PTS has leased four satellites to transmit the July 16 opening ceremony to ensure that audiences in five continents can view the games live, Chung said at a news briefing on details about TV coverage for the games.

In addition, more than 30 outside broadcast vans equipped with high definition television (HDTV) cameras will be mobilized, in what Chung described as the biggest event in TV broadcasting in Taiwan's history.

A 20-meter long helium-filled blimp will also fly over the World Games Main Stadium to film the opening and closing ceremonies, Chung went on, adding that the airship can stay aloft for four hours at a time.

Government Information Office Minister Su Jun-bin, who was also present at the news conference, thanked PTS for its efforts to promote the games and Taiwan to the world.

Su also said that through the games, which are expected to attract the participation of 102 countries, the visibility of Taiwan and Kaohsiung will be increased.

The opening ceremony will feature singers Hayley Westenra of New Zealand and Russell Watson of Britain, as well as local pop singers Huang Hisao-hu and Ah Shin, according to event organizers.

In addition to PTS, Chunghwa Telecom will deploy more than 500 staff to broadcast 35 sports from 23 event venues via its Media on Demand (MOD) system, hiChannel Internet and emome cell phone platforms, the organizers added.

In preparation for the games, the Kaohsiung city government began Friday to partially drain Lotus Lake -- the largest lake in the city -- in order to refill it with better quality water later this month to meet the requirements of the water sports events.

At present, the lake is not suitable for water sports because it has been depleted of oxygen due to a high concentration of algae, Huang said.

The water skiing, dragon boat racing and canoe polo events will be held on the lake.

(By Y.L. Kao)