In case anyone comes in for a thorough beating at the World
Taekwondo Championships in Beijing, organizers have ensured that
the best medical service will be on hand thanks to a deal with
International SOS.
Sixteen of the nation's best taekwondoists will battle it out in
the tournament, which will draw almost 1,000 participants from 121
countries and regions.
"The world championships is the most important event of the
sport before the 2008 Beijing Olympics. We are committed to
ensuring the best service," said Qiu Dalong, director of medical
department of the organizing committee.
"All the services we are going to offer are supposed to live up
to the Olympic standard. We chose SOS as the event's partner is
part of the efforts."
Taekwondo is a martial art originated in Korea that sees
competitors look to score points using an array of blows, mostly
kicks.
International SOS is the world's leading provider of medical
assistance, international healthcare, security services and
outsourced customer care.
"Our operations span five continents. We have facilities in more
than 70 countries, including 27 alarm centers and 25 International
SOS clinics. We can, therefore, provide assistance and services to
clients and members wherever they are located," said John Williams,
Managing Director of SOS China.
Williams said SOS will co-operate with local hospitals to offer
medical support and moreover help transfer anyone who is injured to
their original nationality.
"We develop local knowledge and expertise through our own staff
and by partnering with the local community. Our goal is always to
find solutions that fully support our clients and, whenever
possible, benefit the local population.
"The SOS clinics in Beijing will be open 24-hours during the
tournament."
The World Taekwondo Championships, held from Friday to next
Tuesday in the capital city, has attracted most of the world's best
athletes, including local Olympic champions Chen Zhong and Luo
Weil.
A record 973 overseas athletes will take part in the tournament,
including three Olympic champions and eight champions from the
Worlds two years ago.
Athens 58kg gold medalist Chu Mu-Yen from Chinese Taipei, 68kg
champion Hadi Bonehkohal of Iran and 80kg winner Steven Lopez of US
are the biggest stars in the men's field, while China's
Chen-and-Luo-inspired team is tipped to be the strongest medal
contender in the women's competition.
(China Daily May 15, 2007)