(ATR) The surest sign of the coming of the Beijing Olympics is the launch of test events and 2006 will bring the first, sailing in August. Personalities and preparations involved with the 2008 Games are #8 in the Around the Rings Golden 25 for 2006.
The coastal city of Qingdao, one hour south of Beijing by air, is the site of the August test event, drawing several hundred sailors and their boats. Also ahead for Beijing in 2006 will be the Softball World Championships in Beijing in June, another test of how athletes will be cared for in the Olympic City.
With pressure on BOCOG from the IOC and sponsors to improve communications with the world's media, the naming of a international public relations firm will be one of the key events that could shape Beijing's image in the next year.
Formulation of plans for the Olympic Torch Relay, opening ceremony and other public aspects of the Beijing Olympics will be important milestones for organizers in 2006.
BOCOG president Liu Qi, deputy Liujing Min, secretary general Wang Wei and media vice president Jiang Xiaoyu Ziaoyu are among the people to watch in the year ahead for their role in big decisions for the Beijing Games.
Outside of China, key gatekeepers for the IOC are Kevan Gosper, acting chair of the IOC Coordination Commission, as well as Hein Verbruggen, a member of the commission who expects to return to his seat as chairman in 2006, assuming he wins election to the IOC at the February IOC Session in Turin.
Major sponsors, such as Coke, Visa, GE and Samsung are among the businesses which are counting on BOCOG?s cooperation to help them make the most of their presence in China in these final two years to the Games.
The Around the Rings Golden 25 is a ranking of the 25 most influential events and personalities for the year ahead. The annual survey, compiled by the staff of Around the Rings, is now in its 10th year.
The countdown of the Around the Rings Golden 25 for 2006 continues to Number One on January 1. Your best source of news about the Olympics is www.aroundtherings .com, for subscribers only.
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