  Olympic Family members (car pool)
10.2.4 Games-time Transportation ●  NOCs
●  Partners, sponsors, and Rate Card holders
●  Airport arrival & departure
During the Beijing Olympic Games, 34 Olympic
bus lines, 28 bus lines for the Opening and Closing
Ceremonies and 192 commuter lines for volunteers Transportation of Olympic Family Members and
were put into operation. 285.7 kilometres of Olympic Media Staff
lanes were seta side in the city. Taxi dispatching
centres were usually established at Olympic venues Olympic Family members enjoyed round-the-clock
and BOCOG contracted hotels. shuttle bus service linking the airport, the Olympic
Family Hotels, the Olympic Village, and competition
Seven temporary transit hubs, with a floor space of and training venues, starting 14 days before the
nearly 600,000 square metres, were added to facilitate Opening Ceremony of the Games and three days after
Olympic transportation, and Olympic goods and the Closing Ceremony. Different client groups’ needs
material distribution centres with green channels were for transportation were addressed through the Chefs
put into place. de Mission meetings and other regular meetings, with
a transportation schedule carefully prepared.

Games-time Transportation Services

Beijing Olympic Games Command Headquarters

Transport and Environment Support Group

Olympic Transportation Operation Centre

Games-time Transportation City Transportation City Transportation

Transportation Service Security Support Facilities Support Service Support

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 189

 1. The “Olympic Forest Park” Stop along the
1 2 Olympic Subway Line

3 2. The Olympic Lane

3. Checking into the Olympic Village

Transportation service was offered to athletes and

the NOC delegation officials for training, competition,
watching the Games, non-competition activities, and
arrival & departure. Shuttle buses were arranged daily “Olympic express transit” of air, railroad and coach
for Olympic Family members to go shopping and services were available to bring athletes to the Co-host
sightseeing. Cities.

A 24-hour shuttle bus, sent every 20 minutes during Spectator Transportation

the daytime and every hour at night, was available
to link the Media Villages, the Main Press Centre While Beijing Olympic sponsors, contractors, staff and
(MPC) and the International Broadcast Centre (IBC). volunteers, with their Olympic Identity & Accreditation
According to the competition schedule, a shuttle Cards (OIACs), enjoyed free bus and rail transit service,
bus for media staff would be sent every 30 minutes spectators holding event tickets of the day also used
to bring passengers from the MPC and the IBC to the public transportation for free.
competition venues. The first shuttle bus usually left
for the venue three hours before the competition No parking spaces were set aside outside the
event started and the last one left the venue three competition venues; this was aimed at encouraging
hours after the event was completed. spectators to use public transportation.

In addition, BOCOG also prepared backup cars in case 24-hour bus lines were increased from 12 to 19.
of additional needs for transportation. At each Olympic Rail transit on the days of the Opening and Closing
venue, BOCOG allowed “prompt taxis” to wait outside Ceremonies was in operation around the clock. In
the enclosed zone to take passengers. addition, throughout the Games, regular operation
hours were extended.
190 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
City Transportation Support Beijing launched the Olympic Traffic Information and
Communications Service System, as well as the traffic
Beijing adopted some international traffic control information hotline and mobile traffic information
practices during the Olympic Games. service. A multilingual traffic police reception
hotline was also put into operation to handle traffic
A majority of government vehicles were suspended information consultation and traffic accident alarms.
from use, as were 300,000 vehicles that failed to meet
National IV Emission Standards. Transportation Contingency Plans

Vehicles were allowed on the roads in line with the BOCOG started research on transportation
“odd or even license plate number” control. Those with contingency operations as early as 2005 based on the
odd plate numbers would travel on odd-numbered location of the Olympic Village and potential Games-
dates while those with even numbers on even- time traffic conditions. Assisted by the virtual traffic
numbered dates. This arrangement helped reduce simulation model, BOCOG formulated a transportation
vehicles on the roads by 45 per cent. contingency and evacuation plan.

Business institutions and shopping places used In June 2008, Beijing’s public security and transportation
different schedules so that workers would not go to authorities organised 15 maintenance teams to handle
work and arrive home at the same time, which greatly traffic obstacle clearance, traffic accidents and facility
eased traffic during peak hours. Traffic restrictions repair. During the Games, 1,600 taxis were called in on a
were also imposed in certain areas of the city. These daily basis to wait for passengers at the airport and railway
measures ensured that driving speed on major traffic stations. Traffic police carried out 24-hour road patrol
routes in Beijing during peak time was kept at above during Games time.
30 kilometres per hour.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 191

 10.3 Arrival & Departure

Arrival & departure (A&D) was an During the Games, the ADC was
important issue in the Games-time responsible for the following:
operations. First-class A&D service
●  Coordinating A&D
would help leave a favourable
●  Collecting A&D information
impression of the Beijing Olympic
●  Undertaking A&D information
Games on Olympic Family members.
release
●  Assisting with NOC A&D service
10.3.1 Beijing Olympic desks and off-airport processing at
Arrival & Departure Centre the Olympic Village

In June 2007, BOCOG inaugurated the ADC Organisational Structure

Beijing Olympic Arrival & Departure
Centre (ADC), the first independent Upon establishment, the ADC
functional department of its kind in had one director-general and
the history of the Olympic Games. two deputy directors-general in
charge of airport operation and
The ADC then completed a number A&D information respectively.
of tasks: Under the ADC were four divisions
responsible for administrative
●  Coordinating with other BOCOG
work, A&D policies and operational
departments and concerned
plans, liaison with the airport and
authorities to prepare for Games-
concerned authorities, and the A&D
time A&D service Information System operation and
●  Formulating entry & exit policies maintenance.
and contingency plans
●  Developing and managing the During the Games, the ADC was
A&D Information System transformed into the Beijing
●  Undertaking A&D of the Good Olympic A&D Team which sent staff
Luck Beijing Test Events and other to major venues such as the airport,
large-scale events Olympic Village, Olympic Family
●  Coordinating and supervising Hotel and the MPC to collect and
A&D in the Co-host Cities process A&D information.

192 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 Games-time Organisational Structure of the Beijing Olympic A&D Team

MOC

Director

Deputy Director Deputy Director

Beijing Olympic Village Olympic Family Media Headquarters Liaison with Co-
Capital Information host Cities
International
Airport
Headquarters
Support
Olympic Family Information
Information
Beijing Capital International Airport

OAP

Arrival & Departure Consultation Desk

NOC Information

Sponsor Information

Wushu Information
Media Information

IFs Information

OYC Information
NBC Charter Flights

ADIC

Cooperation with Other Departments Operation Mechanism

The ADC strengthened its contact with the airport, Nine specific projects were planned, covering the
BOCOG departments responsible for transportation, IFs and Olympic Youth Camp (OYC), Olympic Games
protocol, logistics, accommodation and client groups, sponsors, Beijing Capital International Airport, Olympic
as well as the Olympic Village and Olympic Family Family, media, NOC information, NOC delegation A&D
Hotels, so as to form an A&D service chain. consultancy, A&D Information Centre, and off-airport
processing.
The A&D Information Centre interacted with the ADC
to exchange information regarding flight schedules, “People-to-people contact” and “double-confirmation”
accredited members, transportation services, hotel were applied in arranging A&D for major client groups,
reservation, etc. meaning every client group member would be taken
care of and A&D arrangements would be confirmed
twice before being implemented. As for regular
10.3.2 A&D Information Processing client groups, the ADC also established contacts and
conducted registration with them. These measures
A&D information was vital for Beijing Olympic A&D helped maximise accuracy of A&D information.
operations. Post-Games statistics indicated that A&D
information collection was conducted for 39,000 During the Games, A&D information was released 72
members in client groups, as against the planned hours before A&D arrangements were implemented.
42,000. The average information accuracy rate was 85 Every day before 20:00, the airport A&D division
per cent, with that of client groups above V2 reaching would forward the A&D information of the next day
99 per cent. to concerned functional areas, with changes of A&D
information and A&D arrangements promptly made.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 193

 ADI Operation Schedule
January 2008 onward Distributing the A&D information form to the client groups

April 2008 Issuing Games-time A&D forecast (the first edition), based on the A&D data of the previous
Games

Prior to June 8, 2008 Collecting the A&D information form (deadline for NOCs was extended to June 20, 2008)

June 2008 Putting the A&D Information Centre in operation and processing the collected ADI

June 20, 2008 Issuing Games-time A&D information forecast (the second edition)

July 6, 2008 onwards Releasing the A&D information of first client groups arriving

July 10, 2008 Issuing Games-time A&D information forecast (the third edition)

Technical Support Transportation and Arrivals & Departures to handle

airport pickup and send-off, entry & exit procedures,
The ADC adopted two A&D information management OIAC validation, registered luggage and transportation
systems, the ADP system (Arrival, Departure and services.
Protocol) and the PBS system (Pre-processing and
Backup). In terms of service procedures, arrival service for NOC
delegations offered a good example.
The ADP system served the main A&D information
management function, the data of which was shared After athletes and team officials got off their planes,
via the GMS (Global Mobile System) network and protocol service personnel from BOCOG helped
used for A&D planning and coordination. Most of the them go through entry procedures. To facilitate this
A&D information was stored in the ADP system as its operation, the Beijing Capital International Airport set
performance was very stable. aside a designated Olympic terminal and Olympic
green channels.
However, the ADP system had its downsides, i.e. the
difficulty in information exchange via the Internet Athletes and team officials would take shuttle bus to the
and data update. Therefore, the PBS system, which Olympic Village Welcome Centre, where they completed
was used for A&D information collection, examination security screening, registration and OIAC validation.
and backup, was adopted as a supplement for A&D Service staff then took them to their rooms.
information management.
The ADC also set up A&D Information Desks at major
accommodation sites such as the Olympic Village and
10.3.3 Games-time A&D Operation Olympic Family Hotel and sent staff to join the venue
team, so that confirmation of departure would be
Cooperating with client groups, related functional easily handled with arrangements made accordingly.
departments and venue teams, the ADC formulated
policies for A&D service and luggage management If athletes and team officials decided to leave the
to target the five major client groups of NOC Olympic Village during peak hours, they could use the
delegations, the IOC, the IFs, media and sponsors. off-airport processing service provided for NOC charter
A&D service standards (V1, V2a, V2b and V3) were also flights to complete boarding procedures and luggage
defined in line with the IOC Technical Mannuals on transportation.

194 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Off-airport Processing

Summary
BOCOG and the government sectors concerned Transportation is always a major challenge for any
worked together to integrate the functions of the host city of the Olympic Games, and a sound Games-
venue teams and authorities of areas where there time transportation plan is of vital importance to a
were Olympic venues, which provided an efficient successful Games. With great endeavours, Beijing
command mechanism and solid operational support provided convenient Games-time transportation
for security and transportation during the Beijing and minimised the impact of the Games on the city’s
Olympic Games. transportation system.

Communication with the IOC, the NOCs and client BOCOG also attached great importance to arrival &
groups on security issues helped formulate effective departure service. Through cooperation with relevant
Games-time security operation plans, and close sectors, the Beijing Olympic Arrival & Departure Centre
international cooperation and well-planned rehearsals (ADC) established a service chain and successfully
made implementing these plans possible. completed its Games-time operations.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 195

196 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 Chapter 11
Games Services
Games-time services are vital for hosting a high-level Olympic Games with
distinguishing features, and the endeavours of BOCOG’s service sector are
manifested in the operations of accreditation, accommodation, catering,
medical care, doping control, language service and spectator service, which
constitute the seven pillars for upholding the principle of “complying with
the established Olympic practices, unifying service standards and devoting
attention to details”.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 197

 Games-time service

198 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 11.1 Accreditation

In accordance with the Olympic In December 2004, the Strategic

Charter and Host City Contract , Plan for Accreditation Operations
BOCOG conducted accreditation of the Beijing Olympic Games was
operations to ensure that all Games formulated, followed one year later
participants and staff had quick and by the Guidelines for Accreditation
safe access to the Olympic venues. Operations of the Beijing Olympic
Games , which was adopted as an
According to post-Games essential training manual for the
statistics, BOCOG received 444,126 accreditation staff.
accreditation applications (126,728
from Olympic Family members and BOCOG also sent staff to visit the
317,398 from Games staff), of which Salt Lake City Olympic Winter
377,894 were approved (89,698 Games in 2002, the Athens Olympic
from Olympic Family members and Games in 2004 and the Torino
288,196 from Games staff). Olympic Winter Games in 2006. A
staff member even did an internship
Of all the 395,583 Olympic Identity & at the Accreditation Centre of the
Accreditation Cards (OIACs), 348,714 Athens Organising Committee for
were validated (82,212 for Olympic the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad
Family members and 266,502 for (ATHOC). All these helped BOCOG
Games staff). gain valuable experience for
formulating policies and working
Accreditation service became procedures of the Beijing Olympic
a mirror on the overall Beijing accreditation operations.
Olympic Games services.
During Good Luck Beijing Test
Events, every accreditation
11.1.1 Preparation procedure was examined, with
all staff receiving on-the-job
As early as 2002, BOCOG started training. The Accreditation Data
assessing the scale of accreditation Management System and related
operations during the Beijing facilities were also tested, with
Olympic Games. necessary adjustments made.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 199

 11.1.2 Pre-validation Operations and background review to expediently handle delayed
applications.
In 2006, BOCOG established the Beijing Olympic
Accreditation Centre (ACR), and in 2007, accreditation Before July 23, 2008, those who had submitted their
was officially launched. application forms with photos through their NOCs
would receive from BOCOG a pre-valid OIAC.
Olympic Family Members
The OIAC was issued by the IOC in collaboration with
In January 2008, BOCOG started sending offline BOCOG, and it specified the scope of access and other
electronic application forms, online electronic privileges of the holder during the Beijing Olympic
application forms and hard copy application forms Games.
as well as the Beijing Olympic Games Accreditation
Application Guide to Olympic Family members. It was confirmed in the Host City Contract that the
OIAC was a valid visa for an Olympic participant
BOCOG then informed each applicant of his/her to enter China (including the Hong Kong Special
confirmation status, so as to call attention to the Administrative Region) during the Olympic Games and
application deadline, which was set at 24:00 of April 15, within one month before or after it.
2008 (Beijing Time).
In collaboration with the China Anti-counterfeit
In actual operation, 48 per cent of Olympic Family Technology Association and the public security sector,
members and 78 per cent of Olympic working staff did BOCOG employed Radio Frequency Identification
not submit their applications until the deadline. The (RFiD) technology in manufacturing the OIAC, to make
ACR cooperated with departments responsible for visa anti-counterfeit control and security checks more

Sample OIAC of the Beijing Olympic Games

200 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

efficient and effective. Government Authorities

In August 2006, the technical standards and The ACR worked closely with government departments
manufacturing process of the OIAC were approved by to address specific accreditation-related issues.
the IOC. The 74 types of OIACs all featured the RFiD
chip and were consistent in design. For example, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the
People’s Republic of China and Chinese diplomatic
Media Staff corps and missions overseas assisted in visa service
for international accreditation applicants. The security
BOCOG required that media staff submit their sector undertook background checks of accreditation
accreditation applications through the IOC, the NOCs applicants. The entry & exit authorities helped facilitate
or the IFs. Customs clearance operations of international OIAC
holders.
Starting on July 1, 2007, BOCOG issued application
forms and guide concerning “accreditation application The International Air Transport Association
by number” to the NOCs and media. Also issued were
guides concerning accommodation, Rate Card, freight The ACR notified the International Air Transport
and shipping, and media operations. The submission Association (IATA) about the entry & exit policies of the
deadline was set on December 15, 2007. Beijing Olympic Games.

On December 10, 2007, BOCOG launched the As the OIAC was used as a multiple-entry visa into
“accreditation application by name” and issued China (including the Hong Kong Special Administrative
application forms to the NOCs and media, which were Region), the ACR presented sample OIACs to IATA for
to be submitted no later than February 29, 2008, and airport Customs clearance operations.
the deadline for Rights Holding Broadcasters (RHBs)
was set on March 31, 2008. BOCOG also established direct contact with major
international airlines and provided training on Beijing
In May 2008, the ACR started sending pre-valid OIACs Olympics-related policies.
to NOCs, who then distributed them to accredited
media. BOCOG Departments

Games-time Working Staff Satisfactory and timely accreditation service required

cooperation between relevant departments and
In December 2007, BOCOG started Games staff functional areas within BOCOG.
accreditation.
Take the Human Resources Department for instance.
In February 2008, accreditation data of the first It provided all necessary information for Games-
applications were input into the Olympic Games time staff accreditation and assisted in formulating
Accreditation Data Management System. regulations on venue access.

In early May 2008, production of Games staff OIACs The sport entries & qualification (SEQ) sector forwarded
began, and on May 30, 2008, BOCOG launched staff information to the Accreditation Data Management
OIAC issuance and validation. System through the SEQ System.

The technical sector provided support, such as

11.1.3 Cooperation with Relevant Sectors communications and Internet access, for the
Accreditation Data Management System.
The ACR cooperated with various sectors to accelerate
the accreditation process. The engineering and construction sector set up

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 201

 OIAC Validation Centre

accreditation centres at each venue as well as the The MAC also conducted policy and information
accreditation facilities for venue management and exit consultancy for the Main Operation Centre (MOC) and
& entry control. accredited clients, and helped concerned departments
to settle accreditation-related issues.

11.1.4 Games-time Accreditation Other tasks of the MAC included:

●  Entry & exit support

There were 456 accreditation staff prior to the Games,
●  Accreditation data processing
and during the Games, the number increased to 1,566
●  Auxiliary access control documents issuance
(including all the accreditation staff and volunteers at
the venues in Beijing and the Co-host Cities). ●  Uniform distribution to staff, volunteers and
National Technical Officials (NTOs)
On July 8, 2008, BOCOG began validating OIACs and
issuing Guest Passes to guests invited by the IFs, and Facilities
on July 27, 2008, BOCOG launched the Day Pass service
to clients for accessing Olympic venues and Olympic BOCOG set up 41 accreditation facilities at the Olympic
Green Common Domain. venues (32 in Beijing and nine in the Co-host Cities).

●  The validation centre in the Beijing Capital

Main Accreditation Centre
International Airport
●  Four accreditation centres in the Olympic Village,
The Main Accreditation Centre (MAC) started
operations on June 23, 2008. It supervised venue the Olympic Family Hotel, the MPC and the MAC
accreditation centres (validation centres and ●  25 venue accreditation offices
accreditation offices) to ensure consistency in ●  One Day Pass offices each in the Olympic Village
accreditation policies and service standards. and the Olympic Green Common Domain
●  Nine accreditation centres in the five Co-host Cities

202 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Specific Accreditation Services The venue accreditation centres undertook OIAC
validation for Olympic Family members and Games staff.
Games-time accreditation operations started on May
30, 2008, with the issuance of first OIACs, and ended In the past Olympic Games, it usually took some time
on September 16. to complete validation. To avoid this problem, BOCOG
added more validation service counters at airports, and
BOCOG held accreditation meetings between July allowed clients to go through validation procedures at
20 and August 7, 2008 with the heads or officials of any venue accreditation centre at their convenience.
the NOC delegations at the Welcome Centre in the
Olympic Village, confirming the name lists of the A reporter, for example, was able to check in at the
delegations, basic information of the delegation media accreditation centre with the OIAC he/she had
members, and rights and services to which the obtained. The accreditation personnel would simply
delegations were entitled, such as protocol services, confirm the reporter’s information in the Accreditation
arrival & departure arrangements, Rate Cards and Data Management System and validate the OIAC. The
accommodation. Accreditation agreements were process took only four minutes.
signed between BOCOG and the NOC delegations.
At the beginning of validation operation, some holders
Problems concerning delegation members’ of validated OIACs were denied access to venues
qualifications were dealt with through cooperation due to data inconsistency occurring in the electronic
with the NOCs and the IOC Sports Department. ID checking system and the Accreditation Data
Management System (background data stored in the
In addition, an OIAC hotline, managed by the BOCOG former came from the latter).
International Relations Department, started operation
on July 9, 2008. Altogether 1,327 phone calls from Measures were then adopted to update data three
Olympic Games clients were received and some 11,000 times per day to ensure consistency between the
accreditation applicants were assisted with their visa two systems. Personnel were added for manual OIAC
entries. check. These measures helped offset the impact of
data inconsistency.

