align="center">Athletes banned from 'social activities'



China has banned its athletes from taking part in all kinds of social activities in the run-up to Beijing Olympics, according to report on Thursday.



"In order to prepare for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, our country's athletes, including celebrity athletes, are banned from participating in all kinds of social activities," the China Sports Daily quoted Sports Minister Liu Peng as saying.



"Athletes who participate in social activities are relatively easily distracted. If this is not regulated, it may interfere with their training and be detrimental to Beijing Olympic preparations," Liu said.



"But exceptions will stand if they get the permission from the SGAS in advance," he added.



China holds its athletes to strict standards of conduct in the run-up to the Olympic Games.



Olympic diving gold medallist Tian Liang was kicked off the national team in 2005 for taking part in a rash of television ads and endorsements.



In May, Olympic champion hurdler Liu Xiang came under fire for signing a deal with the Baisha corporation, a tobacco giant.



Chinese sports authorities keep a low key about the country's prospect of topping the Olympic medals table in 2008, but they are deploying their full forces to fulfill the mission.



"We face a very stern test at the 2008 Olympics," said Liu. "Everybody should stay focused."




(China Daily)



本周四消息，中国有关管理部门规定，现役运动员在备战北京奥运会期间，不得参加任何形式的社会活动。



《中国体育报》援引国家体育总局局长刘鹏的话说："为了备战2008年北京奥运会，包括明星运动员在内的所有现役运动员不得参加任何社会活动。"



刘鹏局长说："运动员参加社会活动比较容易分心。如不对此加以规范，运动员的训练将会受到干扰，不利于奥运会的备战。"



"对于一些确实有必要出席的社会活动，需报经国家体育总局批准方可参加。"



在备战奥运期间，国家对现役运动员进行了较为严格的管理。



2005年，奥运会跳水冠军田亮因频繁参加商业活动而被国家队除名。



今年5月，奥运会跨栏冠军刘翔因代言白沙烟草集团而遭到指责。



中国体育运动管理部门对于夺得2008年奥运会金牌榜冠军一直保持着比较低调的态度，但他们仍在为此全力以赴。



刘鹏局长说："中国体育军团在2008年奥运会上将会受到严峻考验。所以，备战期间任何人都不能松懈。"







Vocabulary:



stern test : 严峻的考验


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