On July 21, 2008, H.E. Madam LIU Fei, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of P.R.China to the F.S.M., hosted a "Media Reception in honor of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games" for local media. Mr. James Tobin, Secretary General of FSMNOC, Mrs. Lynn Narruhn, Public Information Officer of National Congress, Mr. Mcgarry Miguel, Public Information Officer of Pohnpei State Government, Mr. Bill Jaynes the editor of Kaselehlie Press and Mr. Wihden Manuel the Commissioner Acting of Pohnpei Radio Station were among guests.

Ambassador Liu briefed the media persons on the Beijing Olympic Games.

Ambassador LIU briefed the guests that the preparation for Beijing Olympics was in full swing. So far, 205 National Olympic Committees affiliated to the IOC have confirmed that they will participate in the Games. Beijing and all the others co-host cities, namely, Tianjin, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, Qingdao and Hong Kong, are ready to receive more than 10,000 athletes, 30,000 correspondents and 6 million spectators from all over the world. In Beijing, sports facilities such as 37 sports arenas, 45 training venues and others are all completed and ready for use. Half a million volunteers will work during Olympic Games. More than 5,000 interpreters will provide 55 language services. What's more, Media Press Center (MPC) in Beijing, the largest press center in the history of Olympics will serve over 20,000 accredited journalists. And about 10,000 non-accredited reporters will find themselves comfortable in Beijing International Media Center (BIMC).

2008 Beijing Olympic Games is not only a high-level sport arena for athletes throughout the world to fulfill their dreams, also a cosmopolitan festivity and a platform of friendship for the people of the world. Ambassador Liu hoped media friends release more news to introduce a magnificent Olympic to FSM people.

Mr. Tobin thanked Ambassador Liu for her hospitality and said it's the first time for FSM President and third time for FSM athletes to attend an Olympic Games and it would be a significant moment for the FSM. He had been to the "Bird Net" and "Water Cubic" and the imposing buildings left deep impression on him. He was confident that Beijing Olympic Games would be a great success. Mr. Tobin also briefed the guests on the 5 FSM athletes and wished the young promising weightlifter get a medal for FSM.

Mr. Tobin presented a "piping hot" local handcraft with Olympic logo to Ambassador Liu as a gift, and had a picture taken for the occasion.

Jim Tobin of the FSM NOC presents a custom made wall hanging to the Ambassador Liu.    

He said that the hanging was made by Kapinga craftsmen and had only been completed 2 hours before.

The guests watched the short film of Beijing Olympic with great interest. They all wish Beijing Olympic Games a success and good results for FSM athletes.