BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- "It's misconception," said Jason Myles from
Purdue University of the United States here on Wednesday while talking about the
reported air pollution in Beijing.
Myles is one of the 292 international Olympic media operation volunteers
who will work for the Olympic News Service (ONS) during the upcoming Games.
"I heard the air pollution in Beijing was serious. In the first couple of
days after I arrived here, there was foggy out. I mistook the fog for air
pollution but then from the fourth day it's completely blue sky," Myles told
Xinhua.
He clarified his point saying one guy from his university came to Beijing
two months ago, and when he came back home he said the air pollution wasn't bad.
"So I think its misconception. Beijing is really changing which is good,"
He said. "I think Beijing has done a good job on cutting emissions down. It'll
be nice for the Games too."
Myles' words were echoed by Elinathan Ohiomoba from the University of Iowa
in the United States, who said, "I do have heard something about the air
pollution here, but I think it's clear actually. Now we have blue sky and that
is nice."
Michael Zheng, who moved to Australia when he was three and who is studying
in the University of Queensland, also nodded with their points of view, saying,
"I think it's (the air) been very good so far."
Around 210 of the 292 volunteers, who are going to work as flash quote
reporter, wrapped up here Wednesday their two-day training on ONS by the Beijing
Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG).
According to the BOCOG, some 951 ONS-paid staff and volunteers will work
for the Beijing Olympics, which is the largest number ever in the Olympic
history.