The 2007 International Archery Tournament entered the fifth day competition on August 24. A presss conference was held in the interval of the men's individual elimination round today, where President and officials of the FITA commented on such work as the event organization, competition management, volunteers service and construction of the venue and supporting facilities, and answered questions by the media.

Attending the press conference were FITA President Ugur Erdener, First Vice President Paul H. Paulsen, Secretary-General Tom Dielen and Treasurer Robert Smith.

Everything is ready for the Olympics

Commenting on the work of the organizing committee of this tournament, FITA First Vice President Paul Paulsen said, "Both the venue and facilities here are excellent. Though the weather is hot, it will not be a problem after a period of adaptation, particularly to those athletes who have come earlier to get used to the weather and venue.

"The venue services here is also impressive, a bit too many as the volunteers are, their services are very good", continued Paulsen, "Of course, lessons can be drawn from each event, and there is still something that remains to be improved. However, these are unavoidable for event organizers. We need to strengthen our communication, coordination and cooperation with other departments next year to ensure the smooth going of the event."

When asked what he thought about Beijing's weather, FITA Treasurer Robert Smith replied, "The weather here is not a problem. Through this event we can see that windbreak measures have been properly adopted at the venue, as the wind cones on the field swing lightly while the flags above the venue are fluttering violently.

So far FITA President Ugur Erdener is satisfied with all aspects of the organizational work by the local organizing committee. Speaking of the coming Beijing Olympic Games, he was fairly optimistic, "Everything is ready for the Olympics. All we need to do is to deliver an outstanding Olympic Games next year."

Volunteers' smiles unforgettable

"How do you do!" "You've been working very hard!" Whenever the journalists covering the archery tournament met the volunteers on the field, they will receive such cordial greetings. The volunteers' smiles and warm services made every one present feel at home.

On volunteers' services during this tournament, Paulsen said, "The volunteers here served people kindly. This is exactly the factor of humanity as we say. We will show our high-quality venue and facilities through such kind of humanities."

Smith said, "We changed the schedule to speed up the competition when the tournament entered its third day. I would like to thank those volunteers for having duly notified all the competitors to ensure the smooth going of the tournament. Everything here was arranged in good order."

At the end of the press conference the FITA President concluded as saying, "There is still one year before the opening of the Beijing Olympic Games. Through all the work for this tournament, we have every reason to believe that Beijing 2008 will turn out to be the most successful in the Olympic history."