Katia Deng/ Shanghai Daily news
Shanghai is stepping up efforts to promote the 2007 FIFA WomenĄŻs World Cup
with only 45 days to go before the opening ceremony.
Shanghai Deputy Party Secretary Yin Yicui and Shanghai Vice Mayor Yang
Dinghua yesterday inspected preparation work at Shanghai Hongkou Football
Stadium.
They looked at the ticket office, playing field, locker rooms, auditorium and
the VIP balcony.
Work is going smoothly. The plan for the opening ceremony was submitted to
FIFA and volunteers have been signed up to help during the soccer event.
Yin said it was a great opportunity for Shanghai to host such a big
international sporting event, so people should take the chance to show the world
a great city. She also said she hopes the event would boost the spirit of the
hardworking womenĄŻs soccer players.
The tournament will be co-hosted by four other Chinese cities from September
10 to 30. As the main venue, Shanghai will host the opening ceremony as well as
eight matches, including the final.
Renovations at Shanghai Hongkou Football Stadium began in November and
included upgrades of public transport facilities in the area.
