China's Asian Games village ready, handed over to organisers

The Games Town with more than 8,000 apartments has been formally handed over to the Guangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee, official 'China Daily' reported on Tuesday.

After more than two years of construction, Games Town is ready to accommodate the expected 40,000 athletes, coaches, technical officials and members of the media from around the world for the Games to be held from November 12 to 27.

In addition to an Athletes' Village with 13 apartment buildings, the Games Town includes a media village, technical officials' village, international broadcast centre and the main press centre.

Xu Ruisheng, vice-mayor of Guangzhou and executive deputy secretary-general of the Organising Committee, said "the coming Asian Games will serve as a showcase for China's Lingnan culture that thrives in Guangdong and other parts of south China".

"I think the facilities for the athletes at the Asian Games are much better than at the Beijing Summer Olympic Games. There is lots of green and it's very good environment for the athletes," the newspaper quoted Former Japanese Olympian Yuko Arakida as saying during her recent visit to the Township.

Constructed on the banks of Pearl River tributaries, the 2.73-square-kilometer Township is more than 63 per cent covered in greenery.

Tropical trees and fruit plants are now being planted to meet the goal of a green and eco-friendly Asian Games.

Organising Committee officials have promised to offer their best service to all athletes, officials and other personnel during the Games.

"The Guangzhou Asian Games will make every guest feel at home with the best service and the most hospitable reception," said Tang Ruping, director of committee's service department.