Beijing air presents no danger for Olympians

Singapore  - International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge reassured students on Saturday that Beijing's air pollution presents no danger to the health of athletes competing in the August Olympics.

In-between updates on preparations for the first Youth Olympic Games (YOG) to be held in Singapore in August 2010, Roggue engaged in a question and answer session with students at Victoria Junior College.

"There is no danger" to the athlete's health from the air quality, Rogge said. But he added that the performance of some of the athletes may be "slightly reduced."

The statements echoed those made in an IOC report on Beijing air quality issued almost three weeks ago.

Beijing plans to partially shut down industry in the capital and surrounding provinces in addition to cutting down traffic during the August 8-24 Olympics.

Rogge, who arrived in the city-state Friday, is making his first visit since Singapore won the bid over Moscow to host the inaugural YOG in 2010.

A signing ceremony for the host city contract was to be witnessed by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, also hosting a dinner for Rogge and his delegation.

In a whirlwind of activity, Rogge also visitied various YOG venues incuding the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University and the Singapore Sports School.

Following his three days in Singapore, Rogge heads to Beijing for IOC executive board meetings. (dpa)

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