Reuters
BEIJING - Beijing on Wednesday marks the 100-day countdown to the Olympics with songs, a mass run and even prayers, hoping to put behind it the tumultuous events of the past month which have taken much gloss off its preparations.
Unlike run-ups to recent Olympics, Beijing's preparations for August have kept to plan, and some stadiums and infrastructure have even been completed ahead of schedule. All is now ready to go.
In all, the city has spent $35-40 billion on improved infrastructure, including a new airport terminal and subway lines, as well as $2.1 billion to cover the cost of running the Games.
But the city's smooth preparations for the Olympics have been overshadowed 100 days out by the torch relay's troubled journey around the globe, with protesters targeting China's human rights record, in particular its policy on Tibet.
One of the highlights of Wednesday's festivities will be a run around the Olympic Green by 10,000 Beijing residents, part of China's promise to make the Games a "People's Olympics."
There will also be songs celebrating the Games.
And in officially atheist China, Catholic churches throughout the country will hold masses to pray "for a successful Games," according to the official Xinhua news agency.
The city will be desperate to prevent a repeat of the one-year countdown, when Free Tibet activists scaled the Great Wall, smog smothered Beijing and torrential rain brought parts of the capital to a standstill.
Security in Beijing has been noticeably stepped-up in recent weeks following anti-Chinese protests in Tibet and during the torch relay, and China's assertion that it has broken up terrorist plots to attack the Games.
Media concerns
Beijing's promise to ensure complete media freedom has also been called into question, especially following Chinese criticism of foreign reporters for perceived bias in their coverage of the protests in Tibet in March.
"If allowed to continue, the reporting interference and hate campaigns targeting international media may poison the pre-Games atmosphere for foreign journalists," Foreign Correspondents Club of China President Melinda Liu said in a statement.
"We urge government authorities to investigate the death threats, which violate Chinese law, and otherwise help create an environment in keeping with their Olympic promises," she added.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao defended the reporting environment, though admitted that not every official understood new rules introduced for the Olympics permitting the foreign press greater freedom.
"It is true that some people have had a better understanding of the regulations while others have lagged behind. In general it has been good," he said.
China has lashed out at human rights groups and some European and U.S. politicians who have, in China's words, tried to politicize the Games, and raised the prospect of an Olympic boycott in light of the crackdown on protests in Tibet.
Earlier this week, 100 Chinese athletes and 2,000 Olympic volunteers made a public pledge to keep the event "pure" and uncorrupted by politics.
"We hope that the Olympics puts politics aside, and returns to the true characteristics of sport," Communist Party mouthpiece newspaper the Guangming Daily quoted Olympic gymnastics gold medalist Li Ning as saying.
Olympics chiefs have praised the city's preparations, and its showpiece stadiums the Bird's Nest and Water Cube have drawn wide acclaim.
Find more info about 2008 Olympic Games
Beijing marks 100-day countdown to Games
First Test for Beijing’s Olympic Stadium
Beijing’s eye-catching main Olympic stadium, better known as the Bird’s Nest, will open for business for the first time on Friday when it hosts a world-class athletics event.
The 3.5-billion-yuan (500-million-dollar) arena will be the centrepiece of the Beijing Games, staging the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the athletic competition.
Though it remains unfinished, the iconic stadium which gained its nickname thanks to its interlocking structure of steel beams, will throw open its doors to an estimated 20,000 paying customers for an IAAF men’s race-walking competition.
It is one of 42 test events that Beijing Olympic organisers are staging to fine-tune preparations ahead of the August 8-24 Games.
The nearby National Aquatics Centre, also known as the Water Cube and the second of Beijing’s two iconic Olympic venues, was completed in December and staged its first test event in February, the China Open swimming competition.
Work still remains to be done on the Bird’s Nest although the overall structure is finished and athletes competing on Friday and those in more races scheduled for Saturday are not expected to be inconvenienced.