Validation at the Media Accreditation Centre

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 203

 11.2 Accommodation

Statistics from ticket sales indicated Accommodation Plan

that some 500,000 overseas visitors
would come to Beijing during the In August 2002, BOCOG and the
Olympic Games, in addition to a Beijing Tourism Bureau began
huge number of visitors from all assessing the accommodation
over China, and the number per scale of accredited clients and the
day could be as many as 330,000. capacity of Beijing’s hospitality
Providing them with a comfortable industry, based on which the
stay would be a demanding task for Strategic Plan for Accommodation
the Games service sector. Services during the Beijing Olympic
Games was enacted.

11.2.1 Arrangements for In February 2004, the Olympic

Accredited Clients Lodging Agreement was approved
by the IOC, which became a legal
Between July 8 and August 27, guarantee for accredited client
2008, the 117 contracted hotels in groups and laid the foundation for
Beijing made 659,933 receptions the Accommodation Allotment
for accredited clients and their Agreement during the Beijing
guests with 513,498 rooms Olympic Games .
arranged. During the peak period,
34,312 guests on average were Contracted Hotels
accommodated per day in 25,832
rooms. In March 2004, seven five-star
hotels signed the Olympic Lodging
The BOCOG Games Services Agreement with BOCOG and
Department and concerned became the first “members of the
municipal authorities, such as Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Official
the Beijing Tourism Bureau, Accommodation Network”, i.e.
jointly arranged Games-time contracted hotels.
accommodation for Olympic Family
members, sponsors and contractors, By January 2006, all the Olympic
media staff and other VIP guests, Lodging Agreements had been
and supervised hotel service quality. signed, which involved 128 three to

204 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

five-star hotels. The 122 hotels in the capital would offer collected accommodation down payments from clients.
32,000 guest rooms during the Games.
Payment was regulated according to the schedule
BOCOG also prepared two Media Villages, with 7,000 included in the Olympic Lodging Agreement. A
guest rooms, for the accredited media staff. reminder was issued to clients 30 days before the
deadline. Auditing and confirmation was done
BOCOG inspected all guest rooms in each hotel and immediately after payment was received. Altogether
categorised them into 10 different types (luxury 10,000 payments were confirmed. By August 10, 2008,
suite, standard room, etc.), in an effort to promote 81.2 per cent of the contracted hotel rooms had been
the contracted hotels, standardise accommodation booked.
conditions and facilitate data processing of the Beijing
Olympic Accommodation Reservation System. Also from July 1 to 30, 2008, BOCOG delivered the
Games-time accommodation allotment arrangements
At the same time, the Beijing Olympic Contracted to contracted hotels.
Hotel Service and Environmental Protection Guide
was released as an appendix to the Olympic Lodging Accommodation in Co-host Cities
Agreement , requiring that all contracted hotels abide
by environmental standards. Before the opening of the Games, BOCOG signed
agreements with the Co-host Cities, requiring that they
Lodging and Allocation Agreements assist the Accommodation Division in enlisting three to
five-star hotels and making accommodation allotment
In September 2005, the Guidelines for Accommodation arrangements for Olympic Family members, sponsors
Operations during the Beijing Olympic Games was and media staff in each city. Hotel rates were settled in
completed. line with Games-time accommodation policies.

Based on the pricing formula included in the Olympic The Co-host Cities were to supervise Games-time
Lodging Agreement and with factors such as location, operations of these hotels, which were required to
facilities, services and reputation considered, the rates provide the same standard services as those in Beijing.
of contracted hotels were confirmed and released to
clients in April 2006. By that time, the Beijing Olympic Risk Management
Games Accommodation Reservation Manual had also
been released. Problems emerged in accommodation operations for
accredited clients.
In October 2006, the IOC approved of the
Accommodation Allotment Agreement during the First, some client groups could not specify their
Beijing Olympic Games , and BOCOG started signing accommodation plans in a timely manner, which
agreements with the client groups. resulted in inaccurate guest room inventory. Measures
taken to ease this problem included:
After negotiating with the IFs, the NOCs, the media
●  Making predictions on accommodation requirements
and sponsors, BOCOG completed some 3,000
of client groups in reference to previous Olympic Games
Accommodation Allotment Agreements . By January
●  Contacting clients as early as possible for timely and
2008, BOCOG had accomplished over 80 per cent of
allotment operations. accurate accommodation information
●  Signing legally binding contracts with hotels and
BOCOG then set deadlines for clients to cancel enhancing communication with these hotels
reservations and specified corresponding refund ratios.
Second, technical problems occurred with the Beijing
Payment Collection Olympic Accommodation Reservation System. Work
flow was then reviewed with defects corrected to
Between November 1, 2006 and April 1, 2008, BOCOG improve performance.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 205

 Olympic Homestays in traditional hutongs are ready to receive international guests

Third, changes in client group reservations would cause The Accommodation Division furnished a hotel
financial losses to BOCOG and contracted hotels. To reservation link on BOCOG’s official website.
avoid such scenario, BOCOG did the following:
Prior to the Games, the number of star-rated hotels in
●  Categorising the facilities and services required by
Beijing increased from some 600 to 816. In addition,
the clients as well as the corresponding hotel rates, and
there were 4,978 budget hotels, hostels and Olympic
opened up sample guest rooms
Homestays. These all helped diversify visitors’ choices.
●  Setting aside 30 per cent of the guest rooms to cope
with unexpected accommodation needs Service Standards for Star-rated Hotels was enacted and
●  Specifying regulations in accommodation training sessions were offered to staff in over 400 hotels.
agreements to reduce incidence of cancellation
●  Detailing cancellation procedures when signing Non-star-rated hotels were also expected to abide by
contracts with hotels, which would make it easier for the Service Standards for the Lodging Industry , and
BOCOG to cancel reservations and for hotels to receive they would not be allowed to receive guests until they
new clients went through inspection and obtain approval.
●  Notifying client groups that only reservations
through BOCOG would help guarantee security and Households in Beijing actively took part in the selection
transportation services of “Olympic Homestays”. The 598 families selected
offered 726 rooms during Games time, with an
accommodation capacity of 1,000 guests.
11.2.2 Lodging for Olympic Spectators
The spectator accommodation service team was also
In collaboration with concerned departments, Beijing jointly established by the BOCOG Games Services
Tourism Bureau reviewed the actual conditions Department and Beijing Tourism Bureau to supervise
of the city’s hospitality industry and formulated spectator accommodation operations and ensure
accommodation plans for Games spectators. clean, comfortable, and fair-priced lodging service for
spectators from home and abroad.

206 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 11.3 Catering

Some 280,000 accredited members The candidates were subject to

and seven million spectators would supervision carried out by Beijing
enjoy the catering service during food safety law-enforcement
the Beijing Olympic Games, and the institutions.
unique Chinese culture and flavour
would be demonstrated with the Examination
nutritious cuisine.
Food production and safety were
monitored in line with specific food
11.3.1 Food Safety technology standards.
Supervision
In 2007 alone, 112,105 samples of
In 2005, government departments 65 kinds of food were examined in
in Beijing and the Co-host Cities Beijing. The overall qualification rate
began implementing the Olympic of six kinds of raw food material,
Food Safety Action Plan , which was including rice, semolina, edible
aimed for establishing a traceable vegetable oil, vegetables, pork and
food safety supervision system. bean products, was 97.18 per cent
and the vegetables from agricultural
This supervision system, which produce bases in the suburbs of
was considered an Olympic legacy, Beijing all passed pesticide residue
was retained after the Games to tests.
continue monitoring food safety in
the capital. Traceability

Supervision In 2007, a food safety tracing

mechanism for the Beijing Olympic
The Catering Division of the BOCOG Games was incorporated into
Games Services Department operations of all Olympic catering
submitted the raw food material suppliers.
category to the Beijing Municipal
Bureau of Commerce, which In line with the Data Tracing
selected material supply bases, Standards for the Beijing Olympic
food processers and distributors. Games Farm Produce and the

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 207

 Coding Standards of the Beijing Olympic Games Foods food safety.
Distribution Centre , all Olympic food products were
identified with RFiD labels. Catering Service Providers

Aided by GPS and automatic temperature recording During the Games, there would be a huge number
device adopted for food transport and storage, of clients in the Olympic Village, the Media Villages,
tracing and control was realised from supply bases to the MPC and the IBC, all with their diversified catering
processors and from logistics centres to the Olympic requirements.
Village.
BOCOG invited bids from experienced international
Training for Catering Providers catering service providers to select main contractors
and from local catering service providers to select
Beijing Municipality implemented a ranking partners, who would complement each others’
mechanism in which catering providers were classified strength in terms of material and human resources. 23
into four grades in terms of food safety: A, B, C and D catering service providers were finalised for Games-
(C being the bottom line), which spurred a catering time operations in Beijing.
industry food safety training initiative. By July 1, 2008,
grading was completed among the catering providers Local authorities were responsible for managing
in Beijing, with all the BOCOG contracted hotels catering service at competition venues, non-
achieving Grade A. competition venues and independent training venues.

In January 2008, recruitment for the Beijing Olympic Under the guidance of BOCOG, the Co-host Cities also
catering service personnel started. 1,762 candidates implemented catering plans that would suit them
were selected throughout the country. best.

The Catering Division compiled a training manual Catering Managers

and organised training sessions for the candidates,
regarding food safety, service standards and Catering managers were in charge of venue catering
operational procedures. Other trainees included the operations. They were experienced managerial
Catering Division staff, employees of the catering personnel transferred from government sectors,
service providers, catering suppliers, personnel from recommended from catering enterprises, or recruited
relevant functional areas and volunteers. from among individual applicants. One of the
candidates, Zhao Jinlin, even held a PhD Degree in
Hospitality and Catering and once worked for the
11.3.2 Pre-Games Operations Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996.

Preparation for Games-time catering was focused on

the selection of raw food material, catering service
11.3.3 Games-time Catering
providers and catering managers.
During the Olympic Games, the Catering Division
Raw Food Material Bases and Suppliers was transformed into the Catering Service Executive
Group directly under the control of the MOC, which
In March 2006, the Access Standards for the Beijing would take charge of the operation, management and
Olympic Games Catering Supply Bases and Suppliers supervision of the venue catering service.
was released.
A coordinating team was designated to supervise the
Beijing and the Co-host Cities selected 428 candidates overall catering operation and management in Beijing
to provide 345 items of raw food material in 10 major and the Co-host Cities.
categories. All candidates were supervised for over a
year and half in terms of production environment and The Games-time Food Safety Command Centre,

208 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 1 2

1. Staff examine the

storage house to ensure
food safety

2. The 15 iceboxes in an
Olympic catering bus
can hold 2,000 standard
meals

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 209

 established jointly by the Beijing Municipal provide standard meals for 2,000 people at one time.
Government, BOCOG’s Security Command Centre and The menu also changed on an eight-day rotation basis.
major venue teams, began operation in March 2008
to oversee food safety, issue hazard warnings and The 31 venues in Beijing had 1,100 catering booths to
coordinate emergency operations. provide spectators with reasonably priced drinks and
snacks. They usually opened one hour before an event
Focus of Games-time Catering and did not close until the end of the event.

During the Games, the Olympic Village, Media Villages,

the MPC and the IBC became the focal points of
11.3.4 Anti-terrorist Food Safety
catering service. Operations

Major dining places in these venues were open around Great importance was attached to the inspection
the clock, offering a variety of cuisine in Caribbean, of food and water for toxic chemicals or lethal
Mediterranean and Asian styles. Local delicacies from biochemical substances.
different countries and regions were available at snack
bars. There were also pubs, tea houses, cafes, free- Information about some 1,000 biochemical, chemical
drink-and-snack zones and vending machines. and radioactive substances was collected to update
the database for food safety emergency operations.
Menus were prepared in reference to those of the
previous Games and suggestions were solicited from Electronic monitoring devices were installed in the
the IOC, the IFs and representatives of client groups. Olympic catering logistics centre, as well as kitchens,
Factors such as calorie intake, nutrition, taste and dining places and catering booths. Water quality alarm
compliance with athletes’ religious beliefs were taken devices were also installed in water pump houses in
into consideration. the Olympic Village and the Media Villages.

Chinese culture was also integrated. Approved by the Between August 7 and 21, 2008, food safety authorities
IOC, food served during the Games was both Chinese conducted inspections on foods and drinks served in
and Western in style, accounting for 70 per cent and the Olympic Village, Media Villages, the MPC, the IBC
30 per cent respectively. Menus varied over a cycle of and other venues. All 1,617,000 samples tested safe for
eight days. consumption.

Catering Service at Competition Venues BOCOG and government departments made

emergency action plans to prevent food-related
Lounges were set up at the venues for Olympic Family terrorist attacks. Should a food safety emergency
members and IFs officials, where drinks and snacks incident arise, the damage and effect of and possible
were available. A variety of buffets were served at every solutions to the hazard would be assessed, with the
event for Olympic Family members, heads of state and public informed. Within 24 hours, the authorities
other distinguished guests. concerned would respond accordingly: sending
first aid staff, consulting experts, conducting field
During the Games, catering buses served staff and investigations, organising press release and mobilising
volunteers twice a day. A catering bus was able to resources for dealing with the crisis.

210 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 11.4 Medical Care

Operations concerning medical ●  Monitoring venue sanitation

care prior to and during the Beijing environment, athletes’ nutrition and
Olympic Games was undertaken doping control
by the Medical Service Division ●  Organising first aid and regular
of the BOCOG Games Services medical operations
Department. ●  Assisting the IOC Medical
Commission in organising
In preparing for the Games, the conferences or observation
Division took the following major programmes for medical service.
responsibilities:
Games-time medical service
●  Formulating an overall
involved over 100 paid medical
strategic plan and action plan for
staff (evolving from a group of
Beijing Olympic medical service
three when the Division was first
●  Preparing for a Games-time established in 2003) and some 5,000
medical operation mechanism medical volunteers.
which involved venue medical
service stations, first aid centres and
Olympic designated hospitals 11.4.1 Preparations
●  Compiling the Guide to Medical
Service for the Beijing Olympic BOCOG made sound Games-time
and Paralympic Games , the Beijing medical preparation in terms of
Olympic and Paralympic Games personnel and medical supplies.
Pharmaceutical Guide and other
medical publications for medical Personnel
volunteers and NOC delegations
BOCOG signed cooperation
●  Organising training for venue
agreements with the Beijing
medical teams
Municipal Health Bureau and the
During the Games, the Medical Beijing Emergency Medical Centre
Service Division worked directly (Beijing 120) to mobilise staff
under the MOC, coordinating and pool medical resources. The
and supervising the following Polyclinic was established in the
operations: Olympic Village and multiple venue

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 211

 medical care teams were organised. take charge of the preparation for and supervision
of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, and
Dental practitioners were recruited who were to serve coordinate emergency operations for public health
10 per cent of the athletes during Games time. care service during the Games.

BOCOG and the Red Cross Society of China jointly BOCOG established a special pharmaceutical
offered primary health care and first aid training for depository for Olympic athletes and selected Beijing
over 200,000 volunteers. Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd as the exclusive distributor.

In cooperation with the China Disabled Persons’ In line with the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Federation, BOCOG selected masseurs with visual Pharmaceutical Guide , the drug inventory
impairments to join athletes' physical therapy groups. was prepared before March 15, 2008. A digital
management system was adopted for the inventory.
To test the effectiveness of the Games-time Medical Additional pharmaceutical supplies for public health
Emergency Network, several simulated drills were held. care emergencies were also prepared.

90 days before the opening of the Games, venue Starting from June 2008, the distributor undertook the
medical service managers (BOCOG paid staff selected job of supplying pharmaceuticals for venue medical
from among executives of designated Olympic service stations, emergency vehicles, designated
hospitals) took office. Accreditation of medical staff Olympic hospitals and the Polyclinic.
and on-the-job training were completed.
The distributor would also take charge of surplus
60 days before the opening of the Games, all medical pharmaceutical sales, if any, when the Games ended,
staff were in place. The designated Olympic hospitals in order to help reduce BOCOG’s expenditure loss in
were wired through an information platform. this respect.

With only 15 days left before the commencement of To prevent athletes from testing positive due to
the Games, medical staff as well as pharmaceuticals involuntary drug intake, pharmaceuticals containing
and equipment, information platform and the anabolic agents or peptide hormones were removed
command system, were all set for the Games-time from all drug stores in Beijing and the Co-host Cities
mode. during Games time. Pharmaceutical manufacturers
were required to label products containing other
Medical Supplies stimulants with the warning “Caution athletes”.

BOCOG worked with the Beijing Blood Centre to

guarantee blood supply during the Olympic Games. A
11.4.2 Games-time Emergency Network
100,000-member volunteer corps was ready to donate
blood when necessary. As the Rh-negative blood type Games-time emergency operations were carried out
is typical among international athletes, the Beijing by designated Olympic hospitals, medical service
Blood Centre launched an initiative, which gained stations and the Polyclinic in the Olympic Village.
support from citizens of Beijing and people from other
provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. 23 medical institutions in Beijing became designated
Olympic hospitals, three of which would receive
Pharmaceuticals and medical equipment needed athletes, Olympic officials and distinguished guests,
for the Games came from Beijing 2008 Partners and and media staff.
Sponsors, leasing services of designated Olympic
hospitals, other sources of donation and BOCOG The 156 medical service stations were located at the
purchases. venues. With medical equipment, the pharmaceutical
supplies and staff selected from designated Olympic
The Beijing Drug Administration was designated to hospitals, they offered on-the-spot treatments to

212 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

The Olympic Village Polyclinic

patients and transferred those who needed follow- 191 emergency ambulances, mostly from the Beijing
up treatment to the Polyclinic or designated Olympic Emergency Medical Centre, were available outside
hospitals. Ticket-holding spectators for the day were Olympic venues in Beijing for transfer service.
also entitled to on-the-spot treatment or transfer
service. During Games time, some 5,000 medical volunteers
would assist the 100-some Medical Service Division
The Polyclinic, covering a floor space of 3,100 square staff in medical operations.
metres, could receive 700 to 800 patients at the same
time. The 548 medical staff came from designated These volunteers, with the help of professionals from
Olympic hospitals and they provided medical designated Olympic hospitals, would provide medical
service pertaining to more than 50 different clinical services when venues were open and undertake
departments. With advanced medical equipment, the the job of transferring those who needed further
medical staff were able to conduct online diagnosis treatment to venue medical service stations.
in collaboration with experts based in Hong Kong or
even in other countries and regions. Designated Olympic hospitals, venue medical
service stations, the Polyclinic, emergency vehicles,
The Polyclinic offered traditional Chinese sports medical staff and volunteers were combined to form
medicine training for medical staff from NOC an efficient Games-time emergency medical care
delegations. Treatments such as acupuncture, network.
moxibustion and massage were also available.
For instance, at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies
Chinese and English were the working languages in of the Beijing Olympic Games, there were 160,000
the Polyclinic, and language service in French, Spanish, people in the National Stadium (91,000 spectators,
Arabic, Russian and German were provided when plus athletes, working staff and performers). A medical
necessary. service scheme was devised, covering the athlete

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 213

 Food safety examination

stands, spectator stands, VIP stands, media stands and Food-borne Hazards
warm-up areas. In addition, 600 medical volunteers
and 45 emergency vehicles were ready for unexpected Starting in 2006, Beijing and the Co-host Cities
incidents. Given the extremely hot weather, medical intensified bacteria inspection and control in the
volunteers specialising in surgery, gastroenterology, catering industry, and set up a dynamic database to
and cardiology were ready to offer medical service. monitor food-borne bacterial pollutants.

