What of the budget for construction of the Olympic stadiums and gymnasiums?
The Games total budget is estimated at $1.625 billion. BOCOG will invest $130 million, mainly in equipment for use during the Games. The government is expected to put in some money, but the bulk of the budget will be covered by funds raised through the committee’s marketing operations. The Beijing Municipal Development Planning Commission is now busy working out fund-raising plans and how the funds from different sources will be used. In undertaking construction of competition sites, BOCOG will strive to integrate what will be needed for the Olympic Games and what will be required to serve the city’s long-term development. All Olympic-specific facilities must meet the best international standard. Meanwhile, existing facilities will be fully utilized to minimize capital investment. In short, we’ll stick to the principle of practicing economy in hosting the Olympic Games. (Beijing Mayor and BOCOG president Liu Qi has promised an “open and frugal” Beijing Games.) How will BOCOG effectivel
