The National Swimming Center, a major venue for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, has so far received donations totaling more than US$16 million from overseas Chinese and residents of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao. Dug-deep their money, donors now hope the money will not be misused.
 
As one of the landmark buildings for the Beijing Olympic Games, the National Swimming Center is the only Olympic venue that is funded by donations from overseas Chinese and residents in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao. Since last July, the donations have reached a total of more than US$16 million, contributed by overseas Chinese from over 30 countries and regions.

Liu Qi, president of the Organizing Committee for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games urged that the money be used wisely.

"This amount of money embodies the good wishes and concerns of overseas Chinese for the 2008 Olympic Games. It's very precious. We should not waste a single cent and try to make full use of it."

A special committee has been established to supervise the donations. The expected investment for the swimming center is about US$100 million.

Many overseas donors say as Chinese, they sincerely want to contribute to the Games and believe the money will be properly used.

The construction of the National Swimming Center got underway last December. With 17,000 seats, the center will host swimming, diving, water polo and synchronized swimming events during the 2008 Games.

Beijing has promised to finish construction of Olympic venues and facilities at least a year ahead of time so test events can be held during 2007.

Liu Qi says the city will do its best to fulfill its promise to the world.

"We have the confidence that we can host a successful Olympic Games with the joint efforts by Chinese people from both home and overseas."

(CRI July 15, 2004)