- 11-Aug-2008

Beijing, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- The International Military Sports Council (CISM) on Sunday awarded medals to Chinese military leaders and military athletes in recognition of their contribution to promoting international military sports.

Leaders receiving the award were Defense Minister and State Councilor Liang Guanglie, Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Chen Bingde, and Deputy Chief of the PLA General Staff Liu Zhenwu.

Liang thanked CISM for the awards, saying the recognition of China's efforts to promote international sports would further promote exchanges between China and CISM member countries and encourage Chinese military athletes.

He hailed CISM's contribution to strengthening international military sports exchanges and cooperation.

Based in Brussels, CISM is the world's largest organization for military sports, with 131 member nations.

CISM President Gianni Gola, who handed out the medals, praised the Chinese military's important role in CISM and its contribution to international military sports..

He said he hoped the PLA would continue to support and promote international military sports.

Gola, who is here to attend activities in the CISM village at the Olympics, said the Games would be the most excellent games in all ways, including organization, infrastructure and volunteer services.

He added that the opening ceremony was a wonderful event that emphasized peace, friendship and the dreams of young people.

Before the award ceremony, Chen met with Gola and officers of 11 CISM member nations in the CISM village.

Chen said the PLA sincerely hoped that the Olympics would promote understanding and friendship in humanity and enhance peace.

Gola told Chen that the opening ceremony, which greatly impressed him and his colleagues by showing China's long history and modern scientific and technological development, was excellent and unforgettable.

The CISM village at the Beijing Olympic Games opened on Thursday, after 20 years' absence from the Olympics.

From Aug. 7-25, the village will house 61 military officials from 13 countries and CISM. They attended the opening ceremony and will also attend the closing ceremony, watch events and meet with military athletes who attend the Games.


Editor: Lin Liyu