Yang Shu’an, executive vice-president of the Beijing Olympic organising committee, said test events would ensure that “everything is in working order as far as the hosting parties are concerned.”
All 31 of Beijing’s Olympic venues were supposed to be finished by the end of 2007 but officials said the main stadium would be finished later, probably in May, because of the extra work needed to prepare it for the opening and closing ceremonies.
Fixtures and fittings still need to be installed, including some of the 91,000 seats that will be in place for the Games.
While China struggles against a wave of bad publicity over Tibet and human rights issues in the run-up to the Olympics, the “hardware” side to the Games has encountered few major problems.
International Olympic Committee officials have repeatedly praised Beijing’s venue construction and President Jacques Rogge, in Beijing last week, once again spoke highly of Games preparations.
Work started on the stadium in December 2003 after a consortium led by Swiss architects Herzog and de Meuron won an international competition to build it.
Progress was interrupted in August 2004 when the stadium’s expensive retractable roof fell victim to cost-cutting measures, as did 9,000 seats.
Work resumed later that year and an army of migrant workers was recruited from the countryside to complete the landmark project.
A British newspaper said last year that at least 10 workers had died in the race to complete the stadium on time.
After repeated denials, the government admitted that two migrants had died on the project, one in 2006 and one in 2007.
On Sunday, the stadium will host the finish to the Beijing marathon, another test event. Its first full dress rehearsal comes when it hosts the China Open athletics competition on May 22-25.
Delhi Hosts Olympic Torch Relay
NEW DELHI: The much-awaited Olympic Torch relay had a dramatic twist in the end as the country’s best bet for a medal in the Beijing Games, tennis stars Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi were given the honour of carrying the flame together on the final stretch and light the cauldron at India Gate here on Thursday.
“It was a wonderful experience. It was great that Mahesh and I came together and lit the flame. I have had many great moments with Mahesh and I respect each one of them. This was the pinnacle,” said Paes, quite emotional about the experience.
“I really hope so,” said Paes when it was suggested that the best may be yet to come, possibly in the form of a medal at the Beijing Games.
“It was pretty much in sync,” said Bhupathi, as he talked about carrying the torch in tandem with his best doubles partner.
Amidst tight security, barricades and traffic diversions, it proved a long wait on a hot afternoon as the Olympic torch relay began at 4.30 p.m at Vijay Chowk.
Paes echoed the sentiments of all the torch-bearers by saying, “it was well worth it. Not many people get the honour of carrying the Olympic flame in front of the whole country and the whole world.”
Stringent security
Thanks to the stringent security measures public was not to be seen on the entire stretch of Rajpath where the relay was gone through.
There was some atmosphere in the end at India Gate with organised groups of children waving flags and cheering groups of sports personalities and film stars.
The President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Suresh Kalmadi, was quite pleased with the smooth passage of the torch.
The Secretary-General of the IOA, Randhir Singh, who handed over the torch on its final leg to Paes and Bhupathi, read out a message from the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge.
“On behalf of the 17 million people of Delhi, I offer the best wishes for the Beijing Olympics,” said the Lt. Governor of Delhi, Tejender Khanna.
The Union Sports Minister, Dr. M.S. Gill took the opportunity to welcome the Olympic torch.
The Executive Vice President of the Beijing Games Organising Committee, Jiang Xiaoyu expressed his satisfaction about the smooth passage of the torch relay on the Indian leg.
“Since arrival we have been impressed by the city and the excellent arrangements made for the torch relay,” he said.
Before the flame was transferred into a lantern to continue its journey in a special flight to Bangkok, replicas of the torch were presented by Jiang Xiaoyu to Dr. Gill, the Lieutenant Governor, IOA President the Chief Minister of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit.
The Chief Minister was also presented a certificate for the city of Delhi, for hosting the torch relay.
