On August 12, 2008, Wang Wei, vice-president of the Beijing Olympic Organising Committee (BOCOG) revealed they were volunteers shipped in to “create a good atmosphere” by cheering for both sides at team events, reported Times Online. “If people turn up they will let them take their seats,” Mr Wang said. On August 11 at a press conference, Wang was questioned on why seats in many games were empty. Wang stated that a lot of seats were reserved for sponsors, media and VIP and they did not come. For example they went to games they like and did not go to others. Wang urged that all should respect the rights of these audience to choose the games they want to see.
Source:
Times Online, August 12, 2008
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/olympics/article4512306.ece
Xinhua, August 11, 2008
http://www.qh.xinhuanet.com/2008-08/11/content_14084140.htm