2015 BID FOR THE 15TH IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Sights from all eras: past and present ...... Page 2 Xiang - Hurdler, champion and national hero ... Page 4 Infrastructure, organisation and standards .... Page 5 Beijing Tourist Hotspots "My Beijing experience..." Media Working conditions

CONTENT

Report IAAF Evaluation Commission visited Beijing ...... 1

Beijing Tourist Hotspots Sights from all eras ...... 2

"My Beijing experience..." Liu Xiang - Hurdler, champion and national hero ...... 4

Nightlife in Beijing Variety of entertainment options ..... 4

Media Working conditions Infrastructure, organisation and standards ...... 5

Chinese Sports Culture and History ...... 6

Good Job Nanning! IAAF World Half Championships 2010 ...... 7 IAAF Evaluation Commission visiting Beijing Report on the visit of the CONTACTS IAAF Evaluation Commission The Bidding Team for the 2015 Led by Senior Vice President Member Alberto Juantorena, athletics competitions during IAAF World Championships Sergey Bubka, the evaluation General Secretary Pierre the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and No. 11 Yongdingmen commission of the IAAF con- Weiss, and a team of key staff its warm-up stadium, the hotels Xiannongtan Stadium ducted its two-day assessment members from IAAF HQ and designated to accommodate Building 2, Room 313 of Beijing's bid for the World from marketing partner Dentsu/ athletes, sponsors and officials Xuanwu District, Beijing 100050 Athletics Championships 2015. AMS. During the visit, the as well as the National

Bubka was accompanied by fel- 11-member commission visited Convention Centre, the venue Tel.: +86 (10) 6315 9705 low IAAF Vice President Dah- the National Stadium, bet- proposed for the IAAF Con- Fax: +86 (10) 6305 1036 lan Al-Hamad, IAAF Council ter known as the Bird's Nest, gress. Email: [email protected] and fellow IOC Member Nawal which hosted the opening and The commission also held a El Moutawakel, IAAF Council closing ceremonies and the special meeting with the Beijing

issue 2-2010 more >>> 1 Beijing 2015

2015 bid committee and met NEWSFLASH Beijing Mayor Guo Jinglong, who had also been the Execu- tive President of the Organising Siraj wins Committee of the Beijing Olym- Gena Siraj has won this year’s 30th pic and Paralympic Games in anniversary edition of the Beijing 2008. The Mayor highlighted International Marathon held on 24th Beijing's determination to host October 2010. The Ethiopian crossed the world's premier athletics the finish line with a time of 2:15:45. event. During the meeting the The fastest woman on the 42.195 IAAF Evaluation commission and Mayor of Beijing, Guo Jinglong Chairman of the IAAF Evalua- kilometres was Jiali Wang from China tion Commission commented, Chinese authorities and there This bid from Beijing is a very with a time of 2:29:31. "The evaluation team has been seems to be a real desire to serious one, with all partners Despite rainy conditions, 30.000 very warmly welcomed and we build on the legacy of the 2008 committed and passionate people had entered the race and have had very fruitful meetings. Games by staging the World about making athletics even joined the anniversary celebrations. We are pleased to see the level Championships in the Bird’s more popular in China.” The runners had not only to fight with of support for this bid from the Nest stadium. the distance but also with the rem- nants of a tropical storm. The crowd included runners from all ages and 11.000 foreign participants from 50 Beijing Tourist Hotspots countries, wishing to compete in one of the world´s big city . Sights from all eras: past and present The Beijing Marathon takes place bidden City awaits you at the in a unique and historic setting. The centre of China’s capital. After race started at 8:00 o’clock local time being built in the early 15th on Square, proceeding century, it was the main impe- through the eastern part of Beijing, rial palace of the Ming and the and the Olympic Qing dynasties until 1912, just Green, passing by the Bird’s Nest about a hundred years ago. and ending in the Olympic Sports The palace complex consists of Center Stadium. 980 buildings with 8,707 rooms in total. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1987 and lists it as the "largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.” The name refers to the fact that people were not freely allowed to enter it in the time of empire. But with the ab- dication of the last emperor, it was opened to the public. The Forbidden City Just south of the Forbidden With a history reaching back when it opened up just months City lies Tiananmen Square, a about 3,000 years and as the before the huge open space surrounded capital of a thriving and mod- 2008. Speaking of the Games: by impressive official buildings. ern country, it is no wonder of course you shouldn’t miss People come here to fly a kite, that Beijing is a city offering seeing the Olympic Green with gather or enjoy the atmosphere a matchless variety of sights landmarks as the Beijing Na- during the day or after nightfall. from all eras, past and present. tional Aquatics Centre ("Wa- The square is also used for Your Beijing sightseeing tour on tercube”), the National Indoor public festivities and announce- modern architecture might start Arena and of course the Beijing ments. The balcony, from already upon arrival. Cover- National Stadium, known as where the announcements are ing an area of nearly a million the "Bird’s Nest”, heart of the delivered, offers the best view square meters and famous for Olympic Games 2008 and key of the square. its unique and elegant design, candidate venue for the IAAF Located further southeast is Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital World Championships 2015. another Beijing landmark, the International Airport, was the Following Beijing’s main axis . The Taoist world’s largest airport terminal south from the Green, the For- temple was used by emperors