The relay runners included athletes Milkha Singh, Gurbachan Singh Randhawa, P. T. Usha, Anju George, Shiny Wilson, M.D. Valsamma and K.M. Beenamol, hockey stalwarts Balbir Singh (Sr), Ajitpal Singh, Zafar Iqbal, M.P. Ganesh, Cdr Nandy Singh and Dhanraj Pillay, shooters Manavjit Singh and Abhinav Bindra, weightlifters Karnam Malleswari and Kunjarani Devi, table tennis player Chetan Baboor and swimmer Khajan Singh.
Source : www.hindu.com
Australian PM Rejects Beijing Olympics Boycott
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said here Wednesday he opposed a boycott of the Beijing Olympic Games and suggested building “continuing, profound and sincere friendship” with China.
In his speech delivered in fluent Chinese at the Peking University, Rudd said he disagreed with those who had called for a boycott of the Beijing Olympics, saying the event was “important for China’s continuing engagement with the world”.
Rudd said Australia wanted to be a true friend with China, “a partner who sees beyond immediate benefit to the broader and firm basis for continuing, profound and sincere friendship”.
It was a friendship that offered “unflinching advice and counsels restraint” to engage in principled dialogue about matters of contention, he said.
Rudd also praised China’s economic and social achievement over the past 30 years since the reform and opening up.
“The scale and pace of China’s economic development and social transformation is unprecedented in human history” and had a great impact not just on China, but also on the world, said the prime minister.
Rudd highlighted China’s development approach of a “harmonious world” and stressed the idea depended on China being a participant in the world order and, along with others, acting in accordance with the rules of that order.
He expressed his hope that China would fully participate in all the institutions of the global rules-based order, including in security, economy, human rights and environment and make active contributions as a responsible global stakeholder.
Rudd stressed in his speech the importance of dealing with climate change, saying China played an increasingly prominent role in this problem.
He also appealed to all nations to work together to overcome environmental challenges.
Australia, like most countries, recognized China’s sovereignty over Tibet, Rudd said.
Rudd arrived in Beijing early on Wednesday, kicking off his four-day official visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.
The 80 Olympic torchbearers of San Francisco
Amid much protest over Chinese human rights treatment, the city of San Francisco is a hot-spot of controversy as the Olympic torch visits the city. Here's a look at some of the 80 people who will get a chance to carry the torch through San Francisco including former Dallas Cowboy Herschel Walker and former mayor of San Francisco Willie Brown Jr.
The 80 Olympic torchbearers of San Francisco
Protests snuff out Olympic torch in Paris
BEIJING/PARIS - The Olympic torch relay descended into chaos in Paris on Monday with officials having to extinguish the flame and carry it by bus when pro-Tibet protesters tried to seize it.
Chinese authorities condemned as "vile" the growing campaign by activists to use the buildup to the Beijing Olympics as a stage on which to condemn China's record in Tibet, on human rights in general and attack its foreign policy.
They said there would be no change to the elaborate ritual of carrying the flame around the world.
The Paris torch relay hit trouble almost as soon as it set off from the Eiffel Tower, and was repeatedly halted by protesters who threatened to break through the imposing security cordon thrown around the athletes carrying the flame.
The torch had to be extinguished at least twice and sheltered in a bus on several occasions from the thousands of demonstrators. A Chinese official was quoted by Xinhua news agency as saying it was put out for safety reasons.
Demonstrators carried banners declaring "Boycott Chinese goods" and "Save Tibet."
"We are doing our best but it will take the world to put pressure on China to help bring democracy and human rights to Tibet," said Phurbu Dolker, a 21-year-old Tibetan refugee.
Police detained 18 protesters, the Interior Ministry said.
Embarrassed Chinese organizers cancelled a reception for the torch at Paris city hall at the last minute after a banner supporting human rights was hung from the facade, Paris mayor Bernard Delanoe told reporters.
"The Chinese officials decided they would not stop here because they were put out by Parisian citizens expressing their support for human rights. It is their responsibility," he said.
It was a second consecutive day of chaos for the torch run.
Thousands of protesters waving Tibetan flags and shouting "Shame on China" turned Sunday's British leg of the international relay billed by Beijing as the "harmonious journey" into an obstacle course. Police detained 35 people.
