In the high roof place of the rhythmic gymnastics venue, a beautiful hostess-like girl accompanied by a working member of staff walked cautiously. After a careful observation, she was identified as a volunteer who was passing through the catwalk.

The catwalk refers to all the passages that are located in the high position of the venues, serving as the places for the photographers to photo the competition.

During this rhythmic gymnastics tournament, the catwalk is open to the photographers who meet the criteria in accordance with the safety policy and implementing process of IOC. By taking in the experience from the former competitions, this catwalk is constructed to cover a comprehensive view of the competition. On this catwalk, the photographers can shoot unique and accurate photos with special angles.

On October 9th, 2007, the world media conference was held in Beijing. Many people of authority attended the conference, including Gary Kemper, the IOC expert, Zhao Yingxin, the chief of photo service section and other important figures from The Associated Press, Reuters, Getty Images and BOCOG, etc. One of the outcomes was about the catwalk. It was decided that only registered journalists equipped with the safety equipments can enter the catwalk. And it is suggested that the venue should have an effective process to measure this, in order to remove any doubt from the venue manager and to better meet the needs of the photographers. In the rhythmic gymnastics venue, the catwalk closely complies with these requirements. Under such guidelines, the catwalk can function well.

In order to ensure the security of the catwalk, many measures have been adopted. The wooden staircases have been taken place by the safe steel staircases with armrests. And some important regulations have been set. The journalists who apply to enter the catwalk must be equipped with safety equipments and recognized by BOCOG. One of the safety equipments is the safety belt which can stand 20 tons of impulsive force. All the things that easily drop are forbidden to take into the catwalk including the photo bag. The photographers are only allowed to take one camera well equipped with a camera lens into the catwalk and the camera must be tied to their safety belts. Exchanging the lens is not allowed on the catwalk. The photographers must enter the catwalk accompanied by working staff. The photographers should enter the catwalk one hour before the competition and leave there when there are no people under the passage that they want to pass. During the competition, it is forbidden to enter the catwalk. With these measures, security measures on the catwalk can be ensured.

A good preparation has been made to make sure of the well-off use of the catwalk. On November 22nd, 2007, the details about the catwalk in The Beijing University of Technology was presented to journalists and other relevant members. The photo service section introduced the policy and process of passing through the catwalk. Adam Pretty presented the way to enter the catwalk, as well as the ensuing rules. This activity will hopefully allow people to become more familiar with the details of using the catwalk.

In the rhythmic gymnastics tournament, some preparations and adjustments have been made concerning the media operation service. All of these efforts are dedicated to the sound service for the clients.

ONS ldd/tmq