QINGDAO, East China, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has sent a message to the 3rd Qingdao International Sailing Week, which kicked off Saturday evening.

Qingdao, a coastal city of east China`s Shandong province and the venue of the Olympic sailing events in 2008, has made the sailing week an annual event since 2009.

"I would like here to congratulate the city of Qingdao for having established the Olympic Sailing City Mayors & International Sailing Summit forum and the Qingdao International Sailing Week, hosting international regattas, and implementing such programs as Promoting Sailing in Schools to popularize modern sailing for all," Rogge said in the message.

"It is my wish that the Olympic Sailing Regatta will long benefit the citizens of Qingdao, promoting the development of culture, sports, education and volunteering, as well as right and access for the disabled, while also making contributions to the development of the Olympic Movement," Rogge added.