The torch arrives on Wednesday in San Francisco, where three pro-Tibet activists scaled the cables of the city's famed Golden Gate Bridge and hung protest banners on Monday. "One World, One Dream: Free Tibet," read one of them.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge said he was very concerned "with the international situation and what's happened in Tibet."
"Violence for whatever reason is not compatible with the values of the torch relay and the Olympic Games," he said in a speech to the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) in Beijing. "Some people have played with the idea of boycotts. As I speak today, there is no momentum for a general boycott."
Unrest in Tibet
"A tiny number of Tibet independence elements sought to disrupt the relay of the Olympic Games sacred flame through London," Xinhua quoted a spokesperson for the Beijing Olympic Games torch relay office as saying of the London events.
"We strongly condemn this vile behavior."
Beijing Organizing Committee Director of Media and Communications Wang Hui told a news conference:
"The smooth progress of the torch relay cannot be stopped and will definitely be a big success."
Tibet's capital, Lhasa, was hit last month by Buddhist monks' protests against Chinese rule which gave way to rioting. Since then security forces have poured in to reimpose control there and in other restive Tibetan areas.
Exiled Tibetans accuse China of systematic oppression of the Himalayan region over decades, and of the killing, torture and unjust imprisonment of those who oppose Beijing's rule.
Calls for boycott
U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton urged President George W. Bush on Monday to boycott the Olympics opening ceremonies unless China improves human rights.
Clinton, in a statement, cited clashes in Tibet and the lack of pressure by China on Sudan to stop "the genocide in Darfur."
Bush has resisted pressure to change his plans to attend.
As well as Tibet, activists are also focusing on Sudan, where critics say Beijing has not done enough to help stop violence in Darfur.
The U.N. children's agency UNICEF said on Monday it had withdrawn from the North Korean leg of the Olympic torch run because it would not help draw attention to the plight of children in North Korea.
China accuses Tibet's exiled Buddhist leader, the Dalai Lama, of organizing the unrest. Tibet's Communist Party chief Zhang Qingli has called him a "jackal in Buddhist monk's robes."
Chinese popular opinion backs official claims that followers of the Dalai Lama timed the unrest to disrupt the games. He has denied this and said he wants autonomy, not independence.
Speaking at a Beijing news conference after meeting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said she had called on China to reopen dialogue with the Dalai Lama.
China says 19 people died in the Lhasa unrest, mostly at the hands of Tibetan rioters. Representatives of the Dalai Lama say about 140 people died in broader unrest across Tibet and nearby areas, most of them Tibetans killed by Chinese security forces.
Beijing Hotel Bookings
Beijing Olympics Hotels: There are many Beijing Olympics Hotels in Beijing, where visitors can stay comfortably. The city has a variety of Beijing Summer Olympics Hotels, which range from cheap hotels to five star hotels. One can easily choose from various hotels near the venues of the Beijing Olympic games, according to the preference.
Hotels in Beijing Olympics China: There are numerous hotels in the Chaoyang District in Beijing where the Olympic Green or the Olympic Village is being built. The Hotels in Beijing Olympics China, available in Chaoyang District are Beijing Landmark Towers, Asia Hotel Beijing Olympics, Beijing Chongqing Hotel, China World Hotel Beijing, Courtyard by Marriott, Beijing Cheap Hotel, Days Hotel and Suites, Fujian Hotel, Gloria Plaza Hotel, Jianguo Hotel, Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa center, and Hilton Beijing.
