Beijing was given a resounding vote of confidence in its ability to stage the "best ever" Olympic Games from a visiting official of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Michael Payne, IOC marketing director, said China's inexperience in holding such a vast logistical event would not be a problem.

Work between the IOC and the Beijing organizing committee had been fruitful since the capital was named as the host city for the 2008 Games last year in Moscow, he said.

Such unity would ensure the sports extravaganza would be a success and this was already visible in the preparation work.

"We saw so much enthusiasm, heard support from so many people, and left with the impression that they committed to learn from previous Games," Payne said

"So we have great expectations and great hopes for the Beijing Games."

His words echo those of the IOC Co-ordination Commission which visited Beijing two months earlier to scrutinize preparations for the Games.

The commission said they were not dissatisfied with any of the city's work, saying it was completely in line with IOC wishes.

Payne was in Beijing for a two-day Olympic design conference for the 2008 Games.

The conference, attended by elite designers from home and abroad, is expected to spark greater contributions to the Beijing Games in this field. A design competition for the emblem used for the 2008 Games was also started.

The contest winner will pocket 200,000 yuan (US$24,000).

Payne encouraged more designers to join the race -- and the Olympics.

"There is only one winner (of the competition), but there are multiple opportunities to get involved in the Olympics.

"I believe there will be many winners in the Games because they can contribute in their own way to Olympic success.''

The emblem design project will finish by the end of next year with the mascot design being completed before 2006.

(China Daily July 3, 2002)