BOCOG: Olympic Games should be separated from politics

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-21-2008 09:07

The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games says sports should be separated from politics. BOCOG also says it has collected enough revenue to cover the cost of the Games.

The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games says sports should be separated from politics. BOCOG also says it has collected enough revenue to cover the cost of the Games.

BOCOG officials stressed on Wednesday that the Beijing Olympic Games should be separated from politics. This is the latest official response to Hollywood director Steven Spielberg's decision to withdraw as Games' artistic consultant because of political reasons concerning the Darfur region in Sudan.

Yuan Bin, director of BOCOG Marketing Depaetment, said, "I think everyone who respects facts would admit that China has done a great deal in order to solve the Darfur issue. So our sponsors have made the right choice. They identify with the Olympic spirit, and they also agree that the Beijing Olympics will help world peace and development in many ways."

The Beijing Olympics have attracted more than 60 company sponsors. BOCOG says that despite political pressure, the sponsors did not falter.

Yuan Bin said, "So far, none of our sponsors have withdrawn from their sponsorship with the Beijing Olympics."

Li Zhinu, senior manager of Adidas 2008 Olympic Program, said, "We will actively participate in the Beijing Olympic Games, due to our respect to sports and Olympic spirits."

BOCOG also said it had collected enough financial, material and technical resources and services for a smooth operation of the Games.

But officials stopped short of giving an exact figure.

In 2004, the Athens Olympic Games cost 1.9 billion US dollars.

Editor:Zhang Ning