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Article: The Beijing Olympics? (Beijing, China's high-pressure bid for the 2000 Olympic Games)
- Article from:
- The Economist (US)
- Article date:
- August 21, 1993
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1993 Economist Newspaper Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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THE casual visitor to Beijing could well conclude that the city is certain to get the Olympic Games in 2000 and that the other main contenders (joint-favourite Sydney followed by Berlin, Manchester, Brasilia and Istanbul) might as well fold their tents. Ubiquitous banners, flags and advertisements tout the Olympic spirit and proclaim: "A more open China awaits the year 2000." Physical- education colleges around the country have introduced "Olympism" into their curriculums; public lectures are held on the Olympic spirit and the history of the games; Olympics-knowledge game shows are staged on state-run television.
For those who still need convincing, it ...