AIPS Congress opens in Beijing

BEIJING, May 22 (Xinhua) -- The 71st International Sports Press Association (AIPS) Congress opened here on Thursday.

Liu Yandong, state councilor and CPC Central Committee Political Bureau member and BOCOG vice president, attended the opening ceremony.

Liu expressed gratitude to the AIPS for its donation to the earthquake-hit area in Sichuan province.

"With the help of the international society, the Chinese people will be able to overcome all difficulties to stage distinctive and high level Olympics and Paralympics and continue to contribute to the development of the Olympic Movement," she said.

Before the opening ceremony, Liu met with president of the AIPS President Gianni Merlo.