The Beijing Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

11.4.3 Venue Sanitation Control even established the Database for Toxic Symptoms
and the Database for Organic Mass Spectrometry on
Venue sanitation control constituted another Common Toxins to help prevent food poisoning and
important aspect of Games-time medical operations. food-related terrorist attacks.

BOCOG launched the project of Identification of Drinking Water

Olympic Games-time Public Sanitation Risks, which
focused on food and drinking water quality, control of Since 2006, the Beijing Centre for Disease Prevention
acute and infectious diseases and public sanitation. and Control conducted thorough inspections
on drinking water resources for Olympic venues,
BOCOG undertook the job of monitoring venue contracted hotels and their surrounding areas.
sanitation, while relevant government authorities took
care of sanitation issues outside the venues. Three Inspection was also carried out on water resources in
remote monitoring systems were put in place for real- tourist resorts and other areas guests to Beijing might
time catering, drinking water and indoor air quality frequent. Drinking water in the inspected areas all
control. proved safe and lived up to the standards required by
the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The venue medical service managers would keep an
eye on sanitation in addition to supervising medical Contagious Diseases
care operations, with some 400 staff assisting in these
tasks. BOCOG worked with China Customs to monitor

214 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

contagious diseases. in public places such as restaurants, gymnasiums,
hotels and government offices, in the hope of staging “a
The Ministry of Health of the People’s Republic of Smoke-free Beijing Olympic Games”.
China issued prevention manuals and clinic treatment
plans concerning six contagious diseases including In cooperation with the WHO, BOCOG set aside 4,000
Ebola hemorrhagic fever, enzootic hepatitis, West Nile “smoke-free zones” and put up 3,000 posters in all
fever, Marburg hemorrhagic fever, yellow fever and Olympic venues. The smoke-free initiative was even
Lassa fever. It also collected information about severe extended to vehicles serving the Games.
contagious diseases through a reporting network
involving government authorities at all levels. Cigarette sales were also prohibited in all competition
and training venues.
Beijing Municipality and the surrounding provinces,
autonomous regions and municipalities jointly Public Medical Emergencies
established a comprehensive prevention and control
mechanism to keep Beijing from being affected by BOCOG collected information on the public medical
public health crises in those areas. emergencies in Beijing and the Co-host Cities in the
past to target public health hazards that might affect
During the Olympic Games, a medical statistic system the Olympic Games. Plans were made for handling
was put in place to detect incidence of contagious possible SARS and avian flu pandemics, as well as for
diseases in the capital. unexpected crises of bio-terrorist attacks and nuclear
radiation pollution.
Smoke-free Games
To ensure well-being of domestic and international
“Smoke-free Olympics” constituted an important factor visitors, the Beijing Municipal Government and district
of “Green Olympics”. authorities organised 40 emergency brigades and
equipped them with ambulances and other necessary
In May 2008, Beijing Municipality began to implement emergency kits.
the amendment of Regulations on the Scope of Non-
smoking Public Places in Beijing , which was originally Between July 20 and September 20, 2008, these
put into effect in 1996. brigades were on duty around the clock to respond to
any public health emergency.
The new regulations stipulated that smoking be banned

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 215

 11.5 Doping Control

As one of the most important Quality Management System.

Games-specific services, doping
control during the Beijing Olympic Approved by the World Anti-
Games was aimed at conducting doping Agency (WADA), the Beijing
effective and efficient tests to single Olympic Anti-doping Laboratory
out athletes who had violated (OAL) undertook 4,500 stimulant
regulations and to make sure tests (the number of the Athens
disciplinary action was carried out, Olympic Games being 3,600), some
so as to make the Games in Beijing 800 Erythropoietin (EPO) urine
one of the cleanest in Olympic analyses and 900 blood tests.
history.
34 doping control stations were
established at competition venues
11.5.1 Undertakers of in Beijing and seven at those in the
Doping Tests Co-host Cities.

The Anti-doping Division of the In order to expediently test athletes,

BOCOG Games Services Department each station had at least two
was in charge of doping control. sampling booths, and the station in
the Olympic Village had eight. It was
The division strengthened pre- also the first time in the Olympic
Games and Games-time anti- Games history that both urine and
doping publicity through a series of blood samplings were done at
anti-doping themed exhibitions in venue doping control stations.
Beijing and the Co-host Cities.
Sampling staff familiarised
The doping test procedures, the athletes with doping test
formulated in line with the IOC’s procedures through videos and
Anti-doping Rules Applicable to hand-outs. They conducted anti-
the Games of the XXIX Olympiad doping publicity to advocate
in Beijing in 2008, World Anti- “honesty and fair play”. Staff
doping Code and International members in the stations were all
Standards for Testing, were up to able to communicate with the
the standards of the ISO 9001:2000 athletes in English. Additional

216 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

language service was available when necessary. BOCOG. BOCOG officials took charge of anti-doping
tests at competition venues while WADA, on behalf
Some athletes filed applications to the IOC for of the IOC, undertook tests at non-Olympic venues as
Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE), and their cases were well as tests outside China. Sampling was arranged
assigned to designated Olympic hospitals. either according to the athletes’ world ranking in
individual sport or by random or targeted selections.
917 staff members worked in the doping control
stations as doping control managers, doping control Authorised by the IOC, BOCOG undertook all Games-
officers, coordinators or attendants. Some of them time testing. Athletes were selected according to
were international experts or volunteers. All of the the Anti-doping Test Agreement for the Beijing 2008
officers were doctors by trade. Olympic Games , signed in May 2008 after 15 months
of negotiations between BOCOG and the 28 IFs.

11.5.2 Major Operational Procedures Surveillance

Anti-doping operations started on July 27, 2008, with The new 5,500-square-metre OAL was under close
the opening of the Beijing Olympic Village, and ended surveillance.
on August 24 when the Games was over.
To guarantee absolute accuracy and security, all urine
Sampling and blood samples transferred from the venues to the
OAL were escorted by armed security staff.
The operations included pre-Games testing and
Games-time testing. Testing

Pre-Games tests were conducted by the working BOCOG conducted standard doping tests on all samples
team composed of officials from the IOC, WADA and collected between July 27 and August 24, 2008.

A staff member works in the Olympic Anti-doping Laboratory (OAL)

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 217

 In order to complete the 4,500 tests within one Approved by WADA, the OAL also intensified,
month, the OAL operated 24 hours a day. The 145 hematopoietic hormone and human growth hormone
staff members (including eight WADA experts and 10 tests, which yielded more reliable results.
international professional volunteers) were responsible
for analysing up to 280 samples per day. At the Hong Kong equestrian venues, doping tests
were extended to horses participating in the events.
Within 24 hours negative results were announced, Authorised by the IOC and BOCOG, the Hong Kong
and positive results were confirmed within 48 hours. Jockey Club Lab undertook blood tests for horses.
Hematopoietic test results came out within 72 hours.
Blood samples of athletes in Hong Kong equestrian
The director of the OAL submitted test results directly events as well as samples collected from other Co-
to the Chairman of the IOC Medical Commission host Cities, were all sent back to the OAL in Beijing for
via confidential reports. The results were later made testing.
available to the head of the independent observation
group.

218 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 11.6 Language

Language service during the Service Centre, two of whom were

Olympic Games involved English international experts. They covered
and French, the IOC’s official shifts around the clock for additional
working languages, and Chinese, translation tasks.
the language of the Host Country as
well as other languages of Olympic The 112 chief interpreters were
Family members. internationally recruited. Familiar
with the operations of large-scale
sports events and experienced
11.6.1 Language Service in interpretation practice, they
Corps usually worked at press conferences
following sports competitions.
The Language Service Division
of the BOCOG Games Services Another 77 interpreters, recruited in
Department formed a proficient China, worked at other conferences
corps to minimise the impact of the and ceremonies, or accompanied
vast difference between Chinese distinguished guests to the Games.
and other languages.
Volunteers
Professionals
Some 1,000 students majoring in
The language service corps was an international language worked
mainly composed of professional at the competition and non-
translators and interpreters. competition venues.

The 97 professional translators Another 4,000 volunteers were

stationed at the MPC worked recruited from colleges, universities
around the clock in three shifts, or the public to provide language
each lasting eight hours, on news service for spectators. 700 of them
releases and athletes’ résumés, also accompanied guests from the
1 among other tasks. Olympic Family.

1. The Beijing Olympic During the Games, 11 translators 260 college students majoring
Call Centre also worked in the Multilingual in language worked with 25 staff

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 219

 members at the Multilingual Switchboard, which dealt into Chinese, which would then be used as reference
with 44 international languages. They helped venue by BOCOG in preparing for the Games in Beijing. The
language service managers to address language- Division also translated documents and BOCOG official
related issues. The switchboard also arranged publications into multiple international languages.
translation or interpretation service for clients. In addition, the Division provided translation and
interpretation service for conferences between
Staff Training BOCOG, the IOC, the IPC and the IFs.

A number of renowned institutes became BOCOG Serving the Olympic Family

contracted language training providers to offer
programmes for referees, translators, interpreters, staff As the Games drew near, correspondence between
and volunteers. BOCOG, the IOC and Olympic Family members
occurred more often.
To improve language service, BOCOG also signed
agreements with governments of several countries, In 2006, the Language Service Division completed
including France and Cuba, to jointly offer training translation projects totalling two million words, and in
programmes. Language service volunteers from 2007 and 2008, the numbers soared to 20 million and
China had the chance to train in these countries and 35 million respectively.
international volunteers would receive internships
with BOCOG. Starting from April 2008, the Division operated in the
Games-time mode, with staff working two shifts (eight
hours each). Between July 25, 2008 and the end of the
11.6.2 Language Service Operations Games, round-the-clock service with three shifts were
provided.
When BOCOG was first established, language service
was usually outsourced to the contracted providers. During the Games, interpreters from the Language
Service Division worked for over 1,000 conferences
In July 2006, the Language Service Division became and some 5,000 occasions at Olympic venues after the
the major undertaker of translation and interpretation competition events.
projects.
The translators, on the other hand, worked on the
Serving BOCOG drafting of speeches, reports and correspondence
between BOCOG and the IOC, and provided translation
During the pre-Games stage, the Language Service support for the Olympic News Service for Beijing 2008
Division’s major task was translation of official (INFO2008). Their work amounted to 30 million words
publications and documents from past Olympic Games in total.

220 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

A volunteer helps a child

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 221

 11.7 Spectators

During the early preparation had only three paid staff members,
stage, BOCOG defined “spectator and later the number increased to
satisfaction” as a working goal, over 50. During Games time, the
and it worked hard to present an number of paid staff reached 175.
extraordinary and memorable
Olympic experience for the seven During the Games, some 20,000
million spectators. volunteers worked hard on
spectator service at all Olympics-
related venues and facilities.
11.7.1 Pre-Games Preparation BOCOG attached great importance
to social and psychological
Starting in 2004, BOCOG engaged factors in defining volunteers’
professional agencies to conduct job specifications, in the hope of
surveys at home and abroad on reducing volunteers’ pressure and
spectator demographics as well extending to them greater support.
as their expectations and service
demands.
11.7.2 Spectator
Based on the information collected Information
and resources at hand, the Games
Services Department and other BOCOG devised a comprehensive
departments completed the information service mechanism
Spectator Service Strategic Plan in with well-coordinated database and
2004 and the Concept of Spectator effective publicity channels.
Service Operations in 2005.
International visitors were to be
In April 2005, the Spectator greeted at the five information
Service Division was established to booths at the Beijing Capital
implement the planned operations. International Airport where face-
It laid its focus on spectator to-face information consultation
information, venue service and service and the Official Spectator
Games-watching support. Guide were available. Visitors would
immediately feel the hospitality of
Upon establishment, the Division the Host City.

222 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

An information booth at the the Olympic Green Common Domain

BOCOG put up 62 information booths at competition Between July 1 and September 25, 2008, the Olympic
venues as well as the Olympic Green Common Call Centre was in operation. Over 1,400 volunteers
Domain. Each booth was equipped with computer from 27 countries and regions answered phone calls
devices and staffed by two to three Games-time 15 hours a day.
volunteers who spoke an international language.
The volunteers conducted information consultation, Volunteers provided interpretation service in 14
distributed pamphlets and handled spectators’ international languages and in a number of Chinese
complaints. dialects such as Cantonese and Amoy, and assisted in
venue volunteer service in 35 international languages.
In cooperation with the Beijing Tourism Bureau
and the Youth League and co-sponsored by China The Spectator Information Inquiry System connected
Mobile and Visa International, BOCOG established 550 venue information booths, the reception centre at
city information booths (stations) in public places, the Beijing Capital International Airport, the Olympic
transit hubs, busy streets, tourist resorts and areas Call Centre and city information booths. It contained
surrounding the venues. information on sports competitions in 12 languages.
During Games time, information was constantly
On July 1, 2008, 400,000 city volunteers began offering updated to ensure consistency.
services such as information consultation, first aid and
language assistance. When buying their tickets, spectators would get a free
copy of the Official Spectator Guide , which contained
The Co-host Cities mirrored Beijing’s incentives in information concerning the location and layout of
offering booth-based information services. the venues, transportation, competition schedules
and accessible facilities. Spectators could also log

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 223

 onto BOCOG’s official website to download electronic consultancy, distribution of Games-watching materials,
versions of the Guide in 12 languages. Similar mascot shows, broadcast, entry & exit of non-VIP
publications included the Spectator Information Card clients and spectator complaints.
and the Venue Information Leaflet.
Volunteers in the Back of House assisted in staff
Olympics-related information was also available accreditation checking.
through newspapers, on TV and radio, and via the
Internet.
11.7.4 Games-watching

11.7.3 Venue Service Spectator enthusiasm influenced venue ambience and

athletes’ performance.
Stationed at each venue was a volunteer team from
a particular college or university. The spectator Prior to the Games, BOCOG service sectors distributed
service managers of each venue also came from their publicity materials about Olympic sports, and
respective universities. introduced competition rules and venue proprieties to
spectators.
A competition venue was usually divided into the
Front of House (accessible to spectators) and the Back Games-watching materials were a highlight of the
of House (accessible only to accredited members). Beijing Olympic Games. The Spectator Service Division
and Olympic licensed enterprises jointly developed
Volunteers in the Front of House helped with security a series of products such as flags and banners with
screening, ticket checking, entry & exit guidance, Olympic symbols, drums and thunder sticks and face
spectator clearance, wheelchair operation, information stickers, among other items.

To ensure the supply of these materials at the venues,

the Spectator Service Division started making plans
in 2006. The 20,000 volunteers engaged in venue
spectator service were all involved in distributing
the Games-watching materials to the seven million
spectators throughout the Games.

200,000 cheerleading volunteers were recruited and

received training prior to the Games on special features
of every sport as well as efficient communication with
spectators.

During the Games, each competition session engaged

more than 100 cheerleading volunteers, who either
performed on the field of play or interacted with
spectators at the stands.

The spectator service teams were also responsible

for organising mascot shows, usually held at the
entrance of security inspection buffer zones, ticket
checking zones or public domains. Such performances
were helpful in maintaining order, creating positive
ambience and boosting spectator enthusiasm.
Volunteers interact with the spectators during Games time

224 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

The mascot show

Summary
In the seven years of preparation for the Games, safety, medical care and language service.
professionals and volunteers from home and abroad,
with their knowledge, skills and a strong sense of In guaranteeing Games-time services, various
dedication, helped ensure quality service for the sectors cooperated with each other to define service
Olympic Games in Beijing. concepts, standards and contents. Knowledge gained
by successfully delivering these services has resulted
Through institutional improvement, conceptual in the implementation of a series of international-
innovation and resource integration, a complete standard policies and practices which are continuing
city service mechanism has taken shape, focusing to benefit Beijing and China.
particularly on accommodation, catering and food

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 225

226 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 Chapter 12
The Olympic Village
Design, construction and operations of the Beijing Olympic Village
demonstrated amply the concepts of “Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics
and People’s Olympics”, and efficient Games-time services helped transform
the Olympic Village into a “home away from home” for the Games’
participants from all over the world.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 227

228 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 12.1 Overview

The Olympic Village for the Games Village.

in 2008 consisted of the Beijing
Olympic Village, the Qingdao This chapter focuses on the
Olympic Village, the Hong Kong construction, operations and
Olympic Village and the Hong Kong services of the Beijing Olympic
Grooms Village. Village, as it was the epitome of
the overall Olympic Village for the
The Beijing Olympic Village hosted Games in 2008.
events such as the NOC delegation
registration meetings, team
welcome ceremonies, Chefs de
12.1.1 Layout
Mission meetings and other cultural
activities for the athletes. The Beijing Olympic Village included
an Athlete’s Village designed to
The newly-built Qingdao Olympic accommodate 16,000 athletes and
Village, located in the Olympic NOC delegation officials, two Media
Sailing Centre, was only about Villages for 7,000 media staff, and
a 10-minute walk from the two hotels for some 800 additional
competition site. It accommodated officials during Games time.
all the athletes and officials
participating in the sailing events. The Athlete’s Village was located
at the northern end of Beijing’s city
The Hong Kong Olympic Village, axis. It covered an area of 660,000
which was based in the four-star square metres in the southeast
Royal Park Hotel, was two kilometres portion of the Olympic Green,
away from the Hong Kong Olympic bordering the Olympic Forest
Equestrian Venue (Sha Tin), and Park to its north and the main
15 kilometres away from the competition venues to its south.
1 Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian
Venue (Beas River). It was home After the Games, the northern part
2
for all athletes and officials taking of the Village would be incorporated
part in the equestrian events. The into the Olympic Forest Park to
1. Beijing Olympic Village grooms were accommodated in form a new forest park, in which
2. Hong Kong Olympic Village the separate Hong Kong Grooms the Flag Mall, the Peace Square and

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 229

 the Peace and Friendship Wall would become Beijing 12.1.2 The Athlete’s Village
Olympic heritage sites open to visitors. The apartment
buildings, as well as the supporting facilities, would The Athlete’s Village was a new construction project,
be converted into commercial dwellings, available for designed for accommodating residents in its southern
buyers at the end of 2009. section and offering activities in its northern section. It
was divided into three distinctively marked-off areas:
The two Media Villages were the Green Homeland the Operational Zone, the Olympic Village Plaza and
Media Village and the Huiyuan Apartments Media the Residential Zone. Accreditation check points were
Village. The Green Homeland Media Village was six set up between the three areas to ensure security.
kilometres, or a five to 10-minute drive, from the
International Broadcast Centre (IBC) and the Main Press The Operational Zone had in it the welcome centre,
Centre (MPC). The Huiyuan Apartments Media Village internal shuttle bus stations, logistics centre, laundries
was 500 metres from the National Indoor Stadium and and parking lots. It provided supporting services to
only 100 metres away from the IBC and the MPC. ensure smooth operations of the Athlete’s Village.

