China on Wednesday donated a batch of gymnastics equipment worth around US$14,000 to Cambodia for its gymnastics federation to carry out daily training of national athletes.

The equipment included balance beam, low balance beam, spring board, crash mats and landing mats, according to the relevant certificates signed by Cambodian Tourism Minister and president of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) Thong Khon and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Zhang Jinfeng.

While delivering his speech for the donation ceremony, Thong Khon wished that the upcoming Beijing Olympics and the current series of celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries would score success.

Zhang Jinfeng said that China would mobilize all its resources to guarantee high-quality Olympic Games for the world.

In addition, she expressed appreciation for the participation of the games by Cambodia and the scheduled attendance of its opening ceremony by King Norodom Sihamoni, former king Norodom Sihanouk and his wife Norodom Monireth.

Both of them also expected more professional exchanges to bring about new achievements in the sport field of the two countries.

At the donation ceremony, members of the national gymnastics team of Cambodia performed their programs.

According to NOCC, the national gymnastics team of Cambodia was established in 1983. It is now coached by a Canadian and its youngest member only ages nine.

There are currently 10 gymnastics clubs in Cambodia and they are based in eight provinces or municipalities, said NOCC files.

(Xinhua News Agency July 17, 2008)