The Olympic Council of Asia has received positive feedback from the early arrivals at the new Athletes’ Village in Jakarta for the 18th Asian Games.
The OCA’s Honorary Life Vice President, Mr Wei Jizhong, visited the village on Saturday morning and discussed the quality of services and accommodation with officials from 12 National Olympic Committees.
“They were all satisfied with the new village – and if they are satisfied then I am satisfied,” said Mr Wei.
“They were very happy with the offices for the NOC staff, the dining hall and the rooms for the athletes. Their feedback was positive so I will report this to the OCA President,” added Mr Wei, referring to Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah.
The village has seven tower blocks and is located at Kemayoran in Central Jakarta, around 30 minutes’ drive from the Gelora Bung Karno sports complex in downtown Senayan. One of the seven towers is occupied by the workforce, and the other six blocks can accommodate 14,000 athletes and officials.
As of noon on Saturday, seven days before the opening ceremony on August 18, 1,000 athletes and officials had checked in of the 12,000 expected to stay at Kemayoran.
After the Asian Games, the apartments in the village will be sold by the central government to low-income families, hence the relatively small scale. Each apartment has a single room, a twin room and a living room as well as the basic amenities.
“We accept this – and we have worked together to make it better,” said Mr Wei. “We support the government policy of benefits to the low income people.”
Summing up his visit, Mr Wei concluded: “Following our inspection, in general we are very satisfied. We are working with all parties to make improvements and create the best conditions for the athletes.”
Mr Wei called in at the offices of DPR Korea, to be greeted by Chef de Mission and NOC Vice President Won Kil U.
“We have 30 athletes here. We arrived last night (Friday),” said Mr Won, who praised the contribution of the OCA Hon. Life Vice President in advising the organising committee, INASGOC, during preparations.
“Mr Wei has played a very important role in the preparations for the Asian Games,” said Mr Won.
“Now we are here we can witness the good progress and the success of the organising committee, and we thank Mr Wei for the good advice he has provided.”
