Updated:2006-05-08
Builders at work (Xinhua photo)
(BEIJING, May 8) -- Construction of the Fengtai Softball Field in Beijing will be completed early July, ready for the XI women's world softball championship in late August, officials said on Monday.
Construction of two competition grounds' main structures as well as the functional rooms has already finished, with fitment work put onto schedule now, said Lu Shijie, deputy secretary-general of the organizing committee for the championship scheduled for August 27-Sptember 5, 2006.
New technologies and environment-friendly and energy-saving materials have been used in the project, he said. For instance, the hot-water supply system at functional rooms is powered by solar energy, which ensures sufficient hot water supply to the athletes and officials during the event.
Located in the south of the Chinese capital and within half hour of drive from the Olympic Green, the centralized area of Olympic venues, the field covers a floor space of about 15,570 square meters and contains over 10,000 seats. It stated construction in July 2005
A total of 31 Olympic venues will be used for the 26 sports to be contested in Beijing. Of them, Fentai Softball Field will be the first to be completed and put to use.
Organizing committee executive president Yang Shu'an, who inspected the field on Monday, urged not only speedy construction, but also the organization of the preparatory teams. So far, over 50 staff members have assumed their posts.
Softball field under construction (Xinhua photo)
Workers at the Fentai Softball Field (Xinhua photo)