issue 2-2010 more >>> 2 out leads you to Badaling, to the Great Wall of China. The construction of this "largest Beijing 2015 building on earth” started as early as the 5th century BC in order to prevent intrusions by nomadic groups from the of the Ming und Qing dynasties reation and now serves the north. The restored section to pray to Heaven for a good same purpose, but for anyone. of one of the world’s most harvest. It was constructed at Here you can experience the famous sights lets you walk the same time as the Forbidden traditional China as your mind up and down over slopes and City and lists as a UNESCO might picture it. In the centre stairs on wooded hills - so World Heritage Site since 1998. of the vast park-like complex some basic physical fitness is The temple park is also used lies a large lake with a walk- required for the complete wall- for exercising by the public. way around and dragon boats experience. The , another on it. Everywhere in the com- Those are just a few and the famous complex, lies a little plex are architectural high- most known sights Beijing has more remote, but still defi- lights to be found, like bridges to offer. In fact there is a lot nitely worth the short trip of and pagodas guaranteeing more…you are welcome to about an hour from downtown. lots of picturesque views. An- discover and enjoy your very It was used by the emperors other trip of 70 kilometres (43 own Beijing hotspot. as a place for rest and rec- miles) definitely not to be left The Great Wall of China at Badaling Ambassador Liu Xiang The "Yellow Bullet" joins Beijing’s Bid for 2015 marvellous atmosphere during the Games and Chinese enthu- siasm for sports and athletics, I can promise you that Beijing will deliver wonderful IAAF World Championships in 2015, if entrusted with this honour.” Earlier this month, Andreas Thorkildsen, javelin champion form Norway, had announced his support for the bid of the Chinese capital. Liu Xiang, born in 1983 in , China, won his first major competition in 2002 at the in . Just two years later he went on to win gold at the Olympic Games 2004 in with a world-record time of 12.91s. In 2007 he became world champion at the IAAF World Championships 2007, making him the first Chinese athlete to wear the "triple crown”: Olympic gold, world champion and holder at the same time. Other major wins include gold at the Asian Games 2006 in and gold at the IAAF Chinese national hero Liu Xiang World Indoor Champion- Liu Xiang, 110m hurdler, mul- have a special relationship with expectations and then to be ships 2008 in . At tiple international champion the Bird’s Nest”, said Liu Xiang personally devastated due to the Olympic Games 2008 in and Chinese national hero has when asked for the reason for a tragic injury but at the same Beijing the hopes of China joined the ranks of supporters his support. "In the very sta- time moved by the compas- rested on him, but he had to for Beijing´s Bid to host the dium I experienced both: how sion of the ten-thousands in withdraw from competition IAAF World Championships it feels to be in the focus of the wonderful stadium in 2008. because of an injury. in 2015: "As you might guess I the crowd’s joyful cheers and Based on that experience, the

