Olympic hero Liu Xiang has helped launch the 2005 Shanghai Golden Grand Prix on June 24, 2005 at the Shanghai training ground by taking part in promotional activities that included an official launch of the event.

　　The Athens Olympic Games gold medallist is a Shanghai native and is currently playing a vital role in promoting China’s first international world class meeting.

　　At the ceremony launch, the 110 metres hurdles star was presented with a certificate of appreciation after being named as one of the official ambassadors of the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix.

　　Liu said he was pleased to play an important role in promoting China’s latest sports spectacle that follows hot on the heels of a string of major events that have been held in the Chinese city such as the Formula One and MotoGP Championship and the V8 Championship.

　　Shanghai will also host the ATP {Association of Tennis Professionals} Master Cup in November as well as other major events as Shanghai aims to become one of the world’s sporting capitals.

　　“I am honoured not only to be taking part but also promoting the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix. This is my city and I would like to do my bit to help make the event a big success. To be part of such an important event in China is gratifying,’’ said Liu, who took time off his hectic schedule to officiate at the launch.

　　Liu was in Shanghai at the time just days before he left for Europe for training as he prepared for the World Championships in Helsinki, where he narrowly failed to add to his Olympic gold by finishing second in the men’s 110 metres behind Frenchman Ladji Doucoure.

　　China’s first Olympic men’s track and field champion will get his chance for revenge when he lines up against a star-studded field that will include Doucoure and arch-rival Allen Johnson of the United States.

　　Liu is not only promoting the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix, but is also using his huge influence to help sign many of the world’s top athletes for the event. He is also playing a big role in making the public aware of such an important event, which is seen a perfect opportunity for the mainland’s top athletes to gain knowledge and experience as they compete against a Who’s Who list of international superstars.

　　As this is the first time China is hosting such a high calibre event, the competition will also help further establish the mainland as an important sports city capable of organising and hosting world class events.

　　Organisers of the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix are hoping to stage the event every year as Shanghai strives to become Asia’s number one sports centre. The event will also provide an opportunity for China’s up-and-coming stars to gain exposure on the international arena as they strive for perfection for the biggest sporting event of all – the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

　　ENDS