First of all, on behalf of Shunyi residents, I would like to extend our warm welcome to all the participants including the athletes, team officials, FISA officials and spectators to the 2007 FISA World Junior Rowing Championships in Shunyi District of Beijing.

Shunyi is located in the northeast of Beijing, 30 kilometres off the city centre and with the Chaobai River, the second biggest river in Beijing, winding its way through the district. The district has well developed industries and the Capital International Airport is in the south of the district. With easy access to the main highways, it is an important Transport hub of the city. The convenient service facilities and beautiful natural sceneries make Shunyi one of the best places for living. Visitors to Shunyi are always impressed by the unique oriental culture such as the dragon dance, lion dance, paper-cuts or cloisonne and jade carving art.

The "Master Plan for Beijing Municipality (2004-2020)" has put Shunyi on the top list of urban development. It will become an air Transport hub for international communication and exchanges, a city with highly developed industries, a recreational resort for tourists and a comfortable home for its residents. Benefited from the 2007 World Rowing Junior Championships and the 2008 Olympic Games, Shunyi will have the biggest and world-leveled multi-sports resort which comprises of golf courses, venue for rowing and canoeing, indoor skiing centre and many other recreational facilities.

As the host of 2007 World Rowing Junior Championships, the government has made great effort in the preparation of the competition venue, Transport, accommodation and other services. The efforts include the construction of the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park, the building of Beijing's biggest Forest Park and the improvement of community services. All these are aimed at creating a pleasant cultural and natural environment for the Championships and the Olympic Games. We are confident that with our collaboration with FISA and the Organizing Committee, the Championships will be a complete success and our visitors will have a unique pleasant experience in Shunyi.