Picture: Birds Nest Stadium
08-08-08, 8pm. Tomorrow is the day.
However, grey skies are still hanging over China. From human rights issues, pollution problems and now the recent attacks.With the world’s attention over China now, will more problems be uncovered? Its settling to know that China is not leaving any stones left unturned where security is concerned. But, haven’t you wondered how come China couldn’t get their pollution levels at Beijing under control despite having a 7-year preparation period?
Had they put in place appropriate measures to cut down the pollution levels earlier, they wouldn’t be frantically trying to lower it at the eleventh hour. Inducing rain, shutting down factories and limiting the number of vehicles on the road are several measures China has adopted. But, are they enough?
Pollution levels in Beijing have resulted in several Olympic teams setting up bases in countries such as Japan and Singapore; choosing to train there instead, before the Olympic Games officially begins.
Where human rights issues are concerned, journalists will not be able to access information on political and human rights stories because of China’s government censorship laws. Even the IOC admitted that it allowed China censor the Web for journalists covering the event.
We have yet to see if this year's Olympics will be memorable for good or bad reasons.
Putting all their misgivings aside, there’s one thing for sure - everyone will be watching in excitement as their respective countries compete in the Games.
And of course, the question on every Singaporean’s mind: Will this year be a lucky year for us? After a 48 year medal draught? Winning an Olympic medal is so coveted in Singapore that SGD 1 million is up for grabs for a gold medal winner.
-- Starwish
However, grey skies are still hanging over China. From human rights issues, pollution problems and now the recent attacks.With the world’s attention over China now, will more problems be uncovered? Its settling to know that China is not leaving any stones left unturned where security is concerned. But, haven’t you wondered how come China couldn’t get their pollution levels at Beijing under control despite having a 7-year preparation period?
Had they put in place appropriate measures to cut down the pollution levels earlier, they wouldn’t be frantically trying to lower it at the eleventh hour. Inducing rain, shutting down factories and limiting the number of vehicles on the road are several measures China has adopted. But, are they enough?
Pollution levels in Beijing have resulted in several Olympic teams setting up bases in countries such as Japan and Singapore; choosing to train there instead, before the Olympic Games officially begins.
Where human rights issues are concerned, journalists will not be able to access information on political and human rights stories because of China’s government censorship laws. Even the IOC admitted that it allowed China censor the Web for journalists covering the event.
We have yet to see if this year's Olympics will be memorable for good or bad reasons.
Putting all their misgivings aside, there’s one thing for sure - everyone will be watching in excitement as their respective countries compete in the Games.
And of course, the question on every Singaporean’s mind: Will this year be a lucky year for us? After a 48 year medal draught? Winning an Olympic medal is so coveted in Singapore that SGD 1 million is up for grabs for a gold medal winner.
-- Starwish
4 comments:
don't worry, Sarah Brightman will save the day. Beijing can rely on this angel. ^_^
China had everything covered, officials claim. They've spent at least $11 billion on security, ammunition and preventive measures - that's more than any country who had participated in the Olympics have ever invested.
China seems to be the only country who has not piled up debts to clear after the Olympics! Many host countries depend on the revenue and the multiplier effect (warning, technical jargon!) to help them repay the debt, while China is more than happy to do the construction work. In fact the Olympics fueled the growth of the Chinese economy. Beijing gets a handsome makeover and better city planning, but at the expense of historical dwellings and the poorer people's living standards.
China should have tried to solve the environmental problems earlier - starting the car ban recently, shutting down factories a few months back will not help at all! It's just like global warming - even if we stop producing CO2 for the next decade, global warming will still take it's course. It's just too late!
I find the one million prize money that the government has set aside for a potential Singapore medalist very rediculous. You don't use money to make athletes try their best. I hated when politics and money come into play in sports, including the Olympics games. It just destroys and erodes the intrinsic value of sportsmanship and diminishes the true meaning behind sports.
Relax - Wasn't it Sarah McLachlan who sang "Angel"? :P
Teddy, yes they spent a lot but some of them are just a facade to display a good image to the world. Will things go back to the way it was before after the Olympics are over? The spitting habit, the poor people hawking their goods etc, have lost their source of income.
As for the pollution levels, they will certainly go back to the way it was.
Yes, its ridiculous, but money talks in Singapore. If the goverment wasn't so desperate surely they wouldn't result to "importing" players from other countries, granting them "instant" citizenship to represent Singapore.
Singaporeans have long been exposed that a career in sports isn't lucrative, choosing to stick to the traditional careers.
But after the building of the first Sports School, things are looking up. (hopefully)
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