The two hotels housing additional officials during The Olympic Village Plaza included the Mayor’s Court,
Games time were the three-star Beijing Tarim the Flag Mall, and facilities for protocol services,
Petroleum Hotel and Shengli Hotel Beijing, both within cultural events and commercial services. Activities such
a 20-minute walk, or a 10-minute drive, from the as team welcome ceremonies and other reception
Olympic Village. arrangements were usually held here.

The Beijing Olympic Village started trial operations on The Flag Mall was the most eye-catching place in the
July 20, 2008, and opened officially on July 27. Until its Athlete’s Village during Games time, as it was not only
close at noon on August 27, the Village had operated the square for flag raising ceremonies to mark the
for a total of 39 days. official entry of NOC delegations, but also the centre
stage for art performances and cultural events.
It then started trial operations as the Beijing Paralympic
Village on August 28 and opened officially on August The Residential Zone accommodated athletes and
30. The working staff took only 26 hours to complete NOC delegation officials from all over the world,
the transition from the Olympic to the Paralympic giving them a place to enjoy their leisure time. The
operation mode. 42 buildings for the athletes, covering a floor space

230 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 2
1. Qingdao Olympic Village
1
2. Hong Kong Olympic Village

of 524,000 square metres and featuring quintessential In addition to the main dining hall, there was a casual
Chinese architectural design, provided three types dining hall where a variety of local snacks were served
of accommodation: two-bedroom suite for three for free.
residents, three or four-bedroom suite for six residents,
or five-bedroom suite for eight residents. Each suite had At the religious service centre, full-time clergymen and
a shared sitting room. volunteers helped with religious services. The centre
had separate rooms for Buddhists, Christians, Hindus,
In the Residential Zone were service establishments Muslims and Jews. There were also two rooms for
including resident service centres, the Polyclinic, the meditation. During Games time, the centre received
main dining hall, the recreational centre, the sports 2,192 athletes and NOC delegation officials from 104
complex and the religious service centre. countries and regions.

The 12 resident service centres, three of which were

super resident centres, were arranged among the
12.1.3 “Green Project”
apartment blocks, with their reception desks and
lounges open around the clock during Games time. Construction of the Beijing Olympic Village started on
June 26, 2005 and was completed on March 5, 2008.
The sports complex incorporated gym, swimming The design of the Village featured a harmonious unity
pool, tennis court, basketball court, volleyball court of architecture, environment and culture.
and jogging track. The gym was equipped with shower
room, sauna and massage room. In line with the requirements set in BOCOG’s
Environment Guideline for the Olympic Project , new
The 1,000-odd-square-metre recreational centre offered technologies and materials were adopted, which made
games such as billiards, air hockey, shuffleboard and the Beijing Olympic Village a truly “green project”.
foosball, where athletes were able to enjoy themselves
in their spare time. They would also have fun in the With lawns and artificial landscape image projects,
Olympic Village club. the green coverage rate of the Beijing Olympic Village
reached 53 per cent. Permeable bricks were used in
In the Athlete’s Village were four cyber cafés, and the paving the ground to form a rainwater recovery system.
biggest one was equipped with 72 desktops. The Micro-irrigation technology was applied in watering
Qingdao Olympic Village and the Hong Kong Olympic the green space in the Village.
Village each had a cyber café for the athletes.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 231

 Also noteworthy was a biological sewage treatment conductance effect, evident in most of the large
system combined with greenhouse structures, in which building clusters, would be eliminated.
sewage water was treated by the plants through bio-
decomposition before it could be reused. This natural In the Village, solar energy collecting tubes covering an
self-purification system, with a capacity of 300 tons per area of 6,000 square metres were installed on rooftop
day, ensured water supply for the waterscape projects gardens. The system was able to meet bath water
in the Village. demands of 16,000 users during Games time and some
2, 000 households after the Games. The project would
The heat exchange system installed in the Beijing save electricity by five million kilowatt-hours a year.
Olympic Village was the largest project of its kind in
China, through which the Village was projected to draw Over 20 new technologies were adopted to improve
7.89 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy from low energy consumption features of the Village
the sun and recycled water during Games time. After buildings, including solar heating, solar hot water,
the Games, the system would continue to gather 67 solar thermoelectric cogeneration, optical pipes, LED
million kilowatt-hours of energy per year. and other “green” lighting technologies, and double-
layer hollow LOW-E glass for the exterior windows.
The system tapped energy from Qinghe Sewage With these technical devices, the buildings in the
Treatment Plant and upgraded it through heat pump Village use only 3.3 per cent of the energy consumed in
devices for winter heating and summer cooling conventional constructions and save energy by 147,000
purposes. The technology helped save energy by over kilowatt-hours annually.
40 per cent compared with ordinary air-conditioning
systems. As the cooling devices were placed outside In addition, environmentally-friendly materials,
the Village, noise and smoke emissions would be including paint, were applied to guarantee a fine indoor
kept outside. Even during the summer, the thermal environment.

Flag Mall of the Beijing Olympic Village

232 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

12.2 The Olympic Village Team

Operations of the Olympic Village Village Mayors.

required an effective mechanism
and a competent venue team. The Olympic Village team, as well
as its operational mechanism,
provided an institutional guarantee
12.2.1 Operational Mode for Games-time operations and
services.
In November 2006, BOCOG turned
the Olympic Village Division
under the Venue Management
12.2.2 Team Staff
Department into an independent
Olympic Village Department. The operation team was headed
by Du Deyin, Vice Executive Mayor
The Olympic Village Department of the Olympic Village. The 11
then updated its Games-time action deputy managers took charge of
plans regarding housing allotment, accommodation, catering, security,
reception, landscaping, commerce, transportation, external liaison,
logistics, recreation and cultural media, services, logistics, property
activities. Moreover, it worked in management and the two Media
close cooperation with relevant Villages.
government sectors, BOCOG
departments, venue owners, The deputy managers were put
sponsors and contractors, to specify in charge of specific work teams,
their responsibilities. who would select and appoint
staff members. Capable personnel
On January 10, 2008, the operation were transferred from government
team for the Beijing Olympic Village departments and related
was formed. BOCOG Vice-president institutions. In a very short period of
Chen Zhili was appointed Village time, a professional and dedicated
Mayor and leading officials from operation team was established.
the Beijing Municipal Government,
the General Administration of Sport Up to the commencement of the
of China and the China Disabled Games, the Olympic Village team
Persons’ Federation served as Vice had already had more than 27,500

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 233

 Oath taking ceremony of the Olympic Village staffs

staff members, including 1,020 paid staff, some 5,000 months before the opening of the Games, and
volunteers, and over 21,000 staff from contractors. priorities were given to the following issues:
●  Venue construction
12.2.3 Operations ●  Material move-in
●  Staffing
●  Installation of temporary facilities
Efforts made in the operations of the Beijing Olympic
Village were seen in the following aspects: ●  Full-load test operations
●  Routine Games-time operations
Priorities in Games Preparation ●  Transition from the Olympic to the Paralympic
Games
The Beijing Olympic Village team was in place six

234 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 Major Milestones

January 31, 2008 Completion of Olympic (Paralympic) Village Operations Plan (2nd Edition )

March 18, 2008 Commencement of material move-in

March 18, 2008 Venue managers and managers of the functional areas in place

April 8, 2008 Completion of construction and installation of large-scale temporary facilities

May 18, 2008 Handover of the Beijing Olympic Village to BOCOG

June 28, 2008 Completion of construction and installation of all temporary facilities

July 1, 2008 All facilities, equipment, signs and signaling systems in place

July 2, 2008 Completion of specific test operations

July 4, 2008 Completion of integrated test operations

July 7, 2008 Completion of Olympic (Paralympic) Village Operations Plan (3rd Edition )

July 8, 2008 Security lock-down

July 17, 2008 Completion of image and identity projects

July 18, 2008 All team staff members in place

Test Operations The functional areas also staged hundreds of

simulated tests and exercises. The security sector alone
The Beijing Olympic Village team carried out a conducted 314 tests and exercises on 74 operations.
number of specific and integrated tests. Specific test Some functional areas even combined regular drills
operations were targeted at engineering, technology, and emergency exercises to improve efficiency.
security, transport, commercial service, recreational
facilities, dining places, logistics, etc. Integrated tests Games-time Command
were focused on aspects such as transportation
for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, arrival & The Beijing Olympic Village team set up a Games-
departure, Guest Pass Centre, Media Villages, welcome time Command Centre, which organised regular team
ceremonies and accommodation. meetings for managers and deputy managers of the
team and the functional areas to make decisions on
From July 3 to 4, 2008, the team engaged in a full-scale important issues, review daily operation memos, and
simulated test. Some 2,000 staff members acted as report to the Village Mayor issues arising in security,
Village residents. They used the facilities and assessed services, etc.
the services, during which flaws were discovered and
improvements were duly made. A video conference system connected the Olympic
Village command centre to the Main Operation Centre
The simulated test effectively streamlined the workflow (MOC) to effectively assist in Games-time operations.
and enhanced the team’s responsiveness and overall
competence.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 235

 Main dining hall in the Beijing Olympic Village

236 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 12.3 Games-time Service

In the 39 days staring from July 27, Accommodation

2008, the Olympic Village team
rendered first-rate service for all the During the Olympic Games, the
NOC delegations to Beijing. Athlete’s Village received altogether
14,409 athletes from 204 NOC
Protocol delegations. The two Media Villages
received 6,846 media staff of 293
During the Games, the Olympic media agencies from 93 countries
Village received 90 VIP groups as and regions. The two hotels for
well as other guests and media staff additional officials received 907
members from all over the world. On guests.
these occasions, some 90 volunteers
would provide interpreting service In the Athlete’s Village,
in 28 international languages. The housekeeping service was available
volunteers had received specialised whenever requested.
training and, therefore, were familiar
with the operations of the Olympic Take laundry service for instance.
Village and details of protocol Free laundry service was provided
service, which made their work for the residents, and laundry sent
efficient and effective. before 10:00 would be cleaned
and available the very same day. To
The team welcome ceremony is one satisfy the needs of all the residents,
of the most important occasions laundry service time was extended
that marks the official entry of NOC from 15.5 hours to 18 hours, from
delegations. During the Beijing 18:00 to 24:00 The staff worked on
Olympic and Paralympic Games, three shifts, providing round-the-
109 welcome ceremonies were clock laundry and delivery service.
staged for 351 delegations. Staff
members of the related functional Catering
areas worked hard to make sure
that each and every detail of the The main dining hall, with a capacity
ceremonies was carefully designed to cater for 5,000 athletes and 1,000
and implemented. Village staff members at the same
time, was opened around the clock

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 237

 1. Cyber café in the Beijing Olympic Village
1
2. Hair salon in the Beijing Olympic Village
2 3
3. Residential Zone of the Beijing Olympic Village

238 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

and served a rich variety of dishes as well as fruit and for 40,000 people and distributed 350,000 bottles of
drinks. The menus changed on an eight-day rotation drinking water during the team welcome ceremonies
basis. and Chefs De Mission meetings.

Foods served in the main dining hall were usually Snack bars in the apartment buildings also played an
divided into three major categories: Western, important role in the catering service for the Olympic
Mediterranean and Asian styles. Halal and vegetarian Village.
dishes were also available. Chefs prepared some 460
dishes for a meal. For example, on a typical day they Medical Care
would cook over 2,000 portions of shredded pork with
garlic sauce, which was one of the favourate dishes Between July 20 and August 27, 2008, the Polyclinic
among the diners. Peking roast duck appealed to in the Olympic Village received 12,078 patients, most
athletes from all over the world. To fulfill their demand, of whom came for medical treatments in physical
supply was increased from the planned 300 ducks to therapy, sports injury, and dentistry.
600 per day.
Of all the prescriptions written during the period, 6,228
Between July 27 and August 24, 2008, the main dining were issued from the Polyclinic and 818 by the NOC
hall received some 500,000 people, and the peak delegation doctors. 1,395 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
came on August 8, when the Games opened, with Imaging (MRI), Digital Radiography (DR) and Colour
nearly 30,000 diners. It also provided dinner service Ultrasound Scanning (CUS) examinations were given.
for 20 special occasions, and prepared refreshments Ambulances were sent 121 times with 58 patients

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 239

 transferred to designated Olympic hospitals. regular and random inspections.

543 doctors and nurses were selected from hospitals Security staff completed 1,640,000 ID checks, unpacked
in Beijing to work in the Polyclinic during Games time, 1,537 logistics and food supply vehicles (and packed
and thanks to their competence and dedication, there 90 vehicles). They also conducted 652 inspections
was no report of medical accidents or misdiagnosis of regarding fire hazards and 779 regarding nuclear and
infectious diseases. biochemical hazards.

Transportation Security was also tightened to ensure the smooth

completion of 109 flag-raising ceremonies, 22
Shuttle buses of the Beijing Olympic Village transported signature ceremonies at the Peace and Friendship Wall,
athletes to competition and training venues. During 18 art performances and over 120 receptions of heads
Games time, buses were sent over 20,000 times for of state, senior officials and royal family members from
200,000 passengers. all over the world.

On August 8, 2008, the transportation team of the Commercial Service

Athlete’s Village completed 360 trips in just one
hour 40 minutes to send some 10,000 athletes to the The shopping street in the Olympic Village Plaza was
National Stadium for the Opening Ceremony of the frequented by Olympic Village residents. It received
Games. more than 300,000 visitors and reaped a sales volume
exceeding RMB 40 million. The licensed store alone
Between August 11 and 15, the buses completed 1,167 received some 100,000 customers.
trips per day, peaking at 1,321 trips per day with 14,100
passengers. The post office, banking office, telecommunications
office, hair salons, arts and crafts shows and cyber cafés
The three internal shuttle bus lines within the Village were all appreciated by the athletes, officials and media
also completed some 20,000 trips, travelling a total staff. In total, postal service achieved a sales volume
distance of nearly 40,000 kilometres and transporting of nearly RMB five million, telecommunications more
270,000 passengers. than RMB three million, franchised shops and souvenir
emblem exchange nearly RMB one million each and
Battery vehicles (for passengers or material supplies) arts and crafts show over RMB 100,000.
completed 3,372 trips, working for a total of 6,167 hours
and covering a total distance of 24,000 kilometres. Cultural Activities

The Welcome Centre and the Guest Pass Centre During the Games, dozens of art troupes were invited
dispatched 13,000 vehicles and gave direction to give performances at the Flag Mall except on the
information to nearly 10,000 guests. days of Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Altogether, the Guest Pass Centre received more Performances usually started at 20:00 and lasted one
than 30,000 guests, with an average of 400 to 500 per and half hours, during which Village residents would
day. During the Olympic Games, the visits received enjoy quintessential Chinese songs and dances.
averaged 1,800 to 2,000. Sometimes, guests were even invited to join in the
activities.
Security
The Peace and Friendship Wall in the Village offered
During the Olympic and Paralympic Games, security an opportunity for residents to express their wishes
checks around the Beijing Olympic Village were for world peace. In total, some 2,500 athletes, coaches,
intensified in the form of on-the-spot control as well as officials and VIPs from more than 40 countries signed

240 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

their names on the wall to show their support for the officials participated.
Olympic Truce.
On August 3, 2008, for example, three guests from
Religious Service Romania came to the religious centre. One of them
was in grief as his mother had passed away the
69 clergymen and professional religious service previous day. The staff immediately arranged a prayer
volunteers, who could speak English, Arabic, Italian, service, grieving with him for his loss.
French, Korean or Hebrew, worked in the Village’s
religious service centre. Altogether, they received 2,192 With love, care and dedication, the religious service
visitors, including 1,628 international visitors from staff won high praise from residents of the Olympic
103 countries and regions, and staged 33 religious Village.
ceremonies, in which 701 athletes and NOC delegation

Summary

With every single detail of its design and construction previous Games, the Beijing Olympic Village team
carefully planned, the Beijing Olympic Village became accomplished their tasks in ensuring security,
an epitome of the initiative of “Green Olympics, High- transportation and technical support. At the same time,
tech Olympics and People's Olympics”. Truly, it became they worked their hardest to fulfill the requirements of
“a home away from home” for athletes from around the Games and the needs of the Village residents who
the globe. had various cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs.
Indeed, the Village team created for the residents a
Drawing on the experience and lessons from the friendly and harmonious ambience.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 241

242 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 Chapter 13
Volunteers
The objective of volunteer service for the Beijing Olympic Games was to
accomplish volunteer missions and spread the Olympic spirit. Through
the “6+1” Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Volunteer Programme, Beijing
gained considerable experience in volunteer recruitment, training and
management. After the Games, Beijing and China promoted the Olympic
volunteer work legacy transformation initiative, with the hope of sowing the
seed of volunteerism in every citizen’s heart.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 243

 “Smiling Beijing” Themed Activity

244 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 13.1 The “6+1” Pattern

Volunteers are “goodwill selected and trained. During Games

ambassadors” of the Beijing Olympic time, they provided quality service
and Paralympic Games. for Olympic Family members, media
staff and other client groups at
On June 5, 2005, the Beijing Olympic venues.
Olympic and Paralympic Volunteer
Programme was launched. City Volunteer Project

The comprehensive volunteer As an innovative part of the Beijing

programme, in the guiding principle Olympic and Paralympic Volunteer
of “involving the public, bringing Programme , the City Volunteer
smiles and fostering harmony”, was Project rallied 400,000 volunteers to
composed of six projects and one offer services, such as consultation,
themed activity, including: first-aid and language service, in
the vicinity of Olympic venues and
●  Games-time Volunteer Project
other key areas during Games time.
●  City Volunteer Project
●  Social Volunteer Project
Social Volunteer Project
●  “Towards Olympics” Volunteer
Project More than one million social
●  Pre-Games BOCOG Volunteer volunteers worked in public places
Project and residential communities in
●  Olympic Volunteer Work Legacy Beijing. These volunteers engaged
Transformation Project themselves in public order
●  “Smiling Beijing” Themed Activity maintenance, city operations, eco-
conservation, medical care, disability
Games-time Volunteer Project assistance, etc.

