ID :
199277
Fri, 08/05/2011 - 10:07
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/199277
The shortlink copeid
Athletes' village open to media for first time
DAEGU, Aug. 5 (Yonhap) -- The athletes' village for the upcoming World Championships in Athletics was unveiled to the media for the first time Friday, with officials boasting its state-of-the-art facilities.
Flags of all 212 members of the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) were raised in a ceremony. The signature IAAF event is scheduled for Aug. 27-Sept. 4 and athletes will move in starting next week. The athletes' village features nine apartment buildings and will accommodate up to 3,500 people.
"No other host country has ever built an apartment-style athletes' village, complete with practice facilities," said Synn Il-hi, head of the village. "We've built a place where athletes can enjoy a comfortable and safe stay and get ready to perform to their capabilities."
The Daegu championships are expected to bring together nearly 2,500 athletes from at least 207 countries, more than any other previous championships. Synn said he believes international athletes will see their living quarters as a friendly place.
"I want to make them feel that they've had a wonderful time in Daegu and they want to come back here," he added.
A welcome center stands near the main entrance, and the Champions Plaza, adjacent to the central square, has a fitness center, a laundry and a bank.
Each room has a single bed and air conditioning, along with wireless Internet access.
During the championships, organizers will stage traditional Korean cultural performances near the center square.
Just outside the village are two practice tracks and a practice ground for discus and hammer throwers.
"Since our championships will be the biggest ever, what's left to do is to make it the best ever," said Cho Hae-nyoung, a co-president of the organizing committee. "We will try our best until the end to pack the stadium."
Flags of all 212 members of the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) were raised in a ceremony. The signature IAAF event is scheduled for Aug. 27-Sept. 4 and athletes will move in starting next week. The athletes' village features nine apartment buildings and will accommodate up to 3,500 people.
"No other host country has ever built an apartment-style athletes' village, complete with practice facilities," said Synn Il-hi, head of the village. "We've built a place where athletes can enjoy a comfortable and safe stay and get ready to perform to their capabilities."
The Daegu championships are expected to bring together nearly 2,500 athletes from at least 207 countries, more than any other previous championships. Synn said he believes international athletes will see their living quarters as a friendly place.
"I want to make them feel that they've had a wonderful time in Daegu and they want to come back here," he added.
A welcome center stands near the main entrance, and the Champions Plaza, adjacent to the central square, has a fitness center, a laundry and a bank.
Each room has a single bed and air conditioning, along with wireless Internet access.
During the championships, organizers will stage traditional Korean cultural performances near the center square.
Just outside the village are two practice tracks and a practice ground for discus and hammer throwers.
"Since our championships will be the biggest ever, what's left to do is to make it the best ever," said Cho Hae-nyoung, a co-president of the organizing committee. "We will try our best until the end to pack the stadium."
