Date/Time: 11:15 a.m., Sunday, August 10
Venue: Main Press Conference (MPC)
Sun Weide
Good morning everyone. Welcome to our joint press conference by BOCOG and IOC. First of all I would like to give the floor to Mr. Wang Wei, executive vice president and secretary general of BOCOG.
Wang Wei gives the speech.
Wang Wei
Good morning. First of all, a run-up of the events that happened yesterday. There were a total of 18 competition events held in 21 venues on August 9. The first day of the Games witnessed a smooth Games operation and venue operation. 7 gold medals were awarded on that day. All 204 delegations have concluded their participation which 11,194 athletes have been confirmed participation and additional 380 athletes as substitutes. About the media, 23,503 accredited persons from the media began to operate. A total of 6,253 persons have moved into the Media Village. As to the arrival and departures of international dignitaries, there will be about 32 international dignitaries departing Beijing today. Update on August 10, 22 competition events will be staged in 22 competition venues with 16 in Beijing and the remaining 6 in the co-host cities. The athletes will compete for 14 gold medals today.
Of course, we are saddened by the incident that happened to the American tourists. BOCOG is deeply saddened to learn the tragic attack to relatives to a coach assistant from the U.S. Men's Volleyball Team and a Chinese tour guide. I extend our sincere condolence and sympathy to the victims and their families. On August 9, the two relatives and a Chinese tour guide were attacked by a Chinese man when they were visiting the Drum Tower, a tourist site near the Forbidden City in Beijing. One victim was killed and other two injured. The attacker committed suicide by jumping from the second story of the tower. Police was notified right away and went to the scene and brought them to nearby hospital for treatment.
At present, investigation into the rare and tragic incident is still under way. The Chinese Vice Foreign Minister went to the hospital to express condolence and sympathy. Minister of Chinese Ministry of Health also went to the hospital to make sure everything possible could be done to help the injured. BOCOG sent an official letter to USOC to express our sympathy and condolence as well, and offer help in any way that can help. As you know, BOCOG has good relationship with USOC. We are willing to do anything that is possible to help. That is my briefing at the moment.
Sun Weide
Thank you, Mr. Wang Wei. I will give floor to Giselle Davies.
Giselle Davies gives the speech.
Giselle Davies
Thank you very much. Just add on that very tragic that Mr. Wang Wei just talked about. We would like to add IOC's condolence to the family of the grieved and all of those in the delegations that have been touched by this very sad story. We are of course in close contact with the USOC.
They are updating on the situation as best as they can in the circumstances. I also have update to give you after the meeting that took place this morning at the IOC hotel where we are working from. It was the meeting where the President and Secretary General of the Georgia National Olympic Committee plus the Minister of Youth and Sport came to visit Mr. President Rogge. They came to confirm the decision of the National Olympic Committee at all levels, the athletes, officials and the leadership of the National Olympic Committee supported by their government that they will continue their participation in the Olympic Games here in Beijing. This continuation of their participation confirmed today very much reflects the Olympic spirit and the values of the Games. The IOC believes this is the right decision for the athletes who trained very hard for this once in lifestyle opportunity. We have also been in touch with the Russian National Olympic Committee to equally continue their participation. Both the National Olympic Committees are very much in the spirit of the Games.
I can also come to a decision of the IOC Executive Board that was taken this morning on the case of Ms. Ekaterini Thanou and her participation in the Beijing Olympic Games. So the executive meet this morning to reach a decision this morning for Ms. Ekaterini Thanou. Upon receiving the recommendation of the IOC Disciplinary Commission, the Executive Board has declared Ms. Thanou ineligible to participate in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. This ineligibility is under rule 23.2.1 of the Olympic Charter. In addition, the Executive Board took a decision in its own right, not based on recommendations of the Disciplinary Commission but in order to send a firm signal of the IOC moral consideration that this case has brought the Olympic movements in disrepute. They decided on the 2nd point to temporarily make it ineligible for the Games refuse her entry here in Beijing.
She will not be participating in the Games for the Olympics Games as a result of today's decision by the Executive Board. On other information, I would like to give the information of the figures of the Opening Ceremony of Friday night. The figures are coming in and I hope to have more information for you on the coming days. But with regard to the viewership here in China, some quite staggering figures, I have 840 million Chinese people tuned in to the some coverage of the Opening Ceremony. The ceremony was broadcast on CCTV 1, 2, 5, 7, CCTV news and CCTV HD plus its sub licensees which cover a total of 30 national and regional channels across China. The average audience was 496 million people across the 4-hour program and represent 83.6% of the Chinese people viewing television at that time. Those are the updates I have. Now we have to take some question.