As a major component of the “Towards Olympics” Volunteer

Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Project
Volunteer Programme , the Games-
time Volunteer Project attracted an This project included diverse forms
unparalleled number of applicants, of regular volunteer service in the
among whom 100,000 were years leading up to the Beijing

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 245

 1

1. George Sapounidis, a volunteer from Canada,

performs the “Olympic Volunteer Song” that he has
composed

2. Volunteers for the Beijing Olympic equestrian

events in Hong Kong

Olympic Games, which were aimed to “welcome the Project, the volunteers’ experience and achievements
Olympics, promote civility and create a favourable will be carried on to accelerate the spiritual
social atmosphere”. development of Chinese society, and volunteerism will
become an integral part of Chinese people’s daily life.
Pre-Games BOCOG Volunteer Project
“Smiling Beijing” Themed Activity
Launched in 2004, the Pre-Games BOCOG Volunteer
Project drew over 1,600 volunteers to BOCOG’s routine The “Smiling Beijing” Themed Activity greatly
operations during preparation for the Games, through promoted the spirit of volunteerism among the
which these volunteers obtained valuable experience. Chinese people. The “Smile Wristlets” were designed
to spell out the image of the Olympic rings, and
Olympic Volunteer Work Legacy Transformation they each stood for willingness to help, honesty and
Project reliability, protection of environment, good manners,
and constant striving for progress. The themed activity
With the implementation of the Legacy Transformation was aimed at improving harmony in Chinese society.

246 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

13.2 Recruitment and Training

In February 2005, the Beijing ended on March 31, 2008, 1,327,038

Olympic Volunteer Coordination applications for Olympic Games-
Work Group was officially time volunteer service were
established, and the release of the received, and 80.6 per cent of
Beijing Olympic Volunteer Work the applicants also expressed
Action Plan on June 5 of the same their willingness to work for the
year marked the commencement of Paralympic Games in Beijing.
the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic
Volunteer Programme . According to statistics, most of the
applicants were from the 56 Chinese
ethnic groups living in the 31
13.2.1 Diverse Composition provinces, autonomous regions and
of the Volunteer Corps municipalities, as well as in Hong
Kong, Macao and Taiwan. Some of
The Beijing Olympic and Paralympic the applicants were also Chinese
Volunteer Programme attracted residing or studying overseas, as
the largest group of applicants in well as international friends from
Olympic history, among which an 175 countries and regions.
unprecedented number of 100,000
Games-time volunteers, 400,000 The applicants came from diverse
city volunteers and over one million professions, and some of them
social volunteers were engaged. were even retired diplomats and
prominent scholars.
Games-time Volunteers
The ages of 97.87 per cent of all
Recruitment of Games-time applicants spanned from 17 to 35,
volunteers was launched on of whom 92.42 per cent were below
August 28, 2006, and by the end 26 (83.43 per cent were college
of the same month, the number of students). There were also senior
applicants had exceeded 40,000. applicants, the oldest being 88 years
old.
By September 28, 2006, applications
received in Beijing alone had Of all the applicants, 79.9 per cent
reached 210,000. When recruitment had received college education and

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 247

 1 1. Games-time volunteer recruitment

2 2. Fu Yiquan, a 103-year-old Beijing citizen and social volunteer for

the Olympic Games

248 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

47.86 per cent had volunteer experience. 91.71 per volunteer training system.
cent spoke English, and some spoke Japanese, French,
German, Russian or Korean. Most of the applicants General training was usually offered by venue teams
possessed skills in reception, public relations, sports, or by organisations and institutes from which large
journalism, teaching, training, etc. groups of volunteers were recruited, and the Volunteer
Department organised training for the 27, 000 core
City Volunteers volunteers, who would study in the training camps
and participate in the service for Good Luck Beijing
Recruitment of city volunteers started on June 18, Test Events.
2007 and ended in July 2008, during which over 2.07
million applications were received and 480,000 were Foreign language courses were offered to volunteers
confirmed. who held key positions or possessed professional skills.
The contents were focused on Games-time service.
College and middle school students, community Teaching staff came from universities in Beijing and
residents, government officials and corporate staff BOCOG’s language training suppliers. Volunteers
constituted the majority. The oldest volunteer was also learned about the languages other than English,
87 years old and the youngest was only 14 years old. such as French and Japanese, so as to conduct basic
International volunteers came from over 20 countries daily communications with a greater number of
and regions including the U.S., the U.K., France, Russia international guests.
and Germany.
Between March 2007 and September 2008, BOCOG
Social Volunteers organised intensive training for 36,000 volunteers for
VIP escort, language service, media operations, driving,
More than one million social volunteers were involved competition organisation, sport presentation, victory
in preparing for and hosting the Beijing Olympic ceremony, medical service, security check, competition
Games, most of whom were from government offices, timing and scoring, accommodation and religious
local communities, social groups, business institutions service.
and schools.
Training in helping people with a disability was also
Statistics indicated that the social volunteers’ average conducted, regarding general knowledge about the
age was 41, and 56 per cent of them were women. Paralympics, skills in helping people with a disability,
The youngest were the six-year-old quintuplets from Paralympic Games-time service, etc.
Cangzhou, Hebei Province, who were appointed
“Little Ambassadors for the Beijing Olympic Games”, Each volunteer had to receive training of no less than
and the oldest was Fu Yiquan, a 103-year-old citizen 120 hours and pass tests before assuming venue posts.
from Beijing’s Chongwen District, who patrolled his
neighbourhood everyday to make sure doors were The BOCOG Human Resources Department and
locked and trash was cleaned up. Volunteer Department provided material and
personnel support for volunteer training in the Co-host
Cities. Statistics indicated that some 549,000 volunteers
13.2.2 Comprehensive Training in the Co-host Cities had received volunteer training
before the Games.
Training began on August 28, 2006 when the BOCOG
Volunteer Department released the Guidelines The Beijing Olympic and Paralympic volunteer initiative
for General Training of the Beijing Olympic and solicited strong support from many prominent figures
Paralympic Volunteers . 100,000 copies of the Manual from home and abroad.
for Beijing Olympic Volunteers were distributed to
the new recruits. In collaboration with the venue On June 25, 2007, former IOC President Juan Antonio
teams, the Volunteer Department designed 20 general Samaranch visited China. At the reception for
training courses in video format and set up an on-line representatives of the volunteer applicants, he wrote

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 249

 the inscriptions “Where there’s the Olympic Games, spirit of volunteerism is the motivating force behind
there’s poetry of volunteers” and “Experience Volunteer the Paralympic Movement”).
Training, Be part of the Olympics”.
On May 4, 2008, Beijing Olympic volunteers met in
On September 4, 2007, at the One-Year Countdown the capital for oath taking. Xi Jinping, Vice President of
Celebration for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, China, attended and addressed the meeting, urging
IPC President Sir Philip Craven wrote an inscription for volunteers to promote the Olympic spirit, live up to
the volunteers, “L’esprit de volontariat est la force qui volunteerism and help enhance China’s image.
permet aux Jeux paralympiques de se developer” (“The

250 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 13.3 Volunteer Management

BOCOG and Beijing Municipality set and universities as well as Beijing’s

up the Beijing Olympic Volunteer 18 districts and counties, were
Work Coordination Group to selected to work at Olympic venues.
implement the Beijing Olympic and They then received training and
Paralympic Volunteer Programme . participated in volunteer service for
the Good Luck Beijing Test Events.
Starting in July 2008, Games-time
13.3.1 Management volunteers began assuming their
Mechanism posts at the venues.

The Beijing Olympic and Paralympic City Volunteers

volunteer management mechanism
had seven focuses: The China Communist Youth
League Beijing Committee and
●  Volunteers from colleges and
the Beijing Volunteers Federation
universities in Beijing
established the Beijing Olympic City
●  Volunteers from districts and
Volunteer Management System.
counties of Beijing
●  Volunteers with professional skills Based on the Beijing volunteers
●  Volunteers with a disability information platform, the system
●  Volunteers from other provinces, connected all city volunteer service
autonomous regions and stands throughout the capital
municipalities and helped realise operations
●  Volunteers from Hong Kong, concerning information release,
Macao, Taiwan and overseas work schedule and material support.
●  Volunteers in the Co-host Cities
Social Volunteers
Management was focused on
Games-time volunteers, city During Games time, the Social
volunteers and social volunteers. Volunteer Operation System
1
was established, which involved
Between March 2007 and May 2008, relevant sectors such as public
1. Volunteer drivers get ready for the Games-time volunteers, who were transportation, the Red Cross, parks
Beijing Olympic Games mainly recruited from colleges and public gardens, petrochemical

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 251

 1

1. Chart of mini national flags used by

volunteers to indicate specific language
services

2. A city volunteer service stand in Beijing

industry, postal service, public ●  Olympic and Paralympic

infrastructure, etc. volunteer accreditation
●  Uniform and work kits
Led by core volunteers, social ●  Free food during working hours
volunteers engaged themselves in ●  Free public transportation in
various public campaigns regarding designated areas
traffic safety, English learning, ●  Personal accident insurance
community postal service, urban
environment, energy conservation Colleges and universities in Beijing
and emission reduction. assisted in accommodation and
related support for volunteers
from other provinces, autonomous
13.3.2 Guarantee regions and municipalities, as
well as volunteers from Hong
General policies including “Basic Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and
Requirements”, “Rights and international volunteers.
Obligations” and “Guarantee and
Incentive” were stipulated for the At a session of the Standing
smooth volunteer operation of the Committee of the 12th Beijing
Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Municipal People’s Congress
Games. on September 14, 2007, the
Regulations of Beijing Municipality
The “Guarantee and Incentive” on Promotion of Volunteer Service
specified material support for was approved, which further
volunteers. standardised volunteer service and
specified volunteer rights.
Material support included:
252 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
13.4 Legacy Transformation

Some 70,000 Olympic Games- Spiritual Legacy

time volunteers worked at 2,945
posts of over 80 functional areas On the morning of September
at competition, non-competition 18, 2008, some 2,000 Games-
and training venues as well as time volunteers, city volunteers,
other areas (the number for the social volunteers and cheerleading
Paralympic Games was nearly volunteers for the Beijing Olympic
40,000). Another 30,000 worked in and Paralympic Games presented
the Co-host Cities. at the theme statue inauguration
ceremony at the Volunteers Square
200,000 cheerleading volunteers in the Olympic Green. The statue
helped create a warm ambience at represents the spiritual legacy of the
the venues during competitions. volunteers’ great contributions to
the success of the Games.
More than 400,000 city volunteers
and one million social volunteers The “Smiling Beijing” Themed
from all walks of life, with their Activity will also continue and the
bright smiles and considerate image of the Smile Wristlets will be
service, won extensive praise from further spread.
Chinese and international guests.
Smile Wristlets are a set of wrist
Right after the Games, the Chinese bracelets unveiled officially on
government started the campaign January 1, 2007 at a press ceremony
on transforming the Beijing Olympic at the Bell and Drum Tower in
volunteer work legacy, with the Beijing. Designed in the five
hope that more and more Chinese colours of the Olympic rings, each
people would make volunteerism represents a different human virtue:
an integral part of their life and
●  Red - readiness to help
that volunteerism would become
●  Black - honesty and
a driving force in the nation’s
trustworthiness
endeavour to build a harmonious
●  Green - environmental awareness
society.
●  Yellow - civility and politeness

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 253

 ●  Blue - learning and enterprising spirit
and Paralympic Volunteer Recognition Meeting held
When the Beijing Olympic Games commenced, 15 in Renmin University of China. The relay version was
versions of the Smile Wristlets had been released, designed to encourage Chinese people to uphold
including the official version, youth version, volunteerism, love each other and serve society.
international version (English and French), driver’s
version, cheerleader’s version, Braille version (Chinese City volunteer service stands, dubbed “Blue Cubes”
and English) and spectator’s version. by the citizens of Beijing, were converted into
city volunteer service bases after the Olympic and
On October 17, 2008, the relay version of the Smile Paralympic Games. These Blue Cubes will continue
Wristlets was made public at the Beijing Olympic to function in places such as transit hubs, business
centres, cultural venues, scenic spots and hospitals.

Human Resources

A volunteer information system was formed to keep

the data of all 1.7 million volunteers, in the form
of volunteer registration cards. This helps achieve
effective management of volunteers.

Efforts will be made to enlarge the corps of volunteer

management staff, core volunteers, volunteers with
specific skills, as well as to foster grassroots volunteer
organisations, so that in three years after the Games 30
per cent of Beijing citizens will be practitioners of the
concept that “anyone can provide volunteer service at
any time and in any place”.

254 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 Summary
The Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Volunteer to propel volunteerism and will continue to manifest
Programme attracted an unparalleled number of through their warm service and cordial smiles.
applicants, among whom 1.7 million were able to Moreover, a volunteer culture, featuring “strength,
serve the Games. The volunteers won high praise for responsibility, confidence, dedication and unity”, has
their friendliness and professionalism. been cultivated.

Beijing Olympic and Paralympic volunteers have Volunteers will carry on their work after the Beijing
become “goodwill ambassadors” in the campaign of Olympic Games, and volunteerism will become one
“Volunteers’ Smile, Beijing’s Image”. Their passion and of the driving forces in Chinese people’s endeavour to
dedication has been transformed into a strong force build a harmonious society.

1. Unveiling ceremony of the theme statue at the

Volunteers Square in the Olympic Green
1
2. City volunteer service stand, dubbed “Blue Cube”
2 3
3. Children wear the Smile Wristlets

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 255

256 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 Chapter 14
Olympic Ceremonies,
Culture and Education
BOCOG staged grand ceremonies, organised cultural events and
implemented educational programmes to uphold culture, one of the
three pillars of the modern Olympic Movement. The Opening and Closing
Ceremonies, Torch Relay, Olympic symbols and images, victory ceremonies
and sport presentations, mass cultural initiatives, Olympic Youth Camp and
Olympic education programmes all reflected Chinese people’s enthusiasm
about and dedication to the Olympic spirit.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 257

258 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 14.1 Opening and Closing Ceremonies

The Opening and Closing BOCOG solicited photographic

Ceremonies (hereafter referred to images of smiling children’s
as the Ceremonies) of the Beijing faces from all over the world for
Olympic Games were aimed to possible use in the Ceremonies’
highlight Olympic rituals, promote art performances. As the only
Olympic ideals and spread the publicised detail regarding the
Olympic [Link] Ceremonies creative design, the initiative invited
demonstrated traditional 41,567 applications with more than
Chinese cultural splendour and 200,000 photos of children’s smiling
contemporary spirit, and expressed faces in just eight months.
Beijing’s goodwill to invite
participation and share in staging a
friendly and joyous Olympic gala.
14.1.2 Production

Late in September 2006, the BOCOG

14.1.1 Creative Design Opening & Closing Ceremonies
Department and the Beijing
On March 1, 2005, BOCOG issued Olympic Games Opening & Closing
the Solicitation for Creative Designs Ceremonies Operation Centre were
of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games established, and a Ceremonies work
Opening and Closing Ceremonies. team was organised.

Within three months, 409 entries BOCOG attached great importance

were received, among which to both applying safe and reliable
13 were selected for further technologies and reducing costs of
presentation and assessment. every production detail.
Eventually, BOCOG decided to hire
Zhang Yimou, one of the most Sophisticated equipment, high
1
famous Chinese film directors, as the technologies and new materials,
2 head director for the Ceremonies as well as tireless research and
to take charge of revision and development by technicians,
1. The creative team for the Opening adjustment of the plans. guaranteed the originality of art
and Closing Ceremonies are at work performances during the Opening
2. Preparation for the fireworks show To involve greater participation, Ceremony.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 259

 Take the episode of “Zheng He’s Treasure Boat” for visual effect, fireworks, etc., and seamless shifts of the
instance. In the blink of an eye, the dancing “oars” were Ceremonies’ stages were achieved through repeated
magically transformed into a screen of rich images rehearsals.
covering the entire stadium floor. Multimedia and all-
dimensional visual effects blew the spectators away. As early as in August 2007, rehearsals at simulated
venues were started in Beijing’s Daxing County. On
In order to reduce pollution and risk of malfunctioning March 1, 2008, rehearsals for over one thousand
fireworks, the Ministry of Science and Technology of performers began, and in early June, rehearsals
the People’s Republic of China even launched a special involving over ten thousand performers commenced.
project, and, with one year of experimentation, carried
out the task successfully. July 16, 2008 saw the first dress rehearsal that was
video recorded. Then, on July 30, August 2 and August
Digital and intelligent technologies used for lighting, 5, three more dress rehearsals took place.
sound effects, costumes and props also helped
integrate the functions of equipment. The hard work paid off. On the evening of August 8,
2008, after three years of preparation, the Opening
Ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games electrified the
14.1.3 Rehearsal whole world. The jubilant Closing Ceremony, on the
evening of August 24, also became a grand gathering
Precise synchronisation of music, stage art, lighting, of athletes from all over the world.

Rehearsal at a simulated venue

260 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 14.2 Torch Relay

The Beijing Olympic Torch Relay, ●  Encouraging participation of the

with the theme slogan of “Light greatest number of people
the Passion, Share the Dream”, was ●  Contributing to the harmonious
dubbed a “Journey of Harmony”. development of the world

The concept of “Journey of Stretching 137,000 kilometres in

Harmony” echoed the goal of the 130 days and involving 21,000
Olympic spirit: “To place everywhere torchbearers, the Beijing Olympic
sport at the service of the Torch Relay travelled the longest
harmonious development of man, route, covered the widest area,
with a view of encouraging the and involved the largest number
establishment of a peaceful society of participants in Olympic history.
concerned with the preservation of The torch even reached Mt.
human dignity”. Qomolangma (Everest), the world’s
highest mountain, to symbolise
The concept also reflected mankind’s endeavour to overcome
Chinese people’s ideal of building all odds and strive for peace.
a harmonious nation as well as a
peaceful and prosperous world. Work concerning the Beijing
Olympic Torch Relay started as early
as 2004 when Beijing organised
14.2.1 Relay Operations the relay leg of the Athens Olympic
Games.
BOCOG insisted that the Torch Relay
should achieve the following goals: In July 2006, the Beijing Olympic
Torch Relay Centre (OTR) was
●  Spreading the Olympic ideals in
established, and in October, the
the widest area possible
OTR completed the plan for the
●  Promoting the Beijing Olympic
relay leg on Mt. Qomolangma.
Games One month later, the provinces,
●  Displaying China’s history, culture, autonomous regions, municipalities
scenery, and the people’s spirit and Hong Kong and Macao Special
●  Showcasing China’s Administrative Regions submitted
achievements in reform and plans for their relay legs.
opening up
Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 261
 Light the passion, share the dream

●  Media team for Torch Relay publicity

As for the Torch Relay outside the Chinese mainland, ●  Design of the torch, as well as the torchbearer and
BOCOG signed cooperation agreements with the escort uniforms
authorities of the cities the torch was to visit and the ●  Security operation for Torch Relay
NOCs of the countries concerned, defining the legal ●  Rehearsal for the relay leg on Mt. Qomolangma
responsibilities of both parties.
In January 2008, a test rehearsal was held in Sanya,
BOCOG prepared Torch Relay operation guides for Hainan Province.
these cities, as well as the Chinese embassies and
consulates in the countries and regions, to ensure BOCOG also engaged enterprises and institutions from
consistent operations during the relay legs. home and abroad for consultation and assistance with
relay operations:
In February 2007, a plan for the relay legs along the
●  Volkswagen - Motorcade
international route was completed, which was then
●  China International Airlines - Aviation
submitted to the IOC for approval in March.
●  China International Travel Agency - Travelling
●  Lenovo; Radio Management of the People’s
Between April 2007 and February 2008, the OTR
completed a series of preparations: Republic of China - Technical support
●  UPS - Logistics
●  Torchbearer selection ●  China Mobile - Telecommunications
●  Detailed relay operation plan and relay route ●  China Institute of Special Armed Police Corps -
●  Torch Relay operation team
Security
●  Landscaping for Torch Relay

262 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Coca-cola (China) Beverage Ltd., Samsung Electronics signals and four video series, released over 7,500 news
Co., Ltd. and Lenovo Group became BOCOG’s reports and some 20,000 photo images, and issued
worldwide Torch Relay Partners. more than 3,000 live news feeds.

