Heat builds up as Wen takes a tour

Blue skies smiled over Beijing for the fourth day in a row and excitement filled its air yesterday as Premier Wen Jiabao promised a clean, green and beautiful city during and after the Olympic Games.

A day earlier, International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge cleared another "layer of haze" by praising the Beijing Games organizers for their work and labeling the Olympic Village the "best ever".

Premier Wen visited athletes and met with volunteers and utility workers five days before the Games. Thanks to the efforts of the entire society, the Beijing Olympics will satisfy the athletes, officials and the spectators at home and abroad, he said.

"China is a responsible country. We will fulfill the promises we made for the Olympics. We will not only host a quality and unique Games, but also build a more scenic, greener and more civilized city in a sustainable manner."

Wen and senior officials of the Beijing Olympic organizing committee (BOCOG), Liu Qi, Liu Yandong and Guo Jinlong, visited the Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium, where the Chinese men's team was training.

Wen shook hands with the players and coaches, including NBA star Yao Ming, who has recovered fully from his left foot injury. "Are you feeling well? Is your foot okay?" Wen said. Yao replied that he was fine.

"I loved playing basketball when I was a kid," the premier said. "It's still my favorite game." And then he joined the players to shoot hoops.

The Chinese hoopsters will take on the mighty Americans in their first game on Aug 10. "Your first game will attract great attention," Wen said. "You need confidence and win or lose, it's important to have the sporting spirit."

Wen signed the basketball with which he went for the hoops, and the team presented him with one signed by all the players. The premier encouraged the volunteers at the stadium to serve "in a careful and serious manner with a strong sense of responsibility".

With the sun shining brightly and the premier going about town visiting Olympic venues, officials dismissed fears over rescheduling endurance events because the level of pollution has gone down drastically.

IOC president Jacques Rogge credited Beijing for its work and providing the best possible facilities for athletes and officials.

"I am sure that on the 9th of August, the day after the Opening Ceremony, the magic of the Games and the flawless organization will take over,"