The Qingdao International Regatta, the first test event for the
2008 Olympic Regatta, closed with accolades on Thursday.
After a fortnight, the regatta concluded with a closing ceremony
in the Media Center.
David Kellett, vice president of International Sailing
Federation, congratulated the Chinese team in a press conference
for its outstanding performance in men's and women's RS:X as well
as Yngling.
China won one gold medal, two silvers and two bronzes, among
which Athens Olympic runner-up Yin Jian bagged a bronze in women's
RS:X.
Kellett then added that during their debriefings, team leaders
had given some constructive suggestions, which will definitely help
the next test event in 2007 and the Olympic Regatta in 2008.
"The regatta runs smoothly and Qingdao people are very warm and
friendly," he said. "The only minor thing we need to improve is the
water management."
Sun Lijie, secretary general of Qingdao Sailing Committee, said:
"Though the regatta has been completed, we can not give us a full
score as the test event was aimed to find problems and solutions.
We still have much more work to do."
He added: "Such as timing, standards and measures to handle
emergencies, as well as setup of some working positions."
(Xinhua News Agency?September 1, 2006)