Beijing is almost ready for the Olympics

A top-level leading group has been formed for the preparation of the Olympic Games. The group will be headed by party leader Xi Jinping. The announcement was made by officials with the Games' organizing committee at Wednesday's CPPCC press conference.

Cui Dalin, CPPCC Member(File photo)

Five CPPCC members involved in organizing the Games kept anticipations high.

Member Liu Jingmin, also the Vice Mayor of Beijing, told reporters that the leading group, made up of senior leaders in the Central government, has given effective support to the preparation work in the run-up to the Beijing Games.

Member Cui Dalin said China will ensure a completely "clean" competition from its athletes.

Cui Dalin, CPPCC Member, said, "We will stick to the three strict principles, namely: strict prohibition, strict testing and strict punishment."

Cui refused to predict the number of medals Chinese athletes might win. He said the number one purpose for China in hosting the Games is to carry forward the Olympic spirit and showcase the country's image.

Member Zhang Yimou, general director of the opening and closing ceremony performances, declined to reveal any details. But all five were confident of the success of the Games.

As the Beijing Summer Olympic Games draw near, more and more events and conferences in Beijing are infused with an Olympic atmosphere, like the NPC and CPPCC sessions.

The Games have been mentioned in the government work report, and many of the motions and proposals. All these indicate the determination of the country and its people to make the upcoming Games one of the best in history.