issue 2-2010 more >>> 3 I had the realistic chance to in Beijing made our feet run have the race of my life and win faster, carried jumpers, javelins, gold in front of my home crowd. discusses and hammers further I had trained so hard, so the and lifted the high jumpers and Beijing 2015 pressure I made on myself was pole vaulters over the bar… high as well. Knowing of my regardless of the nationality of "fateful weakness”, my Achilles the athlete. For us athletes it "My Beijing experience as an athlete" Liu Xiang - Hurdler, international champion and Chinese national hero tendon, didn’t reduce that. In would be tough to give the very the beginning of the Games the best and go beyond our limits, excitement has built up even if we were not pushed by the more, but there was also a crowd that extra bit further. But huge part of pride and joy see- luckily the Beijing crowd was ing how the Games of Beijing one we could count on. develop and what a fantastic What would you expect from time people had in my country. the IAAF World Champion- But, August 18 changed my ships in Athletics if staged in feelings quite a bit, as you can Beijing in 2015? imagine… I am extremely proud of what What can you tell us about Beijing did in 2008 and - being the general conditions for Chinese - I know that Beijing the competing athletes? and China will offer the IAAF Everything was perfectly orga- Family the same devotion for nized, which helps us athletes the World Championships. a lot in keeping focused on the Being entrusted with the or- actual competition. So I really ganization and preparation of can’t come up with anything such events and welcoming the Liu Xiang winning gold at the 2004 Olympics negative on that matter. But as world in our homes is always a What comes to your mind live through when I remember an athlete, I like to add another great honour for us. Hospitality when you think back to the those times. In the forerun of central aspect to our own work- is a central value of our culture Olympic Games 2008? the Games I was very excited ing conditions: the atmosphere - and: I guess we like to prove Well, not surprisingly it is a because of the fact that the in the stadium - it was better to the world that we really can kind of a weird blend of ex- Olympics would take place in than I ever could have dreamed excel in staging these events. treme feelings and memories I my home country. of. The cheering of the crowd Nightlife in Beijing Variety of entertainment options Beijing is a city with many en- ture modern design and you tertainment options. You can can listen to good music, en- find traditions and trends at joy a night on the dance floor teahouses, nightclubs, the- or even go on a night boating atres, restaurants, bars, music tour. clubs and also Kung Fu shows Compared to the coziness of that make the nightlife so col- district, Sanlutin, the orful in this international city. older but consequently reno- Beijing offers a mix of tradition- vated bar district, is rather a al Chinese acrobatics shows, wild spot. Here you find lots Peking operas and live band of live music, people dancing performances. There are many and tourist bars offering sports great nightlife venues which broadcasting, billiard and have opened up in recent times darts. But there is way more to for both locals and tourists. Beijing nightlife than bars and The highest density of bars pubs. Here is an overview of Night Market at Wangfujing Street is to be found in the Houhai different ways how to spend a and areas. Houhai is splendid and special night in is a good place to start a trip lamb, sweet rolls, drinks, and a very modern and trendset- China´s capital: through the nightlife of Beijing. much more. Even if you don't ting bar district. Here you can Wangfujing Street Night Mar- This street full of food stalls eat anything, it's interesting to find many different bars and kets is also called the Donganmen just be here and watch it teem- restaurants along the shores This local night snack street Night Market. Here you can ing with street vendors cooking of the Houhai Lake. They fea- located near Wangfujing Street savor Mongolian barbecued and offering different snacks.