Sun Weide
Now we have to take the question. Before raising your question, please state your name and news affiliation. Please stand up so that everybody can see you.
Italian New Agency
Yesterday an Iranian swimmer refused to take part in the competition because of the presence of an Israeli athlete. The name of the athlete is Mohammad Alirezaei. What action will the IOC take against this Iranian athlete? Thank you.
Giselle Davies
Thank for your question. I'm not sure of details of the case so I would not specifically comment on it. But what I would like to say is that the participation of the Olympic Games from athletes to athletes is under the spirit of respect and fair play so should it be confirmed that there was someone refusing on this basis, this is something that the IOC will take seriously. But this particular case that you raised have not been brought to our attention. Happy to come back to you if I can get further details.
Foreign reporter
I heard about the tragic incident yesterday. The question is: Will this affect security measures here in the Olympic Green? It appears that many Beijingers are both sad and angry that they don't have access to the National Stadium. They all lined up outside the campus. Second, when will the Chinese media report on this? Xinhua has published this in its English service but not in Chinese.
Wang Wei
When the attack happened, it aroused our attention. I think we are going to strengthen the security in the scenic spots. Perhaps, we may add a little bit security check in the scenic spot to makes sure that no sharp weapons will be brought in the area. Beijing is a safe city but unfortunately we are not immune to violent acts. With regards to the venue, we think we have sufficient security measure and we will make sure that people will have a good access to the venues and at the same time the safety will be secured. I don't know about this Chinese press reflecting on the incident happened yesterday. I will check and get back to you later on.
Reporter from Japan
Giselle, two questions. The decisions for Georgia Delegation not to withdraw Games early last night, was there any kind of IOC intervention or discussion until they reached the conclusion? Second, on Ms. Thanou's case, on what ground did IOC regarded Thanou's conduct most problematic back in Athens? Was the decision of Executive Board unanimous? Thank you.
Giselle Davies
The IOC was informed that there were discussions going on last night. The discussions that were taken place amongst the relative Georgia representative so we have the update this morning from them. It's not the case where we intervened directly. We are obviously delighted and very much welcome the decision they have taken today to continue here at the Olympic Games where the athletes will compete in that spirit here in Beijing. With regards to the case of Ms. Ekaterini Thanou, there is a whole string of list of events that took place. In fact, we can give you the full disciplinary commissions report. We will make that available for you directly after this press conference. But those string of events really resulted in what the IOC sees as a scandalous saga that overshadowed the Athens Games and brought the IOC, Olympic Movement of the whole into disrepute.
As I said earlier, we see it as a very serious prejudice against the Olympic movement. Based on this, the Disciplinary Commission made the recommendation that she should be deemed ineligible and unanimously agreed that recommendation of the Disciplinary Commission. Furthermore they won't stand further as Executive Boarder to say we refuse her entry to this Games based on a different ruling we have in the Olympic Charter. Rule 45 of the Olympic Charter allows the Executive Board to refuse an entry form that has been submitted.
AP
Giselle, can I just follow up on that. Is she appealing this case to CAS and CAS would rule her favor? Are you saying that she is still exclusive from the Games, no matter what ruling of the court of arbitration for sport in case she does take the case there? Thank you.
Giselle Davies
Obviously this case can be taken to CAS and we will see what ruling CAS would make. What I can tell you today is the decision of the IOC Executive Board. Based on the recommendation and its further decision, what happens to CAS, we have to wait and see.
Aroundtherings.com
Has the Hellenic Olympic Committee has been informed of this decision, did they give you any reaction and command on this?
Giselle Davies
There were updates given first to Ms. Thanou and the Hellenic Olympic Committee will be equally updated on this. I don't have any news on reactions. I am sure you can get it directly from them.
AP
I am just wondering Mr. Wang, if you can give us any further information about the attacker yesterday. There are reporters say this person was unemployed and frequently come to Beijing to petition. In mandarin, it is "shang fang". I am wondering if you can provide any additional details on that?
Wang Wei
Thank you for the question. The criminal named Tang Yongming.
