An official with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) on Friday congratulated the Beijing Olympic organizing committee and the Chinese people on an unprecedented show of sports and culture.

"Sports is the big winner here in Beijing and our lasting impressions of the Olympic Games will be of precision, spectacular fields of play and arenas that allow athletes to perform at their very best," said John Furlong, VANOC chief executive officer.

"We will never forget the immense pride of Chinese citizens in opening up their country with warmth and hosting the world," he added.

Beijing Olympic Games have been a highly valuable learning experience for the VANOC's team, Furlong said.

Members of the VANOC team have been observing and working in areas concerning press operation, broadcast, accommodation for athletes and journalists, ticketing, medical service and volunteering in Beijing.

"Everyone will go home with an enhanced perspective on how to make the 2010 Winter Games the best possible experience," said Furlong.

Furlong also said the Beijing Olympic Games have fostered additional interest in Vancouver 2010. During the Beijing Games period, visits to www.vancouver2010.com have increased fivefold, while daily applications from volunteers eager to be part of the 2010 experience have tripled.

The VANOC held that the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games opening ceremony was a spectacular showcase of culture and sports that inspired intense national pride with its special technology. Canada will have an equally compelling opportunity to tell its opening ceremony story to the world.

The VANOC thought the athletes' village in Beijing is well-equipped to meet the needs of athletes and team officials, including Internet accession, food service, and a comfortable and secure environment for training, relaxation and meeting fellow athletes.

The Main Press Center (MPC) and the International Broadcast Center (IBC) also work well for the accredited media, according to the VANOC.

Rain delayed a number of events. However, the Beijing organizing committee was able to reschedule and stage these events within the planned Games schedule, said the VANOC.

(Xinhua News Agency August 22, 2008)