Secretary General of Jordan Olympic Committee (JOC) Majed Al Qatarneh has spoke highly of the preparation work Beijing has already done for the Olympic Games, saying that China did more than what was required and expected.
"China has been in good preparation for the Games and exerted great efforts in environment improvement and infrastructure development, as what President of IOC Jacques Rogge has said during the the opening ceremony of the 4th World Conference on Women and Sports," said Majed in an interview on Monday.
He expressed Jordan's support to Beijing Olympics. "First of all, as an Olympic Committee, JOC cares about the event and is keen to see a successful Games; Also, Jordan and China have excellent relationships across a range of sectors. Last year, the two countries marked the 30-year anniversary of diplomatic relations between them, we wish the Beijing Olympics a great success," he added.
According to Majed, seven Jordanian athletes have been confirmed to compete at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, among which four are women. They will take part in the competition items of table tennis, taekwondo, swimming, athletics and horse-riding.
"I hope they can get good results in the Games," he said, "And what's more, I hope Jordan and China can strengthen the cooperation in sports area after the Games."
"Jordan is planning to invite some Chinese coaches to the kingdom and to help improve the skill level of its athletes," he noted.
Majed also briefed on the "Peace Through Sport" campaign which was officially launched in Amman last year under the support by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the United Nations (UN).
The "Peace Through Sport" initiative aims to use sport as a means to help instil dialogue, tolerance and ultimately peace among young people in areas experiencing conflict and hostility.
"Sport is more than competition. Sport can promote mutual understanding, and facilitate dialogue between different communities," said Majed.
"I look forward to promoting the sports spirits in the Middle East region, in Asia, and in the whole world."
(Xinhua News Agency March 19, 2008)