A variety of elements, such as the Lucky Cloud The Torch Relay ceremony, as well as relay-specific
torch, the cauldron, the safety lantern, as well as the landscaping and image projects in each city, were
torchbearer and escort uniforms, were elaborately carefully deliberated to achieve the best results. In
designed to promote the Torch Relay. response to specific situations and emergencies,
last-minute adjustments were sometimes made to
planning and operations.
14.2.2 Publicity
For example, after the devastating earthquake struck
The Beijing Olympic Torch Relay drew the world’s Sichuan Province on May 12, 2008, BOCOG decided to
attention to Beijing and China. reschedule the relay leg in Sichuan to mourn for the
victims and to boost the nation’s morale. Therefore,
The Relay was the most broadcast activity on China adjustments were made promptly to ceremony details:
Central Television (CCTV). The relay leg on Mt. donations were collected, celebratory art performances
Qomolangma, in particular, was covered live by 297 were cancelled, and the celebration backdrop
television stations from 113 countries and regions. designs were altered to disaster relief themes. These
adjustments helped enrich the meaning of the Beijing
During the Torch Relay, BOCOG held altogether 52 Olympic Torch Relay.
press conferences, produced 1,600 minutes of visual

Technicians examine the torches prior to each relay leg

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 263

 Solicitation for the design of the Beijing Olympic torch

264 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 14.3 Olympic Symbols

The Olympic symbols were The graceful curves framing

designed to create a unique and the dancing human figure, also
consistent visual image system for associated with the flying dragon
the Beijing Olympic Games. They or a coursing river, symbolise the
were also carriers of Chinese cultural vitality of the Chinese nation. The
traditions and the spirit of the open arms of the figure indicate
people. that China welcomes the Olympic
participants from all over the world
in celebrating peace, friendship and
14.3.1 Emblem progress of mankind.

Between July 3 and October 8, The red colour is a favourite of the

2002, BOCOG sponsored the Beijing Chinese people which represents
Olympic Games Emblem Design the nation’s blessing and invitation
Competition, during which 1,994 to the world.
entries were sent in from around
the world. The caption, “Beijing 2008”, also
assumes traditional Chinese
Undergoing assessments by the calligraphic style, matching
judging panel and revisions by harmoniously with the logo and
experts, the emblem, dubbed the pattern of the Olympic rings.
“Chinese Seal, Dancing Beijing”, was The typeface is not only favourable
coined and unveiled at the Temple for marketing, but also helpful in
of Heaven in Beijing on August 3, avoiding possible property rights
2003. infringement, as is often the case
with a ready-made typeface.
The logo combines the traditional
Chinese seal and calligraphic
art with athletic movement and
14.3.2 Theme Slogan
transforms the Chinese character
jing ("京"), literally meaning “the Solicitation for theme slogan lasted
Emblem of the Beijing 2008 Olympic capital”, into a human figure from January 1 to 31, 2005. BOCOG
Games - Chinese Seal, Dancing Beijing running and dancing toward victory. received 20,161 letters (10,123

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 265

 e-mails and 10,038 regular mails) with a record of common belief of the world’s people in striving for a
210,000 entries. bright future for mankind - “We belong to the same
world and share the same aspirations and dreams”.
The designers, aged between two and 91, were
from all provinces, autonomous regions and IOC President Jacques Rogge sent a letter of
municipalities of China, and Hong Kong and Macao congratulations to BOCOG, in which he said: “The
Special Administrative Regions. Overseas Chinese and Olympic Games are unique in their ability to attract
international friends also contributed their designs. the world’s attention, using sports to promote peace
and understanding. The IOC is delighted that BOCOG’s
On June 26, 2005, the theme slogan “One World One slogan for the 2008 Olympic Games has captured that
Dream” was officially made public. Olympic spirit”.

“One World One Dream” manifestated the core and

soul of time-honoured Chinese wisdom of “Harmony
14.3.3 Mascots
of Man with Nature”. Succinct as it is, the slogan
effectively demonstrates the essence and the universal On August 5, 2004, BOCOG issued a worldwide
values of the Olympic spirit - unity, friendship, progress, invitation to professional design institutes as well
harmony, participation and dream. It expresses the as individual designers for Olympic Games mascot

1 3

1. Theme slogan of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games -

One World One Dream

2. Experts from home and abroad review the theme

slogan entries

3. Mascots of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games - Fuwa

266 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

designs. they carry the message of peace, friendship and good
wishes for harmony between man and nature.
By the deadline of December 1, 2004, the BOCOG
Culture & Ceremonies Department had received over
3,000 entries, 662 of which were confirmed valid.
14.3.4 Secondary Symbols

On December 15, 2004, BOCOG invited 24 renowned The secondary symbols of the Beijing Olympic Games,
experts and scholars from home and abroad to select used for specific Games-related events or operations
10 designs for final review. such as the Olympic Cultural Festival and volunteer
programme, adopt unique Chinese calligraphic and
On November 11, 2005, the mascots of the Beijing painting designs.
Olympic Games were unveiled. They were five
personified dolls, called “Fuwa” in general, and The Cultural Festival Symbol, for instance, features a
respectively named “Beibei” (carp), “Jingjing” (panda), human figure dancing joyfully with a lantern in hand.
“Huanhuan” (Child of Fire), “Yingying” (Tibetan Lantern is an important component of celebrations
antelope), and “Nini” (swallow). Their names put in China, symbolising union and happiness. As
together - “Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni” - literally reads the Olympic Games is a festival for all participants,
“Beijing Welcomes You” in Chinese. Beijing was decorated with lanterns and streamers to
welcome guests from afar.
The design inspiration and colour of Fuwa come from
China’s vast landscape and beloved animals, as well The Volunteers Symbol is composed of interwoven
as the Olympic rings. Their images are also associated heart shapes and dancing figures. The heart shapes
with the elements of nature - sea, forest, fire, earth and signify the attachment between volunteers, athletes,
sky, and are all stylistically rendered in representation the Olympic Family members and all guests as well
of profound traditional influences of Chinese folk art. as state volunteers’ determination to render first-class
service for the Games. The dancing human figures
Each Fuwa symbolises a different blessing - prosperity, below indicate volunteers’ strong sense of dedication.
happiness, passion, health and good luck. Altogether,

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 267

 Fuwa image project in the Olympic Village

Secondary symbols of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

268 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 Pictograms of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

14.3.5 Pictograms
“string” by the Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua
In March 2005, the design based on “seal characters” University, were shortlisted for the Games pictograms
by China Central Academy of Fine Arts and that on solicitation campaign.

Medals of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 269

 A joint panel from the two institutions then made
improvements on the designs in accordance with the
suggestions of experts from home and abroad.

In August 2008, at the two-year countdown to the

Opening Ceremony, BOCOG released the pictograms
of the Beijing Olympic Games.

The pictograms, named “Beauty of Seal Characters”,

integrate the inscriptions on ancient Chinese
boneware and bronzeware with simplified
embodiment of modern graphic arts, which make
them easily recognisable. Pictographic charm of the
strokes and sharp contrast between the black and
white colours entail graceful aesthetic perception of
athletes’ movement and a strong sense of vigour and
vitality.
Torch of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

14.3.6 Medals

The medal for the Beijing Olympic Games, 70 centimetres in height and 985 grammes in weight.
millimetres in diameter and six millimetres in thickness, Recyclable materials have been used in production to
is designed with inspiration from bi , an ancient uphold the concept of “Green Olympics”.
Chinese jade piece usually inscribed with a dragon
pattern. A torch can usually keep burning for approximately
15 minutes in a windless environment. The torch
On the front side, it adopts the standard design has been produced to withstand winds of up to 65
prescribed by the IOC - the winged Goddess of Victory kilometres per hour and to stay alight in rain up to 50
and the Panathinaikos Arena. On the back, the medal millimetres per hour. The flame can be identified and
is inlaid with jade, with the Beijing Olympic Games photographed in sunshine and even areas of extreme
emblem engraved in the metal centrepiece. brightness.

The medal hook is a transformation of huang , an The shape of the torch is inspired by the traditional
ancient Chinese ceremonial jade piece decorated with Chinese paper scroll. Paper is one of the four Chinese
double dragon pattern and reed mat pattern. ancient inventions, which has played an essential role
in the development of human civilisation.
The Beijing Olympic Games medal is a blending of
traditional Chinese culture and the Olympic spirit. Lacquer red colour applied to the torch originates
It symbolises nobility and virtue, and gives winners from the Han Dynasty (202 B.C. - 220 A.D.).
of the Games acclamation and great honour as the
recognition of their achievements. The pattern on the torch draws inspiration from the
lucky cloud graphics, a typical Chinese cultural logo
with a history of several thousand years. Lucky clouds
14.3.7 Torch signify “same origin, harmonious interaction”. The
graphics, together with the base relief design, add
The torch of the Beijing Olympic Games is 72 elegance and meaning to the torch.

270 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 14.4 Image Projects

The Beijing Olympic image projects the venues, at venue reception

integrated Olympic symbols and zones and public domains, along
images into the overall venue layout major traffic routes, etc.
and city landscape, and thus offered
a visual feast consistent with the The cultural image system consisted
festive ambience of the Games. of the official Olympic posters,
Olympics-themed sculptures and
temporary image structures, and
14.4.1 Design Concepts multimedia display systems at the
venues, public places, main roads,
The image projects were aimed transit hubs, etc.
primarily at distinguishing the
Olympic venues from the overall Layout
city landscape in order to highlight
the themes of Olympic activities. To comply with venue distribution
and construction style, the projects
Function were also divided into venue image
projects and city landscape projects.
The image projects, were divided
into functional images exhibition Venue image projects were carried
images and cultural images. out in the Olympic Green Central
Area and the venue areas to its
The functional image system east and west (many of the venues
referred to Games-time traffic in the two areas were located in
signs for pedestrians and vehicles, universities), where torches of 21
symbols for competition and non- metres in length were erected at
competition venues, signs and prominent places in the three areas
name plates for Olympic service to indicate competition venues.
facilities, pictograms indicating
sports events, etc. City landscape projects referred
to the five project groups set
The exhibition image system up respectively in the east,
included the Olympic symbols and west, south, north, and central
images exhibited inside and outside districts of Beijing. They were

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 271

 implemented in compliance with the overall city effects of the Colour System, as well as on the overall
image and landscaping initiative undertaken by the visual effects of the image devices.
Beijing Municipality 2008 Environment Construction
Headquarters. In 2007, the project details were submitted to the
venue teams in solicitation for advice from competition
The budget for image projects was set at RMB 148 management, TV broadcasters and security staff.
million. Image devices at every venue were streamlined to
appeal to different targeted audiences: athletes,
Games spectators, media operations and Olympic
14.4.2 Implementation Family members.

Between 2002 and 2003, initial preparation for the Special attention was given to TV broadcast. Since
image projects was made, which included conception many image projects, especially those inside the
and strategic plan for the Beijing Olympic symbols venues, could only be seen by ticket-holding
and images, unveiling of the Games emblem and spectators, the image project team closely cooperated
confirmation of the Beijing Olympic Colour System. with BOB, to ensure the images be able to reach the
larger TV audiences.
Starting in 2004, a number of Beijing Olympic
symbols were unveiled, such as the theme slogan, For example, the image project team discussed with
official mascots and pictograms. The image project BOB the position of the Olympic rings inside a venue.
team conceived accordingly the designs and The team also frequently consulted with BOB about
implementation procedures for the projects. the camera positions in relation to the image projects.
If the camera positions had to be changed for best
In 2005, the image project team carried out the image broadcast effect, the team would make adjustment to
and landscape projects regarding the Beijing Workers’ the image devices accordingly.
Gymnasium (the designated Beijing Olympic Games
Model Venue), during which the team tested its plans Upon the eve of the Opening Ceremony of the Games,
and implementation procedures and improved its the image project team completed projects for 31
coordination with other functional areas. Adjustments competition venues, 15 non-competition venues and
were made in terms of personnel, material supply and 71 training venues. Materials used included:
image project operations.
● 15,000 landscape flags and banners
● 11,000 decorative boards (of 19,000 extended
Implementation of the Olympic image and landscape
metres)
projects started in 2006. Five image project providers
● 80,000 square metres of security block bars
were selected through tender and bid to work with
the designers and venue image project managers to ● 150,000 square metres of outdoor façade
elaborate the designs and complete manufacturing ● 83,000 square metres of indoor façade
and installation. The providers would also take ● 50,000 square metres of spectator stand ornamental
charge of Games-time maintenance and post-Games pieces
dismantling. ● 9,000 square metres of road blocks, lawns,
temporary structures and sheds
Starting in September 2006, the image project team
worked for the Good Luck Beijing Test Events. The staff Innovations
developed the Test Events Image Kit of Parts, which
laid the foundation for the Beijing Olympic Games Compared with sports events previously held in
Image Kit of Parts. Assessments were carried out on the China, new concepts and practices were adopted

272 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

A sculpture at the Olympic Green

in designing and implementing the Beijing Olympic were hung to enhance vitality.
image projects.
For the first-time in the history of the Games of the
In terms of the colour system, Beijing Olympic image Olympiad, jade was incorporated in the manufacturing
projects used a double-colour system. For example, red of the medals.
and yellow colours were used for the interior decoration
of venues to enhance the competition ambience. In the In addition, the three-system scheme for the overall
residential area of the Olympic Village and work areas of image project layout, effectively combining the
the Media Villages, blue and green were used to create functional, exhibition and cultural image projects,
a feeling of relaxation. helped achieve a consistent image and landscape
panorama in Beijing during Games time.
Multimedia devices helped animate the visual effects
inside the venues. The lobbies and corridors in the MPC, New materials such as heavy-duty pasteboard used in
for instance, were decorated with screens for exhibiting the construction of venue block boards and non-toxic
Beijing folk traditions and ancient Chinese sports. On ink applied to flags and banners also made post-Games
the ceiling of the MPC’s lounge, kites and umbrellas recycling possible.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 273

 The Olympic rings headdress worn by the victory ceremony hostesses

274 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

14.5 Cultural Activities at Competition
Venues

Cultural activities at the competition staff worked meticulously to

venues, especially victory guarantee best live broadcast
ceremonies and sport presentations, effect. They conducted two dress
showcased the host country’s rehearsals before the Games began
culture and helped exhilarate the to examine the routes of passage,
athletes and spectators. positioning and movements of
ceremony hostesses and flag raisers.

14.5.1 Victory Ceremony Take the victory hostesses for

instance. Details of every movement
The victory ceremony is a special were studied and practised
occasion for paying tribute to over and over again to ensure a
athletes’ outstanding performances. flawless performance, as the girls
BOCOG made detailed understood that their posture and
arrangements for the special smile would be watched by the
moments, with the hope of leaving world.
the Games participants a cherished
memory. Accurately raising national flags
and playing national anthems for
Preparation medal winners is a challenge during
each Olympic Games. The staff
To make the ceremonies conducted numerous drills to avoid
consistent and conformed to mistakes.
the IOC’s requirements, BOCOG
standardised the procedures and Victory ceremony supplies were
even the broadcast scripts. It also also an indispensable element. The
communicated with the IOC to jade-inlaid medals, silk-ornamented
confirm the exact number of award certificates, daintily designed
presenters for each sport and hostess uniforms, Chinese-style
discipline. flower bouquets, lacquered trays
and other supply items were all
As the victory ceremonies enjoyed heavily accented with traditional
a high broadcast rate, ceremony Chinese flavour.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 275

 Training for victory ceremony hostesses

Implementation in collaboration with the Gymnastics Management

Centre of the General Administration of Sport of China,
During the Games, 302 victory ceremonies were held, Beijing Sport University, Beijing Municipal Bureau of
involving 337 victory ceremony hostesses, 194 flag Sport and professional performance troupes to recruit
raisers and 96 make-up personnel. The team granted another 900 professional volunteers.
2,056 medals (including extra medals for athletes with
tied rankings), issued 2,433 bouquets of flowers, and Sport presentation volunteers received over 20
issued 4,200 victory certificates (with over 960 issued sessions of general training and hundreds of sessions
on August 24, 2008 alone). of professional training. They also took part in the
Good Luck Beijing Test Events between 2007 and 2008.

14.5.2 Sport Presentation Live Performance

Sport presentations helped spectators gain a better Sport presentation performances were held at almost
understanding of the competitions, demonstrated every competition venue.
the multiculturalism of the Olympic Games, and
highlighted the cultural tradition of the Host Country. The sport presentation volunteers prepared over 300
programmes in four categories and presented about
Training and Rehearsals 4,700 performances during Games time.

The BOCOG Culture & Ceremonies Department The performances included cheerleading routines,
recruited 537 undergraduates and graduates from mascot shows, Chinese folk dances, acrobatics and
five colleges and universities in Beijing as Games-time martial arts. Passionate and entertaining, the diversified
interns. performances were warmly welcomed by athletes and
spectators.
The Department organised live venue performances

276 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

14.6 Mass Olympic Cultural Initiatives

Chinese people’s passion was an Overview

indispensable element in hosting
the Olympic Games. Supported by The budget for the Olympic Cultural
the Chinese Central Government Festival came from BOCOG’s
and the Beijing Municipal funding for cultural activities
Government, BOCOG organised a (approximately RMB 60 million),
variety of mass cultural events to as well as funding from state
spread Olympic knowledge and authorities, local governments and
promote the Olympic spirit. BOCOG partners and sponsors.

