Beijing the ‘right call’ for Olympics

THE International Olympic Committee says history will prove it was right to award the 2008 Games to Beijing despite concerns over human rights in China.

Yesterday marks six months until the start of the Olympics and there remains disquiet in some quarters at the record of the Chinese communist government.

But IOC communications chief, Giselle Davies, said: “We feel, very strongly, it was the right decision.

“We are just as proud of that decision today as when we made it.”

A leading human rights activist, Hu Jia, was arrested last week prompting further calls for the IOC to speak out.

But Davies added: “History will look back and say the Games were a key part in a rapid and fascinating evolution of a country which is front and centre of the global community.

“There’s no denying there has been a number of reports of late in the media of issues of concern.

“But come August, there will be two weeks of competition when the whole world will be watching and up to 20,000 media on site.

“That will allow the world to take a look at Beijing and the wider Chinese society. We see that as positive — and think it will engender a stronger understanding.

“If and when there are things which are brought to our attention that we deem to be specifically Games-related and not in line with our values, of course we’re concerned.”

Meanwhile, the IOC is warning athletes not to use the Games as a vehicle to make political or religious statements.

“The Olympics is first and foremost a sporting event and that should never be forgotten. It’s not the place for political, religious and other statements,” said Davies.