Hotel in Beijing Olympic China are also there in the Olympic Village, such as the Celebrity International Grand Hotel, Beijing Jingmin Mansion, J & R Hotel, Beijing Yuanshan Hotel, Huadu Hotel, Crowne Plaza Parkview Wuzhou, National Jade Hotel Beijing, Beijing Century Longdu International Apartment, Huiyuan Service Apartment, Ya Yun Cun Hotel, Ao Ya Hotel, Cheng Hong Hotel, Huiyuan International Apartment Beijing, Beijing Tibet hotel, Beijing Meihua Century International Apartment and Beijing Continental Grand Hotel. Hotel booking for the Beijing Olympic games can be done through Internet by visiting the respective official sites or relevant portals. Hotel booking for the Beijing Olympic games can be done online, by Tourists and Olympic enthusiasts. There are various hotels near the venues of the Beijing Olympics Games.
The Olympic venues near these Beijing hotels are National stadium, National Indoor stadium, National Aquatic Cente, Beijing University of Technology Gymnasium, Olympic Sports Center Stadium, Olympic sports Center Gymnasium, Worker's Stadium, Worker's Indoor Arena, Ying Tung Natatorium, Fencing Gymnasium, Hockey Field, Archery Field, Tennis Center and Beach Volleyball Ground .
The hotels in the Shijingshan District are Sheji Hotel, Shuang Long hotel, Beijing Xijiao Hotel, Beijing Xishan Cuiyuan Mountain Villa and Jinjiang Inn. These hotels can also be booked through Internet. The Olympic venues near the hotels are Beijing Olympics Shooting Range Hall, Laoshan Velodrome, Laoshan Mountain Bike Course and BMX Field.
The hotels available in the Fengtai District are Sunny Capital Hotel, Wen Tao Hotel, Beijing Yue du Hotel, Beijing Fengtai Hotel Beijing, Beijing Golden Palace, Silver Street Hotel, Guo Tong Hotel and Jinghua Hotel. For Beijing hotels reservation one can visit the official site of these hotels, as some of these hotels also provide the facility of online booking. The Olympic venues nearby are Wukesong Indoor Stadium, Fengtai Softball Field and Wukesong Baseball Field.
There are many Beijing Summer Olympics hotels in the Haidian District, such as the 365 Inn, Beijing Xiaoxitian Inn, Shangri-la Hotel, Jade Palace Hotel, Century Golden Resources Hotel, L'accueil Residence, Beijing Huandao Boya Hotel, Beijing Friendship Hotel, Fragrant Hill Golden Resources Commerce Hotel, Tianhong Plaza Hotel. The hotels can be reserved via Internet. The Beijing Olympic venues near the hotels are China Agricultural University Gymnasium, Peking University Gymnasium, Beijing Science and Technology University Gymnasium, Capital Indoor Stadium, Beijing Shooting Range Clay Target Field, Beijing Institute of Technology Gymnasium and Beihang University Gymnasium. Beijing hotel bookings can be done through online applications according to Beijing hotel rates and priorities.
The hotels in the Shunyi District are Shunyi Hotel, Beijing and Hengchuan Jiajin Business Hotel, Beijing . These hotels are near Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park .
Hotels outside Beijing: There are many in the Olympic venues outside Beijing also. These hotels are well equipped to provide ample service to their customers. Most of the hotels have the facility of online booking.
The Hotels in Tianjin are Renaissance Tianjin Hotel, Sheraton Hotel, Holiday Inn, East Asia, Hyatt Regency Tianjin, Renaissance Tianjin Teda, Caesar Palace Hotel, Cairnhill, Dickson Hotel, Imperial Palace Hotel, Narcissus Hotel and Ocean Hotel. The hotels are located near Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium.
The hotels near Shenyang Wulihe Stadium in Shenyang are Marriott Shenyang, Traders Hotel Shenyang, Holiday Inn Shenyang City Center, Inter Continental Shenyang, Sheraton Shenyang Lido Hotel, Kempinski Hotel Shenyang, Gloria Inn Shenyang, Gloria Plaza Hotel Shenyang, Golden Hotel and Kingdom Hotel .