The annual event usually began on

14.6.1 Olympic Cultural June 23, the International Olympic
Festivals Day approved by the IOC, and ran
about three weeks each time. Each
From 2003 to 2008, a yearly session had a particular theme:
“Beijing 2008” Olympic Cultural
●  2003 - Charming Beijing, Cultural
Festival was organised, the
Olympics
organising committee of which
●  2004 - Dynamic Beijing, Youthful
involved BOCOG and the other six
government institutions and non- Olympics
governmental organisations: ●  2005 - Beautiful Beijing,
Passionate Olympics
●  Ministry of Culture of the People’s ●  2006 - Experience the Civilisation,
Republic of China Enjoy the Games
●  State Administration of Radio, ●  2007 - One World One Dream: I
Film & Television participate, I contribute, I enjoy
●  General Administration of Sport ●  2008 - Harmonious World,
of China Common Prosperity
●  Beijing Municipal Government
●  China Disabled Persons’ A variety of public cultural events
Federation were on the regular schedule for
●  China Federation of Literary & Art each session of the Olympic Cultural
Circles Festivals, including the opening and

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 277

 “China Story” - Leather Silhouette Show

closing ceremonies, Olympic cultural square activities, the largest in scale as it was held to synchronise the
mass sports events, sports for Chinese ethnic groups, upcoming Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games.
folk art performances, exhibitions and forums, activities It was held simultaneously in Beijing and the Co-
for people with a disability and activities for youths host Cities of Qingdao, Hong Kong, Tianjin, Shanghai,
and children. Shenyang and Qinhuangdao between June 23 and
September 16, 2008.
Special programmes were added to enrich the festivals.
For example, starting with the Third Olympic Cultural To optimise cultural resources, BOCOG decided
Festival, the Beijing International Sports Film Week was that the Beijing International Music Festival, Beijing
held, accompanied by forums and promotional film International Dance Festival and Beijing International
tours in local communities. The unveiling ceremonies Performing Arts Festival, as well as a number of other
for Games emblems, mascots, slogans and theme major international cultural events, be scheduled
songs were also included to enhance the festival during the Olympic Cultural Festival. Both state and
ambience. municipal cultural authorities approved of the plan
and extended strong support.
Most of the events during the festivals were broadcast
live by CCTV, BTV and local television stations in the In the three months, some 3,400 cultural activities
Co-host Cities. were held, among which over 1,700 performances of
570 Chinese and international classical dramas were
Statistics indicated that an average of two million presented in 32 Beijing venues.
citizens in Beijing and the Co-host Cities took part in
each of the first five Olympic Cultural Festivals. The Major cultural activities held between August 8 and 24,
sixth, lasting for nearly three months, drew an even 2008 included:
greater number of participants.
●  384 performances in major Beijing theatres
●  365 Chinese and international exhibitions in
The Sixth “Beijing 2008” Olympic Cultural Festival
museums, exhibition halls, galleries and other venues
The Sixth “Beijing 2008” Olympic Cultural Festival was in the city, involving some 20,000 artists from over 80

278 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

countries as well as art troupes from Chinese provinces, ended, 24 Olympic cultural squares across Beijing’s 18
municipalities and autonomous regions districts and counties were open to the public free of
●  76 mass sports and cultural events, 24 Olympics- charge.
themed activities, 18 cultural activities for youths and
teenagers and 11 for people with a disability Site Selection and Facility Standards

An “International Film Week for People with a The selected sites all met the following criteria:
Disability” had been added since the Fourth Beijing
●  Floor space of 2,000 square metres or above
International Sports Film Week.
●  Capacity to hold more than 1,000 people
●  Close vicinity of local communities with easy access
In the Co-host Cities, 312 Olympic cultural events were
organised, involving over six million people, which to transportation
created a tremendous positive social impact. ●  Large LED screens for live Games broadcasts
●  Fixed or temporary stages for art performance
●  Regional or ethnic characteristics
14.6.2 Olympic Cultural Squares
Activities
From June 23, the International Olympic Day, to
September 17, 2008, when the Paralympic Games During Games time, the 24 Olympic cultural squares in

Opening Ceremony of the Fourth “Beijing 2008” Olympic Cultural Festival

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 279

 the capital usually opened for no less than eight hours 24, 2008 the squares staged 444 performances and
a day and offered a variety of activities: received some 2,511,000 citizens and tourists from
home and abroad. Altogether 628 art troupes took part
●  Live competition broadcast
in the performances, 14 of which came from outside
●  Performances involving Chinese and international
China, 37 from other provinces, autonomous regions
artists
and municipalities and two from Hong Kong and
●  Olympics-themed exhibitions
Macao Special Administrative Regions. The remaining
●  Olympic Sponsor exhibition areas troupes all came from Beijing.
●  Licensed Olympic product sales areas
●  Olympic souvenir exchange areas On August 8, 2008, upon the opening of the Games,
●  Catering, security and first aid visits to the squares peaked. According to statistics,
as many as 130,000 people watched the Opening
Statistics reviewed that between July 13 and August Ceremony of the Games on the squares that evening.

Beijing 2008 Olympic Youth Camp

280 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 14.7 Olympic Youth Camp

Beijing 2008 Olympic Youth Camp was added to cover additional

(OYC) saw the participation of the expenditure.
greatest number of countries and
regions in OYC history, hosting 470 The OYC was opened from August 6
campers from 204 countries and to 17, 2008. It was located at Beijing
regions. No. 101 Middle School near the
Summer Palace, only 10 kilometres
With the theme slogan of “Youths from the Olympic Green.
Create Future”, the camp enhanced
exchanges between youths, The camp site had beautiful
fostered the Olympic spirit, and landscape, easy access to
promoted the ideals of peace, transportation, and adequate
cooperation, development and facilities for sports and recreation
shared prosperity. such as football field, basketball
court, volleyball court and tennis
court. Computers and Internet
14.7.1 Overview access were also available.

In accordance with the planned Activities such as the Torch Relay in

800 members for 21 days and in the OYC and visits to the Opening
reference to OYC budgets of the Ceremony, competition events and
two previous Olympic Games and the Olympic Village enabled the
consumer indices in China, BOCOG campers to closely interact with the
set the preliminary OYC budget at Games.
RMB 30 million.
The Torch Relay in the OYC deserves
Taking into consideration the special mentioning. At noon on
change of OYC scale, with an August 8, 2008, the Lucky Cloud
estimate of 500 members staying torch finished its world tour at the
in Beijing for 12 days, as well as OYC. This was the first time that
necessary supplies for the campers the sacred flame had been relayed
and OYC facilities, the budget was inside the camp instead of near the
settled at RMB 20 million. After the camp, as was the usual practice in
camp was open, RMB 3.28 million the past. The campers witnessed

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 281

 OYC members enjoy Chinese culture

the historic moment when the torch went all the way Life in Beijing OYC , a daily publication in Chinese,
from the OYC to the National Stadium. English and French, served as a record of camp
activities and the campers’ wonderful experiences.
The OYC held activities such as the Mini Olympic
Games, collective birthday party and themed forum to
promote cultural exchange and friendship among the
14.7.2 Services in the OYC
campers.
62 paid staff and 383 volunteers worked in the
At the “Youths Create Future” themed forum, Jacques Beijing OYC. Considering needs of the campers with
de Coubertin, descendant of the founder of the a disability, staff and volunteers took part in special
modern Olympic Games, Pierre de Coubertin, was training and prepared accessible facilities and supplies.
invited to deliver a speech. Topics like “Environmental
Protection and Youth Responsibility” aroused many Staff took care of every camper’s arrival and departure.
campers’ interest and led to heated yet constructive All campers from home and abroad safely arrived
discussions. at the OYC, and departure services were effectively
carried out three days after the camp closed.
Through activities such as participating in traditional
Chinese sports, visiting Tian’anmen Square and the Before the campers arrived, the OYC provided
Forbidden City, cooking Chinese food, and learning everyone the Initial Guide to the OYC in Chinese,
Chinese martial arts and calligraphy, the campers English and French, offering must-read information
gained a better understanding of Chinese culture. about the camp.

282 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Upon arrival, the campers received the official dormitory building in the camp, and a “mobile phone
Beijing 2008 OYC Guide which included confirmed bar” arrangement provided each camper with one free
information about all schedules, activities and service 50-yuan SIM card. The Internet lounge also enabled
facilities. campers to keep in touch with their friends and
families.
A 20-square-metre screen was installed in the OYC
to show movie clips about the camp venue and OYC The OYC bought each camper insurance in compliance
schedules and to broadcast live competition events. with the Olympic Family member standard.

The OYC had a multi-function service hall to help the A medical service station comprised of 16 doctors
campers with mail, communications, banking and and nurses from Beijing Friendship Hospital offered
insurance. 24-hour medical service. Emergency vehicles were
available around the clock. Medical Green Passage
Postal service included personalised postcards and was accessible in designated Olympic hospitals in the
stamps, which were also available in the Athlete’s vicinity of the camp.
Village, the Media Villages and the OYC during the
Beijing Olympic Games. Mails on August 8 would even The 12-day OYC strengthened mutual understanding
be stamped with a postmark specially designed for the and friendship between young people from around
OYC leg of the Torch Relay. the world. CCTV, major Chinese newspapers such as
People’s Daily and China Youth , and on-line media
Campers were able to cash 17 kinds of currencies and including BOCOG’s official website and Xinhuanet all
traveller’s cheques in 10 currencies in the service hall. covered the operations and activities within the camp,
making it a highlight during Games time.
Cabled public phones were installed in every

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 283

 14.8 Olympic Education

BOCOG and the Ministry of sponsors made their contributions

Education of the People’s Republic as well. For example, Johnson &
of China jointly launched the Johnson offered RMB three million
Olympic education drive in 2005 to for the Olympic Knowledge Reader
target the 400 million youths across programme. Samsung contributed
China, especially the 230 million RMB three million to the Olympic
primary and middle school students. Knowledge Wall Chart programme.

14.8.1 Planning 14.8.2 School Education

In 2002, BOCOG, the Ministry of In 2004, BOCOG and the Beijing

Education and the Beijing Municipal Municipal Commission of Education
Commission of Education started issued a series of publications.
work on the Beijing Olympic
Education Strategic Plan . On January 1, 2004, the 141st
birthday of Pierre de Coubertin,
In 2004, Olympic education pilot BOCOG held a ceremony for the
projects were carried out in some publication of the Middle School
of the primary and middle schools Olympic Knowledge Reader in
in Beijing. In November 2005, Beijing No. 4 Middle School.
“Beijing 2008” Olympic Education
Programme for Primary and Middle By the end of 2005, a series
School Students was launched, of textbooks including the
followed one month later by the Olympic Knowledge Reader and
Beijing Olympic Education Action Conversational English Reader
Plan . were made available to students of
primary schools, middle schools and
BOCOG allocated RMB 20 million universities.
for launching the programmes,
and local educational authorities BOCOG also worked with the
in China covered the largest part media to sponsor Olympic-themed
of the budget for operating the columns as well as created Beijing
programmes. BOCOG partners and Olympic Education Journal . In

284 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

BOCOG presents Olympic Knowledge Reader to children of minority ethic groups in China

March 2006, the on-line Beijing Olympic Education sponsored by the Beijing educational authorities, was
Network was launched. inaugurated in Beijing Institute of Education. Training
sessions were organised for 5,500 physical education
BOCOG gave a total of 1.1 million copies of Olympic teachers from 2,200 primary and middle schools in
Knowledge Reader to primary and middle schools on Beijing.
the Chinese mainland and in Hong Kong and Macao
Special Administrative Regions.
14.8.3 Olympic Education Campaigns
BOCOG and the Ministry of Education selected from all
the primary and middle schools in China 556 “Olympic BOCOG and the Ministry of Education launched
Education Model Schools”. various Olympic education campaigns to stimulate
primary and middle school students’ enthusiasm for
As the Olympic education drive and the country’s the Olympic Games.
quality education drive share the same objective of
promoting students’ balanced mental and physical Themed Activities
development, schools in China all embraced the
Olympic education initiatives in their teaching Schools organised activities such as photography and
curriculum. painting shows, essay and English speech contests,
traditional and ethnic sports meets and Olympics-
To provide personnel support for the Olympic education themed summer camps to promote the Games.
programmes in schools, the Beijing Olympic Education
Instructor Training Seminar commenced at the Capital On November 10, 2007, the First Middle School
Institute of Physical Education on August 29, 2006. Model United Nations Beijing Conference was held in
Beijing No. 4 Middle School. In two days, 225 student
On March 6, 2007, the Olympic Training Base, representatives from 57 middle schools in the capital

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 285

 Children hold the
Olympic Knowlege
Reader

participated in debates and seminars in the theme of the Games, and the guests included the heads of
“Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics and People’s state from Bulgaria and Cyprus, NOC presidents of
Olympics”. Students broadened their horizons through Cyprus and Malawi as well as ambassadors and NOC
exchanging ideas about sportsmanship and the delegation heads from other countries and regions.
Olympic spirit.
On August 18, 2008, Bulgarian President Georgi
On June 1, 2008, Children’s Day, a “Green World” Parvanov came to Beijing No. 14 Middle School, which
themed campaign was carried out by students established Heart to Heart Partnership with William
of Beijing No. 57 Middle School. Some 40 “Green Gladstone Middle School in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Ambassadors” held an exhibition in front of the
Chinese Military History Museum with bulletins and President Parvanov was offered a campus tour. The
banners, made by themselves. They distributed Chinese students held a performance featuring
recyclable shopping bags to citizens and issued Peking Opera, folk music and Chinese martial arts. In
questionnaires on environmental protection. Some the visitor’s book, President Parvanov wrote that the
students also held demonstrations regarding the visit left him a great impression and that he wished
environmentally-friendly household devices they had the school a bright future. He also believed that the
invented in the classroom. exchanges between Bulgarian and Chinese schools
would help maintain friendship between the two
Heart to Heart Partnership nations.

The Heart to Heart Partnership Programme was aimed Since the start of the Heart to Heart Partnership
at promoting Olympic education through pairing Programme on September 17, 2006, 210 schools
primary and middle schools in Beijing with Olympic in Beijing have established contact with 205 NOC
and Paralympic delegations as well as with schools in delegations and 160 NPC delegations, and formed
other countries and regions. Heart to Heart Partnership with schools from 161
different countries and regions. As a bridge for friendly
During the Games, student representatives were exchanges between young Chinese and international
organised to attend in the Olympic Village the students, the Programme has continued after the
delegation flag raising ceremonies and to cheer for Games.
athletes at the venues. The Chinese schools also
received exchange visits from Olympic delegations or
the partner schools.
14.8.4 Youth Olympic Ticket Programme

BOCOG helped arrange 14 visits to Heart to Heart BOCOG initiated the Youth Olympic Ticket Programme
Partnership Programme schools in Beijing during in support of the Olympic education drive.

286 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Through subsidy and low-price ticket projects, tickets Thanks to the Youth Olympic Ticket Programme,
were offered to primary and middle school students during the Games, roughly one million primary and
and young athletes from the Chinese mainland, Hong middle school students were present at competition
Kong, Macao and Taiwan. events to experience the splendour of the Olympics.

The Beijing Olympic Ticketing Centre formulated

specific plans to ensure ticket availability.

Summary

The Olympic Movement highlights the integration of the cooperation of people from various fields. During
sport, education and culture, which has nourished the the preparation for the Beijing Olympic Games, this
enduring vitality of the Games. task was accomplished by dedicated staff as well as
broader project participants.
The ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic Games,
represented by the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, By encouraging the integration of Olympic knowledge,
as well as victory ceremonies and sport presentations, cultural exchange and school education, the Beijing
are truly memorable events that have captured the Olympic Games has had a very profound impact upon
world’s attention. the Chinese people, especially China’s 400 million
youths and children. Ultimately, the Games has helped
Designing and implementing the Olympic image and explore an extensive platform for communication
identity initiatives is an integral task, which calls for between different countries and regions.

Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to China joins in a Heart to Heart Partnership activity

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 287

288 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics
 Chapter 15
Beijing Olympic Legacy
The Beijing Olympic Games has left a rich legacy for the Olympic Movement
and Chinese society. To continue this momentum and push ahead with
this successful experience, Beijing Municipality has transformed the three
concepts of the Beijing Olympic Games into “Humanistic Beijing, High-
tech Beijing and Green Beijing”, with the hope of continuing to spread the
Olympic spirit and promote the sustainable development of Beijing and
China.

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 289

 Peace and Friendship Wall in the Beijing Olympic Village

290 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

15.1 Debriefings of Beijing 2008

The success of the Beijing Olympic On September 20, 2008, the Chinese
Games won high praise from Central Government convened the
the Chinese public as well as the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic
international community. After Games Awards Meeting in Beijing’s
the Games, a number of meetings Great Hall of the People to honour
were convened to evaluate the those who had made outstanding
achievements made and experience contributions to staging the two
gained, and to reward people who Games. Chinese President Hu Jintao
had made significant contributions. spoke at the meeting.

On behalf of the Chinese people

15.1.1 Follow-up Meetings and government, Hu expressed
in Beijing gratitude to the Olympic Family,
the international community and
On August 25, 2008, the day after participating countries and regions,
the Beijing Olympic Games was as well as people who made great
over, the IOC held a breakfast efforts and sacrifices for the Games.
meeting in Beijing. IOC President
Jacques Rogge presented BOCOG Hu thanked overseas Chinese
President Liu Qi the Olympic Order for their generosity, mentioning
in Gold in recognition of his seven donations that aided in the building
years of work in preparing for and of Olympic facilities such as the
hosting the Games in Beijing. National Aquatics Centre, as well as
their support for the international
14 other BOCOG officials received legs of the Beijing Olympic Torch
the Olympic Order in Silver, and Guo Relay.
Jinlong, Mayor of Beijing, accepted
the Olympic Cup on behalf of the “Hosting a high-level Olympic
citizens. and Paralympic Games with
distinguishing features was the
Rogge was also presented with an solemn commitment Chinese
award by Liu Peng, President of the people made to the international
Chinese Olympic Committee (COC). community”, he said. “With seven

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 291

 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games Awards Meeting

years of strenuous work, China fulfilled this promise, Bringing some 900 participants, including members
achieved success and spread the Olympic spirit, which of BOCOG and the organising committees of
benefited the friendship and mutual understanding Vancouver 2010, London 2012 and Sochi 2014, as
among people throughout the world. The slogan of well as representatives of the candidate cities for the
‘One World One Dream’ resonated around the globe”. Games in 2016, the meeting reviewed all planning
and operational aspects of the Games in Beijing to
“Chinese people have imprinted the Olympic history highlight practices and challenges, so as to give these
book with a unique Chinese stamp”, he added. future Games organisers a chance to learn from the
knowledge and experience gained by Beijing during
Hu also asked Chinese people to treasure the its seven years of preparation.
experience in organising the Olympic and Paralympic
Games, promote innovation in governance and IOC President Jacques Rogge spoke at the opening
management and carry on the Beijing Olympic legacy. session of the debriefing:

At the meeting, the Chinese Central Government gave “You will remember that I have called the Beijing
awards to 340 groups or organisations, as well as 566 Games ‘truly exceptional’. Why?” asked Rogge. “Firstly,
individuals, for their outstanding work for the Beijing we all experienced a historic moment in Beijing this
Olympic and Paralympic Games. summer. Hosting the Games with so much enthusiasm
and support from all parts of the world’s most
On October 23, 2008, BOCOG also convened a follow- populous country, China, and with so much success
up meeting, during which BOCOG President Liu Qi in terms of operation, the Beijing Olympic Games can
spoke of the major achievements of the seven years be seen as an enormous achievement. We will remain
leading up to the Games in Beijing. forever grateful to our Chinese friends for what they
have accomplished this summer. The Beijing 2008
Olympic and Paralympic Games will remain as a major
15.1.2 IOC Official Debriefing of Beijing milestone in Olympic history. Everything was done
2008 in London to allow the athletes to feel welcome and to perform
at their best. Their smiles and their joy stand as a
On November 24, 2008, the IOC Official Debriefing of testimony to these Games’ success”.
the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games began in London.
“The legacy for Beijing and China, as well as for the

292 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

Olympic Movement, is far-reaching”, said Rogge, ●  Emphasis on sharing experience and expertise
“Think of the incredible venues that were built and through international cooperation
the upgrade of public infrastructure, which have ●  Priority to major Olympics-related tasks to ensure
contributed to the greening of Beijing and will benefit equal splendour of the two Games
its citizens. Think of the sporting legacy in China and
the millions who were touched by the Olympic spirit During the closing session of the debriefing on
and inspired by the athletes’ performance. Think of the November 27, BOCOG President Liu Qi spoke of the
vast number of children who were exposed to Olympic exprience Beijing gained, emphasising that to host a
values and education throughout China”. successful Olympic Games, four success factors are
crucial:
President Rogge also believed that the world learned
●  Support from and cooperation of the international
more about China and China learned more about the
community
rest of the world throughout the Games.
●  Display of cultural diversity
●  Balance of all stakeholders’ interests, including
Liu Jingmin, Vice Mayor of Beijing and BOCOG
Executive Vice-president, attributed in his presentation athletes, media and other Olympic Family members
the success of the Games to five major factors: ●  Benefits for the public through promoting city
development
●  Strong government support and broad public
participation
Hein Verbruggen, Chairman of the IOC Coordination
●  Implementation of the concepts of “Green Olympics,
Commission for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, also
High-tech Olympics and People’s Olympics” addressed the closing session. He expressed thanks
●  Efforts in fulfilling commitments and innovations in to BOCOG for sharing experience with the organising
due course committees of the future Games.