issue 2-2010 more >>> 4 costumes, martial arts and graceful pantomime. The singing is quite different Beijing 2015 from the way the foreigners are used to. The Beijing Opera is a kind of art that pays equal attention to 'Chang' (Singing), Blue Frog: American Dining an acrobatics show of which 'Nian' (Speaking), 'Zuo' (Act- on the 3rd floor in Sanlitun there are several in Beijing. ing) and 'Da' (Fighting). There Village Chaoyang Theatre is one of are several places to enjoy a The popular Shanghai chain the best. The theatre is located Peking Opera. Liyuan Theatre Blue Frog is a very nice place in the Chaoyang District and stages one of the most visited with a great outdoor terrace in presents a Chinese acrobatics performances. It is located on the Sanlitun area. The bar of- show involving bicycles, tight the first floor of Qianmen Hotel. fers probably the longest happy rope walking, and spinning Karaoke hour in town: 4-8pm. Their plates. It’s amazing to see what There are many places for ka- comfortable outdoor seating these artists can do with their raoke in Beijing. Like in other space is perfect for a lazy af- bodies. countries in East Asia, many ternoon under the sun. The Peking Opera - Liyuan The- young people in China love it. place is famous for its great atre Some of the karaoke bars are restaurant design and furniture. To get an impression of the even open around the clock, The friendly and helpful Eng- traditional Chinese culture you being a central part of Bei- lish speaking staff offers great have to visit a Chinese Opera. jing’s night life. The karaoke menus in generous propor- Full of Chinese cultural facts, bars feature a variety of mostly tions. the opera presents the audi- pop music, both Chinese and Acrobatics Show - Chaoyang ence with an encyclopedia of Western. Usually you can have Theatre Chinese culture, as well as drinks and food there too. While in Beijing you should visit beautiful paintings, exquisite Peking Opera Media working conditions Infrastructure, organisation and standards To media representatives, the including the finishing line. The holds up to 300 seats and is well for the 2008 Olympics Bid and potential Local Or- mixed zone will be situated at equipped with a photography/ will also be used for the IAAF ganising Committee of Beijing the exit of the infield and will TV platform. World Championships in 2015 2015 promises to ensure work- feature separate areas for TV For journalists off duty or for if Beijing is awarded the event. ing conditions of maximum and broadcasting staff as well informal meetings, a 400 m2 It is located on the Olympic quality. A sound organisation as for print journalists. rest area will be provided. Green and shall serve as the and high technical standards headquarters for TV and radio will guarantee a state-of-the- media. The main hotels for art and convenient environ- the media are located in close ment for media coverage of the proximity to the stadium and competitions and beyond. provide a clean and convenient The central venue for the accommodation at varying, but competition, the Bird’s Nest reasonable prices. The LOC contains top-notch facilities intends to provide free trans- for the media. These will in- port for registered media from clude a large media workroom the airport to the main media which offers space for up to hotels and from the hotels to 500 journalists. This facil- the venues. For further conve- ity is equipped with network nience, a Media Service Guide and internet access, printers, will be prepared covering a cabinets and information in- competition overview, media quiry terminals. Connected to services, general and specific the workroom are the mixed information, a Beijing guide zone, the media stands (1,000 and more. We are aware, that seats with tables), catering comprehensive media cover- facilities, rest rooms and the age of the highest quality is Press Conference Hall. For essential for the success of the Athlete beeing interviewed in the mixed zone at the 2008 Olympics press photographers there is IAAF World Championships. an extra workroom with 150 Experienced staff will guaran- CCTV, Chinas national broad- For this reason, we consider it completely equipped stations. tee a smooth flow of athletes caster, will produce and pro- a duty of top priority to provide A good view of the field of play and the best conditions for vide the international signal the best working environment is guaranteed at the photogra- media to conduct interviews. according to the highest stan- possible for our media guests. phers´ positions in the stadium, The Press Conference room dards. The IBC which served

