The athletes village ofthe 2003Daegu Universiade opened to media on Monday,when anti-terror and fire fighting rehearsals were held in the village.

In their welcome speeches,Daegu City Mayor Cho Hae-nyong and the athletes village Mayor Syun Il-hee hope the largest ever universiade with the participation by over 100,000athletes,coaches and officials from 170countries and regions will be remembered by the world.

The 1,935-house village in northern Daegu,some 330kilometers southeast to Seoul,will officially open on August 14to accommodate up to 8,500athletes and close on September 3.

The 144,228square meters village is divided into three sections:Mixed Zone,International Zone and Residential Zone,which will provide information,leisure and accommodation servicesto athletes.

And all the apartments built in the village will be sold to local residents after the games.

Exercises for anti-terror,hostage rescue and fight against bio-chemical weapon attack and fire were also held in the village.

The Universiad was slated for August 21-31.