On the morning of June 28 local time, the Shenzhen delegation inspected Belgrade’s Universiade Village and the main stadium for the opening and closing ceremonies. After the trip, Liang Daoxing, the chief of the executive board for Shenzhen Universiade, said,“As far as we see here, Shenzhen has confidence to surpass Belgrade.”
At the Universiade Village, the first stop of the delegation, a volunteer told the reporter Belgrade’s Universiade Village covers 15 hectares, with 14 dormitories and 2 office buildings. Over 10,000 athletes from 140 countries will be accommodated in 1858 rooms of the 14 dormitories. Sharing the same designing principles with the Beijing Olympics, the Universiade Village in Belgrade was built to be ultimately an upmarket housing estate, which serves as a residence for athletes during the events and will be sold after the Universiade.
In accordance with international practices, Athletes’ Village consists of three parts: an international zone, a running zone and a residential zone. The running zone, where the Village’s management center is located, was undoubtedly the most crowded place yesterday. Athletes were all waiting there to be registered, receive certificates and have their qualifications reviewed. After visiting the international zone and the running zone, Liang Daoxing with other delegation members came to Chinese athletes’ dorms. He made a short talk with them and learned about the Chinese athletes’ living conditions there. Later on, the Shenzhen delegation went to visit Belgrade Stadium, the main stadium of the opening and closing ceremonies for the coming Universiade.
After the inspection, Liang Daoxing believes Shenzhen has full confidence to host a successful Summer Universiade to exceed Belgrade. “For some reasons, Belgrade once had trouble with money in preparations, while Shenzhen provides strong economic background for the 2011 Universiade. As far as we see here today, both Belgrade Universiade’s strong points and weak points can be of a great help to our organization work.” he said, adding that designed to satisfy the needs of the athletes，Shenzhen Athletes’ Village boosts the best facilities compared with any of the previous ones. It is sure to be more comfortable and convenient in all aspects.