# Looking towards the Beijing 2008 Olympics

The great performances by Japan’s top-level athletes at international meets such as the Olympic Games give hope and inspiration to many people, and contribute to the formation of a bright and active society. In August 2008, the Olympic Games will be held in Beijing, the first time since the Seoul Olympic Games in 1988, 20 years prior, that the games will be held in Asia. 37 medals have been won including the 16 gold medals in the Athens 2004 Olympic Games creating much excitement among the people, and even more excitement is expected for the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

Efforts have been made by MEXT for measures to improve the international competitiveness based on the “Basic Plan for the Promotion of Sports.” In this Topic, we will introduce the maintenance of the National Training Center (NTC) and the holding of the minister-level meeting for sports in the Asia region as a major effort of MEXT towards the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

### 1. Maintenance of the National Training Center (NTC)

To enhance the performance of our top-level athletes, the maintenance of a base that holds a practice ground for each sport and accommodation facilities to conduct intensive and continuous training is essential. For this reason, MEXT began the maintenance of NTC in 2004 in the Nishigaoka district of Kita ward, Tokyo, where the Japan Institute of Sports Sciences stands, and after its completion in December 2007 it has been used concomitantly since January 2008.

In collaboration with the neighboring Japan Institute of Sports Sciences, it is possible to conduct higher quality training at this center, and it is expected to be used for residential training right before the Beijing Olympics.

Moreover, in the case of nautical sports, outdoor sports and altitude training, existing training facilities are used and designated as “Event-Specific NTC Affiliated Facilities,” which is planned to enhance the facilities through high functionalization.

### 2. Meeting of Asian Sports Ministers

In August 2007, in order to build a trend for the promotion of sports in the Asian region and to wish for the success of the Beijing Olympics, the “Meeting of Asian Sports Ministers” was held at the guesthouse in Osaka City to exchange opinions about measures to raise the international presence of the Asian region in the sporting world. This meeting was hosted by Japan and held for the first time, with 26 countries and related institutions from the Asian region participating.

As stated above, this year’s Beijing Olympics will be the first to be held in Asia after 20 years, and there is great hope for further interaction between each country from this opportunity, as well as the flourishing of Asian athletes at this event. Additionally, the cooperation of the Asian nations as a whole is crucial for the success of this event.

At the meeting, the “Declaration for the success of the Beijing Olympics” was adopted unanimously with the content of: a) promoting sports and making efforts to enhance the athletes’ performances for the success of athletes from the Asian nations in the Beijing Olympics, b) promoting global interaction through sports to further activate the interaction between the Asian nations towards the Beijing Olympics, and c) making the best efforts for the Beijing Olympics to be held with great excitement and success. Reaffirmation about the importance of the spirit of fair play and the importance of doping prevention activities also took place.

In addition, it has been decided that the “Meeting of Asian Sports Ministers” will be held continuously from now on, with the next meeting to be held in Iran.