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Close competition
“It took four rounds of votes to decide on the winner,” a FISU official who refused to give his name disclosed. “It was a really very close competition.”
“I’ve never been to China,” said FISU executive committee auditor Adrian Gagea. “But your presentations deeply impressed me. I’m fully convinced that Shenzhen can hold a good Universiade, especially after I learned that your city has more than 530,000 volunteers. No other Chinese city could have such a big number of volunteer population except like in the Chinese capital of Beijing.”
Killian broke his silence over his favorite choice. “I could not give you any suggestions on organizing the event after visits to Shenzhen. I’ve seen your sports facilities that are ready for use. I’ve heard your plans for more sports venues. And I’ve been impressed by the passion of your people. I’ve made quite many good friends in your city, whose integrity has convinced me that they are responsible people and they will fulfill the commitment to sponsor the most successful Universiade in history,” Killian said at a news conference after the Shenzhen won the right to host the 2011 edition.
Members of the Shenzhen delegation shouted “Shenzhen” in chorus and waved the Chinese national flag and the FISU flag after the announcement at Royal Theater in Turin at 2:38 a.m. Wednesday Beijing Time.
Mayor Xu could not hold back his tears. “I was so excited that I shouted at the extreme of my voice along with others,” he said.
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