BOCOG’s follow-up meeting

 “Placing sport at the service of mankind and leveraging and athletes. They help break barriers and overcome
Olympic values to promote better understanding differences. I have no doubt that the Beijing 2008
between people, nations and religions stands at the Olympic Games have already done a lot to fulfill this
core of our mission”, he said, “The Games are not only mission. We have indeed experienced truly historical
meant to showcase the world’s best competitions Games, for a number of reasons”.

BOCOG President Liu Qi receives a gift from Sebastian Coe, President of the London Organising Committee for the
Games of the XXX Olympiad (LOCOG), at the IOC Official Debriefing of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

294 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 15.2 Post-Games Work

After the Beijing Olympic and The employed staff would be

Paralympic Games, BOCOG replaced through various channels.
intensified post-Games operations
in personnel placement, asset Some employed staff would be
disposal and auditing. transferred directly to government
institutions in Beijing.

15.2.1 Personnel Placement Beijing’s district and county

governments set aside 200 posts
BOCOG had over 8,500 work staff, of and recruited the employed staff
which about 1,000 were employed through civil service exams.
and the rest were temporarily
transferred personnel. The Guangzhou Organising
Committee for the 16th Asian
The Chinese Central Government Games, the Singapore 2010
and Beijing Municipality attached Youth Olympic Games Organising
great importance to the post- Committee and the Shenzhen
Games placement of these staff in Organising Committee for
line with the principle of “treasuring Universiade 2011 selected staff from
Olympic human resources”. BOCOG.

As early as September 2007, Early in 2008, BOCOG signed

the Post-Games Personnel the Memorandum of Strategic
Placement Coordinating Group Cooperation in Human Recourses
was established, and one month and the Post-Games Employee
later the Post-Games Personnel Placement Agreement with
Placement Division of the BOCOG large state-owned businesses
Human Resources Department was such as China Development
set up to take charge of the issue. Bank and China Petroleum and
Chemical Corporation (Sinopec),
According to the policies, most of as well as 38 other state-owned
the temporarily transferred staff enterprises affiliated with the State-
were to return to their work units owned Assets Supervision and
from which they had come. Administration Commission of

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 295

 Auction for fou drum and bamboo scroll used in the art performances for the Opening Ceremony

Beijing Municipality. work report compilation, asset disposal, account

settling and auditing. These staff, led by the directors
BOCOG also contacted private enterprises and of BOCOG departments, started work in October 2008.
introduced to these potential employers the Olympic The number of staff at the end of 2008 was 695, which
work staff. was reduced to 392 at the end of January 2009 and
200 in April 2009.
BOCOG even cooperated with professional
employment agencies to establish an information On August 22, 2009, BOCOG officially dissolved.
platform to provide job information.

In October 2008, BOCOG organised a job fair for staff

15.2.2 Asset Disposal
waiting to be placed, which provided some 1,700
posts. Olympic assets comprised some 20 million items of
10,000 kinds in 33 categories, ranging from furniture
All these efforts helped successfully complete post- and household appliances to technical devices and
Games staff placement. sports equipment. They were all obtained through
marketing, cash purchase and business cooperation
In line with the requirements for post-Games work, with venue owners.
a number of staff were kept to finish tasks regarding

296 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

To open up opportunities for the Chinese public to was expected to hit RMB 20.5 billion and RMB 19.343
remain in touch with the Olympics, BOCOG donated billion respectively, achieving a balance of more than
a large number of typical yet culturally significant RMB one billion. The revenue of the Beijing Paralympic
items to museums and archives in 31 provinces, Games was RMB 863 million, equaling the expenditure.
autonomous regions and municipalities, as well as 56 per cent of BOCOG’s book assets were disposed of.
Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions.
These items included: the Lucky Cloud torch, uniforms No violation of regulations or illegal practices was
for torchbearers and victory ceremony hostesses and found during auditing. However, problems did exist,
costumes and props used in the Opening and Closing including over-budgeting for some projects and
Ceremonies. underutilisation of certain purchased materials.

BOCOG and China Beijing Equity Exchange (CBEX) Follow-up auditing regarding Olympic venue
signed the Contract for BOCOG Asset Disposal , based construction showed that fund raising and utilisation
on which CBEX provided “one-stop” service to help was conducted in accordance with related laws and
dispose of Olympics-related assets. regulations and that project investment was under
effective control. All venues were completed on
The BOCOG Logistics Department worked closely time with good quality, with 38 of them winning 118
with the CBEX to handle specific issues. Making use of national awards for architecture and engineering
CBEX’s service platform and business network, BOCOG excellence. No major accident in terms of quality or
successfully completed asset disposal operations of safety occurred during construction.
the Beijing Olympic Games.
However, problems were found related to bid and
tender, in that some projects were not conducted in
15.2.3 Auditing strict accordance with procedures stipulated by the
authorities concerned. There were also problems left
Starting in 2005, the BOCOG Finance Department to be settled with legal persons of bid and tender such
received regular auditing from the National Audit as insufficient funding and subcontracting without
Office of the People’s Republic of China and other permission.
independent auditing institutions.
In addition to BOCOG’s budget, Ministry of Finance
Right after the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games, of the People’s Republic of China, with the approval
the Finance Department received another round of of the State Council, arranged a budget of RMB 2.75
auditing by the National Audit Office, the results of billion from sports lotteries for the funding of Olympic-
which were released on June 19, 2009. related projects in Beijing. The actually utilised RMB
2.703 billion covered operations such as construction
Based on actual revenue and expenditures, as well as and renovation of temporary facilities, security,
follow-up revenue and unsettled expenses, as of March transportation and waste disposal.
15, 2009, BOCOG’s overall revenue and expenditure

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 297

 15.3 Beijing Olympic Legacy

With seven years of preparation, China fulfilled friendship and peace.

its promise and presented the world with
a splendid Olympic Games in 2008. As the The Games has boosted the Olympic spirit
sacred flame was extinguished at the top among 1.3 billion Chinese people, especially
of the National Stadium, China entered the among China’s 400 million youths. Olympic
“post-Olympic era”, in which the rich legacy educational activities certainly helped cultivate
left by the Games to the Olympic Movement these young people’s global vision.
and Chinese society will be carried on.
Sports Excellence

15.3.1 Impact on the Olympic Sports inspire people’s love and passion for
Movement life. The Olympic Games in Beijing brought the
whole world together to share the charm of
As IOC President Jacques Rogge put it, sports.
the Beijing Olympic Games was “truly
exceptional” and will become a milestone in The Games attracted the participation of
the development of the Olympic Movement over 10,000 athletes from 204 countries and
around the world. regions, saw 38 new world records and 85
new Olympic records, and awarded medalists
The Olympic Spirit from 85 countries and regions. It had the
greatest number of participants, as well as
The slogan for the Beijing Olympic Games, the greatest number of women athletes, and
“One World One Dream”, not only expressed involved more countries and regions than did
the aspiration of mankind for harmonious the past Games. Many countries and regions
development, but also conveyed to people won their first-ever Olympic medal.
worldwide the message of peace.
The Games witnessed significant
The 16 days of the splendid Games reached a breakthroughs in athletic performance.
global audience of 4.5 billion, making it one of Jamaican sprinter Usian Bolt, for instance,
the most watched Games in Olympic history. set a phenomenal world record of 9.69
With magnificent Opening and Closing seconds in the 100-metre dash at the National
Ceremonies, elaborately designed Torch Relay Stadium (Bird’s Nest), and American swimmer
routes, smooth competition organisation, the Michael Phelps made history in the National
Games highlighted the Olympic spirit of unity, Aquatics Centre (Water Cube) by pocketing

298 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 1
2

1. Sergey Bubka, member of the IOC Executive

Board and Chairman of the IOC Athletes’
Commission, signs his name on the Peace and
Friendship Wall in the Beijing Olympic Village

2. An international performance troupe in the

“Colourful World, Universal Olympics” cultural
exchange in 2007

eight gold medals, the first time anyone

has accomplished this feat in a single
Olympics.

International Exchange

Beijing recognised the Olympic Games

as both a sports event and a cultural
gala. Therefore, various cultural activities
were organised along with sports
competitions to offer an opportunity for
dialogue between people of different
social, cultural and religious backgrounds.

The Beijing Olympic Games attracted

the largest number of media staff and
enjoyed the widest coverage in Olympic
history. It served as a platform for displaying the Chinese society.
world’s cultural diversity and true humanity.
Enthusiasm in Sports
In staging the Games, Beijing endeavoured in all
sincerity to break down cultural barriers and embrace The Olympic Games in Beijing has helped nurture a
the world. The warm, joyful and harmonious ambience new crop of competent athletes, coaches and sports
of the Host City appealed to the international management personnel, who will play a crucial role in
community. hosting high-level sports competitions.

A number of first-class sports facilities remain in

15.3.2 Benefits to Chinese Society the capital. The 31 competition venues, 56 training
venues and six related facilities, will be converted for
When bidding for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, post-Games use according to their locations, scale
Beijing set the goal of “hosting a high-level Olympic and functions. They will help build Beijing into an
and Paralympic Games with distinguishing features” international sports centre.
and the concepts of “Green Olympics, High-tech
Olympics and People’s Olympics”, the implementation Olympic venues in the six Co-host Cities will also be
of which has touched upon almost every aspect of turned into sports or recreational centres for local

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 299

 residents. protection, information technology, sports, culture,
and tourism.
Throughout the Olympic Games, a nationwide fitness
programme was launched to raise public health The Games has also promoted industrial restructuring,
awareness. The programme has helped turn Olympic corporate brand image and managerial innovation,
zeal into a public physical exercise initiative that thus exerting a profound influence upon the economic
involves the entire Chinese nation. development of the Host City of Beijing in particular,
and the country of China as a whole.
After the Games, more funding has been allocated for
public fitness projects, especially sports facilities in less Take GDP growth for instance. The annual GDP growth
developed regions and rural areas. rate of Beijing during implementation of the Chinese
government’s “Ninth Five-year Plan” (1996 - 2000) was
To encourage more people to enjoy sports and live 10 per cent. Since 2001 when Beijing won the Olympic
a healthy life, on January 7, 2009, the Chinese Central bid, the number has reached 12.4 per cent. In 2007,
Government designated August 8 of each year as Beijing’s GDP amounted to RMB 935.33 billion, and the
China’s “National Fitness Day”. per-capita GDP was US$ 7,654, representing the level
of moderately developed economies.
Economic Development
Social Harmony
Enormous resources were invested to guarantee the
success of the Beijing Olympic Games, which resulted During the seven years of Olympic preparation,
in an “Olympic economic boom”. Beijing invested a total of RMB 437.11 billion into
city development. Citizens have seen considerable
Statistics indicate that preparing for the Games has improvement in every aspect of their daily life,
created approximately one million new jobs, most of especially in transportation, environment, cultural relics
which are in construction, real estate, environmental protection and volunteerism.

Children playing freestyle street basketball

300 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

A case in point is the accessible facilities. During Olympic Committee.
these seven years, numerous accessible facilities
were installed or renovated, including the accessible BODA involves participation of related government
street crossings, wheelchair seats, tactile surface sectors, business institutions, institutes of higher
indication roadways, road indicator boards in learning, associations of people with a disability,
Braille, communications equipment and facilities in and civil societies. Its purpose is to carry forward
grandstands of sports venues. Altogether, 14,000 the Olympic spirit and Beijing Olympic legacy, and
renovation projects were completed, and this number promote the sustainable development of Olympic and
equaled the total of projects launched in the 20 years Paralympic causes in Beijing and China. Its scope of
before 2001. operation mainly includes:
●  Supporting public welfare initiatives concerning
Rapid city development has enhanced social harmony.
Olympic culture and education, sports, youth, people
After the Games, the concepts of “Green Olympics,
with a disability and volunteer service
High-tech Olympics and People’s Olympics” have
●  Conducting exchange and cooperation with related
been transformed into the new version of “Humanistic
Beijing, High-tech Beijing and Green Beijing”, with the international organisations such as the IOC and the
hope of establishing a long-term mechanism to guide World Union of Olympic Cities
Beijing’s overall development and providing a good ●  Promoting city development and Olympic research,
model of harmonious development for the whole and offering suggestions on city development policies
country. and practices

In all, BODA is expected to help consolidate the

15.3.3 Preservation of Beijing Olympic achievements of the Beijing Olympic Games, promote
Legacy the Olympic Movement and enhance exchanges
among the host cities of the Games.
On August 6, 2009, prior to the first anniversary of
the Beijing Olympic Games, the Beijing Olympic City
Development Association (BODA), was established by
the Beijing Municipal Government and the Chinese

Summary
With the diligent efforts of the Chinese government a high-level Olympic and Paralympic Games with
and people, assistance of international sports distinguishing features” has been honoured and a
organisations, and firm support of the entire Olympic considerable Olympic legacy has been left for Beijing
Family, the Beijing Olympic Games became a “truly and China.
exceptional” one in the history of the Games of the
Olympiad. The ever-spreading influence of the Olympic Games
will enrich the contents of Olympic legacy, and
Hosting an Olympic Games requires tenacious and therefore, consolidating such legacy will remain a
systematic endeavours, and Beijing’s seven years of major task for every host city of the Games.
preparation paid off indeed, as the goal of “hosting

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 301

 Addendum
Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics , Volume III of the
Official Report of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games , was compiled and
translated from November 2007 to December 2008. The writing group had
kept on improving their version on the basis of the comments and advice
offered by various parties and individuals concerned. The final edition was
achieved in May 2009 and its English translation was carried through in May
2010.

Constructive suggestions have been solicited from leaders and experts of

the Communist Party of China Beijing Municipal Committee, the Beijing
Municipal Government, the General Administration of Sport of China and
BOCOG. Contributing to this volume are, among others, Liu Qi, Liu Peng,
Guo Jinlong, Liu Jingmin, Wang Wei, Jiang Xiaoyu, Li Binghua and Yang
Shu’an.

This volume is compiled by the BOCOG Media & Communications

Department. Xu Da has supervised the final review of this volume.

The report is written by a team from the College of Arts & Science of Beijing
Union University, with Kong Fanmin as the team leader, Chen Chaoyan,
Huang Zongying, Wang Pei, Li Yan, Feng Xia, Zhang Yaya, Zhang Yitong
and others as team members, and Kong Fanmin, Chen Chaoyan and Guo
Xinxiao as the compiling editors. The final review of this volume is done
by Geng Shen, Chen Jian, Kang Qingqiang and others. Engaged in the
composition and data collection of this volume are Ren Jianghao, Zuo Jijun,
Li Fei, Dong Yingshuang, Wang Muqing, He Jiazhen and others.

Translation and revision of this volume of the report are done by Zheng
Peilin, Li Jing, Huang Zongying, Liu Runzhi, Liu Guoqiang and others. The
entire translation process is under the coordination of Xiu Gang, Wang
Zhiping, Xia Gang, Lin Xianguang and others.

302 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics

 本卷报告的编撰工作始于2007年11月，至2008年12月完成中文初稿。
经多方征求意见，至2009年5月确定中文稿，2010年5月确定英文稿，全程
历时2年半。
本报告的编撰工作得到北京市委、市政府，国家体育总局及北京奥组
委各部门的大力支持和帮助。刘淇、刘鹏、郭金龙、刘敬民、王伟、蒋效
愚、李炳华、杨树安等领导参加了评审工作。
本报告由北京奥组委新闻宣传部组织编写。徐达承担本书的总体策划
和组织协调工作。
北京联合大学应用文理学院组建写作团队，孔繁敏教授担任写作组组
长，成员包括陈朝雁、黄宗英、王培、李岩、冯霞、张娅娅、张怡彤等。
本报告由孔繁敏、陈朝雁、郭新孝统稿。参加写作和图文资料收集工作的
还有任江浩、左继军、李飞、董英双、王牧青、何家振等。耿申、陈剑、
康庆强等参加了审稿。
本报告英文文本由郑培林、李晶、黄宗英、刘润芝、刘国强等翻译；
修刚、王志平、夏钢、林宪光等参加了翻译工作。

Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics 303

Shunyi Rowing-canoeing Park
Multimedia Broadcasting Tower in the Olympic Green
Beijing Olympic Games theme slogan on the Great Wall
图书在版编目（CIP）数据
走向成功：北京奥运会组织运行工作报告=Preparation for the Games:
New Beijing Great Olympics: 英文 / 第29届奥林匹克运动会组织委员会著.
--北京： 北京体育大学出版社，2010.8
ISBN 978-7-5644-0264-8

Ⅰ. ①走… Ⅱ. ①第… Ⅲ. 夏季奥运会—工作报告—北京市—2008

—英文 Ⅳ. ①G811.211

中国版本图书馆CIP数据核字（2010）第160319号

出版：北京体育大学出版社　
地址：北京市海淀区信息路48号
邮编：100084 电话：010-62989261
责任编辑：刘润芝 审稿编辑：董英双 黄宗英
印刷：北京瑞禾彩色印刷有限公司
装订：北京鑫艺佳装订有限公司
版次：2010年8月第1版 2010年8月第1次印刷
开本：787×1092 1/8
印张：40.5
书号：ISBN 978-7-5644-0264-8
Copyright, © 2011, LA84 Foundation

Notes on the digitized version of the Official Report of the Beijing 2008 Olympic
Games Volume 3 Preparation for the Games: New Beijing Great Olympics.

The digital version of the Official Report of the XXIX Olympiad is Web-published by the
LA84 Foundation with the permission of the International Olympic Committee.

This digital version includes a bookmark list that functions as a hyper linked table of
contents. Selecting a topic heading will take you to the corresponding section in the
document.

Profile of the digital version:

File name: [Link]
File size: 29,455 KB
Format: Portable Document Format (PDF) 1.6 (Adobe Acrobat 7)
Source document: Key Documents of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games DVD
Creation Date: July 2010
Image Resolution: 300 dpi for color and grayscale images