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Guangzhou plans to recycle 2010 Asiad technology

By Qiu Quanlin (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-04-02 09:14

GUANGZHOU: New computers and hi-tech equipment bought especially for the 16th Asian Games will be put to use after the event to boost the city's digital development, organizers said yesterday.

In an effort to make the most out of hosting the 2010 Asiad, the Guangdong provincial capital will reuse facilities in "rural areas, residential communities and the sports sector", revealed Rao Jian, the deputy director of IT and telecommunications for the Games.

"In the current economic situation, we will not look for expensive facilities, thereby keeping within the principal of saving money," he said.

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Guangzhou is investing less in IT systems for next year's event than previous hosts Doha in Qatar, which will be around a fifth of what was spent by organizers of the Beijing Olympics last summer, said Rao. But he added that the authorities "expect the Games to help enhance the city's digital development".

The organizing committee will develop more than 100 IT projects ahead of the opening of the Asia Games on Nov 12, with the data center and maintenance operation center, two major information facilities, put into use this month.

Meanwhile, the organizing committee is expected to confirm the information provider for the time-scoring system by June, with plans also to develop a commentator information system (CIS) - the first in Asian Games' history - for the opening and closing ceremonies.

"With the CIS, overseas audiences will be able to better understand what the ceremonies convey. We want to show a true and colorful Guangzhou to the world," Rao added.