体坛英语新闻：Nanjing beefs up prep work as YOG marks 100-day countdown

BEIJING, May 8 (Xinhua) -- Nanjing 2014 Summer Youth Olympic Games marked 100-day countdown on Thursday as preparation for the YOG has entered its final stretch.

"Venue construction and renovation is coming to an end. At the 35 competition and training venues, all fixed facilities have been in place by April 30 and the temporary facilities will be completed before June 30. The Youth Olympic Village has been delivered for use at the end of April," said Yang Weize, chairman of the Nanjing 2014 organizing committee.

According to Yang, rehearsals of the opening and closing ceremonies are carried out smoothly. The proposal for the ceremonies has been refined so as to hail the origin of sport, highlight Chinese characteristics, reflect the Olympic spirit and youth elements and allow the young people to play a major role.

"It's a good opportunity for the world youth to know and understand China. Different from many other sporting events, the YOG is a grand gala for cultural exchanges between young people," added Yang.

According to Xiao Tian, a top Chinese sports official, said China will send a 123-strong delegation to 110 events over all 28 sports. The final list will be decided in July.

The flame of Nanjing 2014 was lit at Panathenaic Stadium, Athens on April 30 while the Virtual Torch Relay was launched simultaneously. In August, the Torch Relay will be held.

The Nanjing 2014, another Olympic hosted by China following the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, will be staged in Nanjing from August 16-28.