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"For many years, we have had a dream. That dream was to come
to China. Now that dream has come through. But we could never imagine
that the reality was even better than what we have dreamed about??"
Leif Martin Nilsson, President of the Union of European Press Sportive
(UEPs), wrote down his lasting impression of Beijing after his first
trip to this ancient yet modern city.
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Wearing the Beijing bid logo pin during his seven-day stay in Beijing,
he visited the Beijing Transportation Control Center which he praised
as "very, very impressive", the Beijing Telecommunication
Bureau, China national gymnastics team and diving team in addition
to the Shichahai Sports Training School.
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On April 19, while giving lecture at the training seminar for Chinese
sports reporters, Nilsson offered the young journalists advice on
improving their English and how to raise questions as to find the
angle when reporting on sports events.
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Nilsson also visited the newly renovated Beijing Worker's Stadium,
Beijing Olympic Center and the reserved land for the future Olympic
Green. When he was shown that the distance between the MPC and main
Stadium was only 600 meters with a 15- minute walk, his encouraging
words were, "That's great. Now, you have solved the problem
I worry about most, I think Beijing will get it this time."
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Speaking of Beijing's second bid for the Olympics, Nilsson recognized
the efforts Beijing has made to host the Olympics. He said, "You
were so close last time for the 2000 Olympics, and since that, more
progress have been achieved, so I think this time, you will win."
Nilsson has long been a strong supporter of Beijing's Olympic bid.
He pointed to the pin he wore and said, "The two words 'Candidate
City' is sure to be changed to 'Organizing City'. I wish you all
the best for your bidding and I am quite positive that you will
make it this time. I wish you very good luck."
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Leif Nilsson was educated in the University for Journalism in Stockholm
and since 1967, he has been the sports reporter in Expression, the
largest daily newspaper in Sweden. He has covered many large sporting
events including the Olympic Games and World Championships. For
his achievements, he was awarded the Badge of Honor by the Swedish
Athletic Association and Swedish Basketball Association. He became
the President of the Swedish National Sports Journalist Association
(NSJA) in 1992 and was elected to the board of UEPs in 1994. In
1998, Leif Nilsson acted as the President of UEPs.
(BOBICO 05/10/2001)
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