He is from Hangzhou city, Zhejiang province. He is 47 years old. He resigned from his job. Before he committed crime, he is jobless and divorced. He never appealed to any event or any entity. He came to Beijing on the first of August. That is all we know about him. Because he was dead, there is no way to find out his motives. Apparently, it is an isolated criminal act. At the scene of the crime, American Embassy, FBI and Chinese security people went, I think they all agreed upon the conclusion that it is an isolated criminal act.
SBS, Australia
Giselle, there has been examples in the Olympic history, like there are Russian and Hungary in the water polo competition. They have the same incidents. Is the IOC concerned, is it good news that they would agree to stay and compete for the Games. When those countries are meeting, is there a chance that they would be conflict or anything bad on the Games?
Giselle Davies
Thank you. What I can say that we confirmed with both Olympic Committees, when they confirmed that their continued participation here. The spirit they had indicated are very clear that they are here to participate and to compete against any individual team opponent. That is pretty much the spirit that was shared with us today.
Foreign reporter
Can I ask to Giselle, when are Russia and Georgia doomed to meet in the Women's Beach Volleyball later this week, are you going to speak to them about how they are going to behave? Also, are you going to increase security for that game?
Giselle Davies
I think the answer I was giving to your colleagues from Australia. Both national Olympic Committees made it clear that they are here in a sporting contest. They are here to compete and show respect and friendship from athlete to athlete. We have no reason to have any concern on that today from the update that we just received from them. And with regards to any other measures to be taken, we don't have at this time. We don't have any reason to believe that is necessary.
Times
On the basis of yesterday's event, the Men's Indoor Volleyball team, there will be specific security arrangement today. Does the U.S. Team in general ask for increased security? They seem to be the target however random they appeared to be.
Wang Wei
I think in terms of security for the Olympic Games, we have provided sufficient security for the Olympic Games. I don't have any reason to believe that the Americans are the target for any violence. On the scene of crime, there was no sign to signify that he was an American. So there was no reason that the attack was targeted on the Americans.
Reuters
For Giselle, the discussion you have with the NOCs, especially with the Georgia NOC today. Was that something that the incident could be temporary or was it a determination to stay on until the end of the Games. Because this morning the situation has changed since late last night. There has been bombing in the capital. That could be something that would affect the athletes much more than the outskirts of the capital or some other parts of the country.
Giselle Davies
They were very clear at the discussion this morning. They've made the decision they are here for the Olympics, they are here to compete. It is totally understandable there is emotion involved of a concerned. But they've made the decision. They are here for the Games. They are here to compete in an event they've been trained long and heartful. So that is very well welcome.
Channel 7, Australia
During the men's road cycling yesterday, many supporters turned up at the final sections of the race, to find that they couldn't access to the side of the roads to cheer on their teams, which is a common thing in road cycling, as you probably aware. Why was this? Why the spectators were not informed of this? Can you understand their disappointment?
Wang Wei
I am sorry to hear that. Of course, I understand their disappointment. I will look into this situation and give you an answer tomorrow. Thank you.
Sydney Morning Herald
This morning, the Australian shift coach adviced all the Australian athletes when they are traveling or visiting outside the Olympic Village to be clearly identifiable as Australian athletes, and wear Australian team card as a security measure in response to the incident that happened yesterday. I am just wondering would you advice the teams to be clearly identifiable by their nation when they go outside the Village?
Wang Wei
Of course not. I think I need to iterate. This was an isolated act. We were actually surprised. Beijing has been a safe city for a long time. We have reason to believe that during the Olympics, the security measures are sufficient. We are planning to increase security on the scenic spots and other areas. Of course at the sometime we are not going to damage the access to the ordinary people. There is also no reason to believe, as I said before, the one act was targeted to any specific nation. On one hand, we should take more safe measures, because we are living in the world where surprises do happened. On the other hand, we of course reassure you that nothing like this is going to happen. We are not going to negative the impact of access of visitors, of athletes of anyone who are going to participate in the Games.
Reporter from Japan
I just want to ask about another incident happened this morning in Xinjiang Province. Do you think it is something related to the Olympic Games? Is there some implication? Can I have your opinion to this incident? Do you think it would have some influence on this Olympic Games?
