Tours Olympic Venues to Showcase Wisconsin Contributions to 2008 Beijing Olympics
BEIJING – Governor Jim Doyle has met with Yi Jianlian, the Milwaukee Bucks 2007 first round draft pick from the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Governor Doyle met with Yi while touring Olympic venues in Beijing, and highlighting the contributions Wisconsin businesses are making to help China prepare for the 2008 Olympic Games.
”We can’t wait to welcome Yi to Wisconsin,” Governor Doyle said. “Millions around the world will tune in to see Yi, learn about Milwaukee, and see what Wisconsin is all about. Wisconsin already has a tremendous relationship with China that is only growing stronger. From the 2008 Olympic Games to the Shanghai World Expo in 2010, Wisconsin companies are manufacturing the quality products China needs to fuel its growth.”
The Milwaukee Bucks drafted Yi Jianlian this summer with the sixth overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. A 6-11, 238 pound power forward, Yi has played professionally for the Guangdong Tigers of the CBA, where he earned “Rookie of the Year” honors for the 2002-03 season. Yi and the Tigers have competed in the last five CBA Finals, winning titles in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Yi was named the Finals’ Most Valuable Player in 2006. Yi also played with the Chinese National Team during the 2004 Olympics in Athens and will return to the team during the 2008 Games in Beijing.
On his trade mission to China, Governor Doyle has highlighted opportunities for Wisconsin companies at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai. Governor Doyle visited the Capital Gym and the National Training Center in Beijing, key Olympic venues that have been built using equipment, supplies and products provided by Wisconsin companies.
· Robbins Sport Surfaces of Whitelake provided the maple flooring for the Capital Gym in Beijing, as well as a 26,000 square-foot portable basketball court for the Nanjing Sports Centre, both serving as Olympic training centers.
· Aecer Flooring of Peshtigo supplied and installed the 29,000 square-foot wood floor for the National Training Center in Beijing, the exclusive training location for the Chinese national team. Aecer is also installing the flooring for the Olympic badminton courts. The company is one of the largest producers of wood Performance Sports Floors in the United States.
· Manitowoc Company is the largest crane manufacturer in China. The company’s Grove Cranes are playing a crucial role in construction projects for the 2008 Games.
· Oshkosh Truck is providing six emergency response vehicles for the Beijing Capital International Airport in preparation for the 2008 Games – a trade agreement sealed by Governor Doyle.
For a full report on opportunities in China for Wisconsin businesses visit:
http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=11926.
