Preparation work for the Olympic Games is still going smooth, just as Wang Wei, Secretary General of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), said it would when he reported to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) four years ago.

"The preparation work has won support from all levels of governments and people from all walks of life," said Wang, adding that the whole society is taking on an "enthusiastic and orderly working atmosphere."

Spending frugally

Marketing of the Olympics has harvested satisfactory fruits, according to Wang. "The marketing income will meet the funding needs for the Games' organization and operation expenses," noted Wang.

Though good marketing results, the BOCOG sticks to the principle of "a frugal Olympics" and pinches every penny before spending it. The objective of BOCOG is not to spend more money than that was spent on the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

Talking weather

The Beijing Olympic Games will be held in August, a season that sees changeable weather and much rain. Statistics show that it rains an average of every three days in Beijing during August. However, Wang Yingchun, an expert with the State Meteorological Agency, was confident about providing a high-quality weather forecasting service. She has led the research program for precise weather reports and it has proven effective.

"We will provide a precise weather forecast and update the weather forecasts four times a day for all sports venues," Wang said. "For certain matches we will forecast the weather by the hour."

The probability of precipitation, something most people are used to seeing when they look at a weather forecast, will not be allowed during the Olympics because of its ambiguity. The forecast will clearly state whether there will be rain or not, according to meteorologist Li Zechun. "According to international practice, the weather department should prepare to disperse the rain ahead of time if a rain is predicted," explained Li.

In order to bring more accuracy to the weather forecasting, Beijing has borrowed short-term forecast systems from countries and regions including the United States, Canada, Australia and Hong Kong.

Almost famous

The National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, is now in its interior decoration phase. The interiors will borrow ideas from famous architecture around the world while also retaining specific Chinese characteristics.

The Bird's Nest is due to be completed by next March, and will be the final venue constructed. Fengtai Softball Field in Beijing was the first facility completed and hosted the XI Women's World Softball Championship in August 2006.

"Most of the venues will be completed and put in use in early August," said chief engineer of Olympic venue construction Wu Jingjun. "Some will be finished at the end of this year."

Traffic worries

"We are confident in dealing with the traffic problem in Beijing next August," said BOCOG's Wang. "Beijing will give a boost to public transportation and the city will not be ‘closed down'."