Wang Wei
Some information. According to the website of Xinhuanet.com, it is early morning at 2:30 a.m., some criminal rode a cab and they began to attack a public security bureau. They destroyed two police cars and 5 criminals were killed. 2 police men and one security person were injured. I don't believe this will have any impact on the Olympics that we are stating right now. Of course we are going to strengthen the security measures on the area. Thank you.
Radio Free Asia
In response to the incident yesterday, other than increasing the security measures, would you consider some other approach to prevent any incidents like this, such as understanding the state of mind of people, or allow people more freedom of expression?
Wang Wei
China is in the process of opening up in any form. As you can see, it is clearly witnessed that after 30 years of reforms and opening up, everything has been improved in terms of social progress and economic development. I don't think this would impact that. I think people will continue to have freedom of express themselves. There is not going be a problem in this regard. Thank you.
Swedish TV
I am from Swedish TV. Just a follow up on Xinjiang incident this morning. Do you think it is related to the Olympics in any way? Please comment on that.
Wang Wei
I don't think so. That is my answer. As you know, there is a terrorist activities in Xinjiang area for some time already. Thank you.
New York Times
Have any of the athletes from Georgia decided to go home on their own?
Giselle Davies
No. The information given today was regard to the entire National Olympic Committee, the athletes, officials, the President, the secretary general. That is the information we received this morning just before I came over to the MPC.
AP
About pollution again. Although we know that air quality has been improved dramatically, as you claimed, it is not so perfect at this moment. Does the IOC at the moment have any plan to postpone any Games, any events at all?
Giselle Davies
Thank you for your question. No, not at all. Currently the readings that we've been looking at with our colleagues indicate we have no course to be concerned. Today, we have full course that goes 72 hours ahead. At this stage, we have no worries.
AP
Just for Mr. Wang. If you say the violent in Xinjiang is not related to the Olympics, as to the strike and violence happened during the next few months, what do you think it is related to? Thank you.
Wang Wei
I'd rather speak in Chinese. Would you mind putting up your earphone? I think I need to put it in a more accurate way. The attacks by Eastern Turkistan terrorists have never stopped in Xinjiang. The very purpose is all about separating their region from China. Such behavior will not be tolerated by any country in the world. Of course I imagine that they want to use the Olympic as a platform to magnify their impact. I believe their very purpose of doing this is about separation.
BBC
My question is about the ticketing here is sell-out. There are about 7 million tickets, or 6 million and 800 thousand tickets. Seats were pretty empty yesterday. I don't know what the picture will be today. Is it sponsors' tickets? Sponsors not show up? Or local people with tickets weren't showing? What is your feeling about that?
Wang Wei
Thank you for your question. It is a challenge for us. We are in the process of trying to manage that. As a tradition, sponsors, VIPs and media, they have reserved seats at preliminaries. At sometimes they may come up. Sponsors may give their tickets to their friends and important customers, and they may not appreciate as much as to come to the preliminaries as well. Also, for some sports, they have one ticket for the whole morning or the whole evening. For example, tonight, we have basketball; the first part is Australia versus another team; the second part is Chinese versus the United States. So people having tickets may be interested in the competition of China verus America. They may not show up for the first half.
We are trying to persuade people to respect their rights to watch the Games. For the beach volleyball, the situation was like that, but quite unexpected. We are doing our effort. The demand for tickets remains high. A lot of people asked their friends to buy tickets for them. They buy tickets to give to their friends. But their friends may not come over. We are trying to arrange that.
Around the Rings
It is the day 2 of the Games, actually day 3 if you count the Opening Ceremony. Much has been said over the years about the blue skies in Beijing. I know you have no control over the skies. Do you have some expectation for the image in Beijing for the good feelings about cleaning the air? That blue skies might come to this Olympics one day?
Wang Wei
I think the blue sky will come especially after today's rain. I am having my fingers crossed. Hopefully, it will be good and better. It seems that we are stuck in the weather pattern, which brings us higher humidity and higher temperatures. As Giselle just mentioned, the air quality is going to remain within the satisfactory range. That doesn't pose any threats to the athletes. We would like to urge anyone to prepare for the heat for the humidity. I want to emphasize that after 10 years of effort, Beijing's air quality has been continuously improved. Everybody who has been to Beijing can see that. We are going to make more effort in this regard. Hopefully, they will have good effect.
Sun Weide
I think this brings us to the end of this press conference. I would like to thank Wang Wei and Giselle Davies. Thank you all for coming to the press conference. Hope to see you all tomorrow.
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