On behalf of CPC Harbin Municipal Committee, Harbin Municipal Government and 9,800,000 people here, I would like to extend a sincere welcome to everyone attending and participating in the 2008 IIHF World Women Championship in Harbin, China.

Harbin is an international tourism city famous for ice and snow, and it is also the important base for winter sports in China. I sincerely thank International Ice Hockey Federation and Chinese Ice Hockey Association for their support and commitment, with which we got the bid to host 2008 IIHF World Women Championship on the IIHF's 100th anniversary.

We will take endeavors to make it a success. The tournament must promote female ice hockey in the world and strengthen the friendship between peoples. And it will be a bridge to the world for Harbin to make it well known. We will also take this opportunity to have the previous test of Harbin Winter Universiade preparatory work and offer the best services to all the participants.

I wish all of the teams the best of luck, and enjoy playing the greatest game in the world.

I wish all of the participants enjoy their stay in Harbin,

And wish the event a complete success!

Vice Secretary of CPC Harbin Municipal Committee

Mayor of Harbin Municipal Government