Some hotels in Shanghai are Regal International East Asia Hotel, Crown Plaza Shanghai, Rendezvous Merry Hotel Shanghai, Hotel Inn Vista Shanghai, Holiday Inn Downtown Shanghai, Holiday Inn Pudong, Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai , Radisson Hotel Shanghai New world and Hengshan Moller Villa. These hotels are located near Shanghai Stadium. Beijing hotel price can be obtained by visiting the official sites of these Beijing hotels.
Some major hotels in Hong Kong are Wharney Guangdong Hotel, Charterhouse Hong Kong, Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong, Harbor View International Hotel, Empire Hotel, Novotel Century Hong Kong, Renaissance Harbor View and Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. The equestrian venues in Hong Kong are located near these hotels.
The hotels in Qinhuangdao are Great Wall Hotel and Qinhuangdao International Trade Hotel. Qinhuangdao Olympic Sports Center Stadium is located near the hotels. The hotels in Qingdao are Debao Garden Hotel, Shangri-La Hotel, Grand Regency Hotel, Qingdao Dongfang Hotel, Qingdao Champs Elysees Business Hotel, and Home Inn- Fuzhou Roads. The hotels are near Qingdao International Sailing Center.
Symbols of the Beijing Olympic Games
Schedule of the Beijing Olympic Games, 2008: The 2008 Summer Olympics are officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad . The Olympic Games will be held in Beijing, the capital city of the People's Republic of China in the year 2008. The Games are scheduled to be held from 8 th August to 24 th August in the Beijing National Stadium.
Symbols of the Beijing Olympic Games: An emblem entitled “Dancing Beijing” and three more symbols have been selected for the coming Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 . The three other symbols are Beijing Olympic Cultural Festival Symbol, the Environmental Symbol of Beijing Olympics-‘Green Olympics' and Volunteers Symbol of Beijing Olympics . The Beijing Olympic Games organization committee has also released a set of symbols representing each of the sports for the 2008 Games .
The Emblem of the Beijing Olympic Games: The official emblem of the Beijing Olympic Games, 2008 is called “ Dancing Beijing ”. The emblem depicts a traditional red Chinese seal above the words “ Beijing 2008 ”and the Olympic rings . ? (jing)- this Chinese character is inscribed on the seal in a stylized calligraphic manner, in the form of a dancing figure . The curves in the figure symbolize the body of a wriggling Chinese dragon . The open arms in the figure symbolize China 's invitation to the world to share its culture. The dominating red color of the Dancing Beijing signifies good luck . In a ceremony at the Hall of Prayer for good Harvests in Beijing's Temple of Heaven , the emblem was unveiled in August, 2003 in presence of 2008 people . Dancing Beijing is the symbol of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games . Dancing Beijing symbolizes China's journey to the future , China's promise to hold the best ever Olympic Games and the image of New Beijing . In the red color it symbolizes the depth of China's beauty . Dancing Beijing also symbolizes the spirit of the individual - every performer, spectator, volunteer who will be a part of the Beijing Olympic Games . The boundless spirit of the Chinese dragon is wrapped in the curves of the figure of the Dancing Beijing . Dancing Beijing symbolizes invitation—open hands are extended to welcome the world to China to celebrate the Olympic Games .
Other Symbols of the Beijing Olympic Games: The other symbols of the Beijing Olympics are Beijing Olympic Cultural Festival Symbol, the Environmental Symbol of Beijing Olympics-‘Green Olympics' and Volunteers Symbol of Beijing Olympics .
* Beijing Olympic Cultural Festival symbol: A human being and a lantern are depicted in the Beijing Olympic cultural Festival Symbol . The figure is made in such a manner that the man and the lantern seem to dance with joy . Lanterns , a part of any traditional festival in china symbolizes reunion . Beijing is being decorated with lanterns to celebrate its reunion with people from all over the world.
* The Environmental Symbol of Beijing Olympics-‘Green Olympics': The logo of the Environmental Symbol of Beijing Olympics-‘Green Olympics' consists of the crown of a tree and the shape of a human being . The symbol has been created using calligraphy . The image represents human relationship with nature . The green lines forming the crown of the tree resemble a fully bloomed flower , which suggests the development in nature . The Environmental Symbol of Beijing Olympics was released on 24 th September, 2005 , in Beijing Youth Palace.
