Editor's note: The 3rd Qingdao International Sailing Week takes place Aug 20 to Sept 4 in Qingdao, Shandong province. Here, some experts and government officials share their ideas on the growth of sailing in that city in recent years and development trends of the future.

Jacques Rogge, president, International Olympic Committee (IOC), since 2001

Thanks to the world-class sailing facilities it built for the Olympic Games, China's capital of sailing will now hold international regattas, leaving a strong sporting legacy for the whole community, and for China and the rest of the world.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the city of Qingdao for its Olympic Sailing City Mayors &International Sailing Summit Forum and Qingdao International Sailing Week, and for hosting international regattas and having such programs as Promoting Sailing in Schools to popularize modern sailing for all. Furthermore, it has established the Qingdao Olympic Sailing City Development Association and has joined the World Union of Olympic Cities. Certainly, Qingdao will never be the same again.

The IOC fully supports the work that Qingdao has done to carry on the Olympic spirit and develop sailing.