The flag-raising ceremony for the Chinese delegation was held Wednesday morning at the 22nd Universiade Athletes'Village.

Village mayor Synn Ilhi joined around 100Chinese officials,coaches and athletes at the ceremony.

"On behalf of the Organizing Committee,it's a great pleasure to welcome you to the athletes'village,"said Synn,who is also president of Keimyung University.

"China is geographically close to (South)Korea and we're very happy to receive our closest neighbor.We have done our best to make your stay here comfortable,pleasant,and above all,safe,"he added.

Duan Shijie,head of the Chinese delegation,expressed his sincere thanks to the host.

"I would like,on behalf of the Chinese delegation,to avail myself of this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to the meticulous arrangements and the hard work of the organizing committee,"said Duan.

Duan said the Chinese delegation has a double goal at the worlduniversity students'gala.

"We send our delegation here,not only for athletic competition,but also for the deeping of the friendship between us,"he said.

China has dispatched a 229-athlete delegation,hoping to win gold medals in swimming,diving,gymnastics and fencing.

The World University Games,slated for August 21-31,is expected to draw a record 7,700athletes from over 170countries and regions.