By Xinhua,
Beijing : More than 3,000 commodities are available in the international area of the Athletes’ Village, said Deng Yaping, spokesperson and deputy director of Olympic Village Department, here Sunday.
“Having been an athlete for years, I really know what the athletes want,” said the legendary paddler who dominated women’s table tennis for nearly a decade in 1990’s.
“The international area is always attractive in each Olympics. The international guests need consumption and entertainment in the area, so we attach a lot of importance to that part,” said Deng. “For some of the athletes and delegation managers, they won’t go around the city, and probably the international area is the only place they can tour and buy something for home.”
There is a collection of more than 3,000 commodities in the shops covering 1,000 square metres. The Village picked up the 3,000 items from a total of 6,000-7,000 specially certified commodities.
“We enquired a lot of athletes and team managers for Olympic commodity selection advice, so what we provide are the most desired in line with previous experience,” said Deng.
In the international area, athletes can see a colourful section of interactive cultural activities. They can take part in various theatrical performances and festivities throughout the Games.
A special Chinese Learning Centre has also been established to help residents of the Athletes’ Village improve their Chinese language skills and learn the basics about Chinese calligraphy and other aspects of traditional culture.