Heads of Delegation's Meeting in Harbin: Day 1
September 25th, 2008
Eric Saintrond and Kairis Ulp
It was another session of important meetings and inspections in Harbin. Indeed, today was the first day of the Heads of Delegations' visit in the city which will organise the 24th Winter Universiade next February. The delegates were first invited to a presentation at the Victories Hotel. Welcomed by Chen Youdong, Executive Vice-Chair of the Harbin OC and Vice Governor of the People's Government of Heilongjiang Province, Kairis Ulp, CSU Chair and Eric Saintrond, FISU Secretary General/CEO, the delegates had the opportunity to look to a DVD presentation which summarizes all the aspects of the organisation of the next Winter Universiade. OC Secretary General, Mr Han Guangru, then took the floor to give some details to the Heads of Delegation such as the Visa Application procedure, the participation fees, the accreditation, the catering and accommodation, the ceremonies and the transportation system.
The roll call during the HOD meeting, Turkey was there...
After this brief report the HoDs were invited to conduct a series of inspections. The Athletes' Village was the first stop. Located on the campus of Heilongjiang University in Harbin City, Heilongjiang University Athletes’ Village is composed of two zones - the international zone and the mixed zone. It will mainly receive delegation officials, athletes and coaches participating in the ice competitions during the games. There will be over 1,500 athletes and coaches living in Heilongjiang University Athletes’ Village at the same time. The international zone of Heilongjiang University Athletes’ Village is composed of 3 buildings No.27 and No.29 and the Athletes’ Catering Center. There are 14 floors in Building No.27, with 70 double rooms from the 2nd to the 4th floor, and 232 rooms that could accommodate 3 people from the 5th to the top floor, making it all together 863 beds in the building. Twenty-seven single rooms and 27 office rooms for HoDs, and 27 rooms for meeting and massage use will also be arranged. Building No.29 has 7 floors, with 321 double rooms, 20 single rooms and 20 office rooms for HoDs, 20 rooms for meeting and massage. There will be totally 662 beds in Building No. 29. Each building has its own laundry room(s). The living conditions and the facilities equipped will all meet FISU Minimum Requirements. The detailed accommodation arrangement will then be implemented by Harbin OC according to the exact number of participants from all countries and regions. After a lunch in the Village, the HoDs had the opportunity to spend the afternoon session to inspect the ice rinks in Harbin. Tomorrow, the Heads of Delegation will go to Yabuli and to Maoershan to inspect the snow venues.
The Athletes' Village in Harbin
Information session in one of the Ice Hockey venues
Inspecting the Long Track Speed Skating Ice Stadium in Harbin
