A dancer performs torch relay during a ceremony for the 100-day countdown to 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Aug. 4, 2010. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)
GUANGZHOU, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Guangzhou began counting down 100 days to the 16th Asian Games on Wednesday with a major televised event from Tianhe Gymnasium entitled "Dream About This Moment".
Speaking of the forthcoming Games, Xu Ruisheng, Executive Deputy Secretary General of the Guangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee (GAGOC) and Vice Mayor of Guangzhou said: "The 16th Asian Games will leave rich legacies and benefit local residents."
Xu also thanked Guangzhou citizens for their constant support of and involvement in the preparations for The 16th Asian Games, saying "the Games will prove to be a highly engaging sport and cultural gala."
Guangzhou has built substantial venues for the Games, including the futuristic Asian Games Gymnasium located at Asian Games Town.
Built at a cost of nearly 118 million U.S. dollars, the ultramodern Asian Games Gymnasium comprises stadiums for gymnasium, billiard sports and squash and an exhibition hall featuring the history of the Asian Games in Guangzhou.
The 16th Asian Games will be held in "Flower City" of Guangzhou from November 12 to 27. More than 14,000 athletes, trainers and coaches from 45 countries and regions will compete in 42 sports.