Olympic Village to be formally opened Sunday

Source: Xinhua | 07-25-2008 10:17

The athletes' village for the Beijing Olympic Games is set to open on Sunday. Organizers say they will provide the best possible services for athletes from all over the world.

Photo taken on July 24, 2008 shows the  gate of the Olympic Village in Beijing,  capital of China. The Olympic Village  will be formally opened to the athletes from around the world on July 27. The Beijing Olympic Games will be held on Aug.  8-24.(Xinhua/Xu Jiajun)

Beijing's Olympic athletes' village is closer to the main venues than at any other Games. But as always, the athletes will stay here for free.

The canteen is already operating. 70 percent of the food served  is western style and the rest is Asian. The menu will change every 8 days and food will be available around the clock. Organizers guarantee the food will be both delicious and nutritious.

Organizers have also set up places of worship for followers of major religions.

Deng Yaping, Spokeswoman of Olympic Athletes' Village said "I hope all the athletes who live in this village will feel the warm welcome and appreciate the good services we provide. I hope this will help them compete well."

The village officially opens on Sunday and is poised to receive 16,000 athletes and officials from over 200 countries and regions.