There will be no fireworks displays during the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2011 Summer Universiade.
Shenzhen government had decided to organize an economical, low-carbon and environmentally friendly Universiade, Vice Mayor Zhang Wen told reporters at a news conference Monday.
Fireworks are popular and widely used at national and international celebrations such as the Beijing Olympics, Shanghai Expo and Guangzhou Asian Games. Shenzhen Universiade will make a difference, Zhang said.
Moving the opening and closing ceremonies from Longgang Sports Center to Shenzhen Bay Sports Center and the Window of the World theme park also showed the government s determination for a thrifty Universiade.
The closing ceremony at Window of the World could help create a carnival atmosphere for athletes, Zhang said.
The Shenzhen Bay Sports Center and Window of the World are located along the picturesque Shennan Boulevard, which displays the city s urban scenery, Zhang said.
More than 7,900 athletes from 81 countries and regions have registered for the 26th Summer Universiade in August. Organizers expect 13,000 athletes, coaches and guests for the Games which would host 306 sports in 24 categories.
(By Han Ximin)
