Beijing 2008 - Uruguayan: Beijing Olympic Games to be best in history

MONTEVIDEO, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Julio Cesar Maglione, Uruguayan member of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Coordination Commission, told Xinhua on Tuesday he was sure that China would organize the best Games in the history of the Olympic movement.

"We assure you that without a doubt the best Olympic Games in history will take place in Beijing next year," Maglione said.

"Preparations are making spectacular progress," he said, adding that China had shown "a very high level in its sporting organizational ability".

Maglione, a member of the International Olympic Committee and head of the national committee, spoke to Xinhua immediately after receiving the title of Illuminated Montevideo Citizen, at a ceremony in the regional legislature.

He described receiving the title, from Montevideo mayor Ricardo Ehrlich, as "one of the most exciting moments of my life."

Maglione added that the domestic committee would do all it could to support Uruguay's athletes, eight of whom -- including swimmers, athletes and sailors -- have already qualified for the contest.

Uruguay has won 10 medals at the Olympic Games: two gold, two silver and six bronze.