issue 2-2010 more >>> 5 Beijing 2015 Chinese sports Culture and history

Depiction of Chinese culture at the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Olympics ment. The Chinese vigorously the "fundamental sport” for its promoted Athletics as the foun- Program of Striving for Olym- dation of all sports and – due pic Glory. Other very popular to a professional approach on sports in China include football athleticism, coaching, refer- and basketball as team sports ees and rules – an extensive along with table as an development was witnessed in individual and team sport. the whole country and more ex- In 2008, Beijing and the "Bird’s cellent athletes have emerged Nest” was home to the best like the high jumpers Zheng athletes of the world, organiz- Chinese lifestyle: exercising in public Fenrong and Ni Zhiqin. In the ing a competition of top quality, forerun of the Olympic Games with an unique atmosphere and China’s sporting culture and part touching various aspects of on home turf, the General Ad- long lasting memories… history are one of the oldest everyday life in China. It has a ministration of Sport in China a track record to be built upon. in the world, reaching back particularly strong social com- - again - labelled Athletics as several millennia. There is evi- ponent with people meeting on dence that dragon boat racing open spaces and joining each and Cuju, a kind of football, had other in practice. Furthermore, been practiced already some physical exercise is an integral hundred years BC. Lao Tse, the part of the Eastern approach mystic Chinese philosopher, is to medicine, cure and healthy said to have described physical living. In recent years, due to exercises as a way to remain this holistic approach, Chinese healthy and to increase longe- traditional sports and exercises vity about 2,500 years ago. have become very popular around the world. Modern Athletics has been in- troduced in China along with other ball-type sports by the end of the 19th century. The first athletics competition on a regular basis in China was held at Saint John’s College in Shanghai in 1890. Subse- quently, Athletics was adopted as part of the teaching curricu- lum in physical education pro- grams in schools. In 1910, the first National Games were held in . In 1932, China par- ticipated for the first time in the Olympic Games of Los Ange- Ancient Chinese football les. With the establishment of At the turn of the first millenni- the State Physical Culture and um, martial arts like Tai Chi and Sports Commission under the Qigong became widely popular new regime, 1952 saw another and they still play an essential major boom in sports develop- Chinese high jumper Ni Zhiqin

issue 2-2010 more >>> 6 Beijing 2015

On 16th October 2010, the Chi- CRASH COURSE nese city of Nanning gave home CHINESE to this year’s edition of the IAAF SINOPEC World Championships, concluding this year’s series of half marathons. After a unique and colourful opening ceremony, the starting shot was given for the women’s Huānyíng race and half an hour later for the men’s race. The latter was won guānglín my (KEN, 1:00:07) who, after a thrilling 200 meters final, ended a series of four wins > joyous, happy on the run by Zersenay Tadese from with a margin of only > to greet four seconds. With a winning margin of ten seconds, Florence > light, ray, honor Kiplagat (1:08:24) from Kenya has won the women’s competi- > to approach, to face tion even though she debuted on this distance just one month ago in Lille, . The second = Welcome! woman crossing the finish line was Dire Tune of . The year, alternating with the IAAF NEXT ISSUE World Cross Country Champion- Good Job Nanning! ships, held every uneven year. The 2012 edition of the IAAF • Local traffic and Transportation The 'Green City' hosted the IAAF World World Half Marathon Champion- ships will be staged in Kavarna, • Accomodation / Hotels Half Marathon Championships 2010 Bulgaria. two wins from Kenya made it Ethiopia (women) and Eritrea Nanning has staged an excellent • IAAF Congress Venue the first time since 1999 that the (men) on the second places. This edition of the IAAF World Half men’s and women’s races were was the last time the IAAF World Marathon Championships and • "My Beijing experience... won by competitors from the Half Marathon Championships therefore went to demonstrate as a Volunteer" same country. Kenya has also were held annually. From now on, Chinese enthusiasm and devo- won both team rankings with the event will be held every even tion in staging athletics events. In a press conference in the forerun of the competition, Lamine Diack pointed to the series of success- ful athletics competitions held in China in the past. Diack took this as a proof of Chinese desire to further develop athletics, “not only with this event in Nanning, but also in the future.” The city of Nanning is situated in the Guangxi region in southern China, not far from , and the border to Vietnam. The city features many parks and a subtropical climate and is therefore also called the “Green City”. Nanning is chang- ing at a fast pace and is currently developing into an important cen- tre in this region of China. The impressive Skyline of the "Green City" of Nanning

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