QINGDAO: Xia Geng, mayor of Qingdao and chairman of the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Committee promised to give the world a splendid Olympic sailing regatta yesterday at the launching ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Sailing Competition in Qingdao of Shandong province.

Xia wished the world`s top sailors success in the regatta and hoped that they enjoy their stay in the coastal city.

"Qingdao, a pearl on the Yellow Sea, is a national economic center featured with port, open economy, famous brands, tourism and marine science and research. The century-old city finally joined hands with the Olympics. After seven years of preparation, we are ready for the Olympic Games. Today, our dream is coming true and we shall share the glory. When the Olympic sailors race in this bay, this `Capital of Sailing` of prosperity, rich culture and harmony will be in the spotlight under the Olympic Rings," he said.

"The 2008 Olympic Sailing Competition is not only a grand event for sailors, but a gathering of the people from all over the world and a festivity of the citizens. Inspired by the Olympic motto of `Citius, Altius, Fortius`, we will listen with our hearts to the exciting melody of sailing and share the joy and success of the Beijing Olympic Games."

Singapore`s IOC Executive Board member Ng Ser Miang also gave credit to the local organizing committee as well as the thousands of volunteers.

"Thanks for its strong and continuous efforts including providing world-class sailing facilities, Qingdao will make the Olympic sailing event unique and exceptional."

Qingdao built a world-class Olympic sailing center and hosted two test events in 2006 and 2007. The 2007 regatta was held totally in line with the Olympic practices.

Qingdao thoroughly tested the facilities and the operating system for these events, said Xia. The organizers, volunteers and all the other staff became familiar with their working procedures.

The athletes and coaches can enjoy both Chinese and Western cuisine, and, with its convenient traffic system, especially the public transport network, citizens, athletes, and tourists can easily get to any corner of the city.

The environment in Qingdao is getting better and better. Last year, all days in August and 332 days of the year were of fine air quality.

Qingdao upgraded its emergency response system and set up a comprehensive security system to safeguard the Olympic regatta.

The city has also established a highly qualified volunteer team, with around 400,000 locals registered as volunteers serving the regatta.

Weeks before the Games, officials and local residents struggled with a stubborn adversary: algae. The local government immediately set up an emergency-response department. Within a short period of time, the Olympic sailing venue was cleaned up.

"It is an honor to host the Olympic regatta. I believe that the organizing committee, the ISAF officials, the technical officials, and the volunteers will do the utmost to guarantee the success of the regatta," said Xia.