On April 30th 2008, Qingdao Citizens gathered for a walk to celebrate the 100 day Olympic Regatta Countdown.  Celebrations were also held a WuSi (May 4th Square) and HuiQuan Square, where the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympic Sailing Regatta will be held.

A mass walk (photographed left) held by the Qingdao Physical Training Association starting at Qingdao Beach No. 1 was held on April 26th, 2008 as a precursor to the 100 day Olympic countdown. 

Over 2000 participants set out from Bathing Beach No. 1 and walked along the sea side pathway, passing by Badaguan, Bathing Beach No. 3, and finally arrived at the end point, the Music Square.



2008 IFDS Qingdao International Regatta :: Qingdao Olympic Village Will Open to the Public in May 2008

The Qingdao Olympic Village will receive its first sailors, coaches, media, organizers, and spectators on May 8th, said Zang Aimin, deputy president of the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Committee. 

The sailors, coaches, and support staff participating in the 2008 IFDS Qingdao International Regatta will not only test out the new Paralympic Class SKUD-18 being used in the upcoming 2008 Paralympic Games in September but also the Olympic Facilities themselves.  Spectators will also be able to test out the venues readiness for the upcoming 2008 sailing events.

The Olympic village, located within the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, has 400 rooms and is able to accommodate all 800 athletes, coaches and officials from over 60 Countries and Regions for the sailing events of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Zang told reporters.

The village will abide by the requirements of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and BOCOG and apply the same standards as the Beijing Olympic Village in terms of protocol, accommodation and reception, she said.

Zang, who was recently appointed deputy mayor of the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Village, said in May, it will receive athletes, coaches and officials for the upcoming sailing event for people with disabilities.  This event will test the readiness of the facilities and staff for the upcoming Olympic Sailing events scheduled for August 9-21, 2008.  After the Olympic Games, the village will be converted into a five-star hotel.

Sources: www.bandao.cn; www.sailing2008.org; www.alove4sailing.com