Volunteers Symbol of Beijing Olympics: Volunteers Symbol of Beijing Olympics consists of shape of heart and dancing human figures . The shape of heart is made with interweaved hearts , which signifies that the joint effort of all the volunteers, athletes and the Olympic family will add glory to the Olympic Movement . The image of dancing human symbolizes dedicated volunteers .
Olympic Torch Relay
The modern tradition of igniting Olympic flame as the opening ceremony of Olympic games was adopted from the ancient Olympics at Greece. Olympic fire was lit using parabolic mirrors by focusing the sun rays at the ancient Olympic Stadium in Olympia, Greece, which was later introduced in Summer Olympics held at Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in 1928. The tradition of Olympic torch relay was adopted from ancient Olympics, first in 1936 Summer Olympics. The Olympic torch relay signifies spirit, knowledge, and vitality and also symbolize the traditions of passing Olympic games from one generation to another.
In the modern tradition, Olympic flame, also known as Olympic light, is ignited some months before the commencement of the games, which is still done using parabolic mirrors. The Olympic eye is then carried as Olympic torch from Olympia to the scheduled venue of Olympic games. The Olympic torch is usually carried by athletes however, modes such as, aeroplane, boat, and radio signals have also been used. The tradition of global torch relay started from 2004 Olympics, during which the torch was carried 78000 km by 11,300 torchbearers, in 78 days.
The 2008 Olympic Torch Relay will commence from March 25, 2008, with the theme "Journey of Harmony".
The relay will continue for 130 days and carry the torch through 137,000 km, which is so far, the longest distance covered in any Olympic torch relay. Considering the distance covered during the journey, Lenovo Group has designed the torch to bear winds at 65 kmph with rain up to 50 mmph. The torch comprises wood, fire, metal, earth, and water, which signify the traditional Chinese elements of the Universe.
The 2008 Olympic Torch Relay will start from Olympia to the Panathinaiko Stadium in Athens, and then reach Beijing on March 31.
Olympic Torch Route is being scheduled to pass through six continents, which will include the following major cities:
- Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Istanbul, Turkey
- St.Petersburg, Russia
- London, United Kingdom
- Paris, France
- San Francisco, USA
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Muscat, Oman
- Islamabad, Pakistan
- Mumbai, India
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Jakarta, Indonesia
- Canberra, Australia
- Nagano, Japan
- Seoul, South Korea
- Pyongyang, North Korea
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
- Macau, People's Republic of China
The 2008 Olympics torch relay will also include an attempt to carry the torch to Mount Everest. The details of the Olympic 2008 torch relay can be obtained from the elite map site, mapsofworld.com, which also comprises additional details of the event.
The Olympic torch relay will end on August 8, 2008, the day scheduled for the commencement of the Olympic events, on which an opening ceremony will be performed by igniting Olympic flames.
The final carrier of the Olympic torch lights the Olympic flame, which is considered a great honor. The Olympic flame, also known as Olympic Sun, then blazes continuously throughout the events, and is extinguished only after the closing ceremony of the Olympic games.
Olympic Mascots
The 2008 Summer Olympic Games is scheduled to be held in Beijing, the capital city of People’s Republic of China. The 2008 Beijing Olympics will begin on 8th August and will continue till 24th August. This upcoming Olympic Games in Beijing, China, are planned to comprise 302 events in 28 sports.
Olympic Mascots: Generally, the Olympics mascot is an animal or human figure representing the cultural heritage of the host country and was first introduced in the year 1968. Schuss, a cartoon-like character on skis, was the unofficial mascot of the 1968 Winter Games in Grenoble. However, the first official mascot in the history of Summer Olympic made its appearance at the 1972 Munich Olympics Games, ever since Olympic Mascots have become a main element of the Olympic Games. As a unique and popular image full of vitality, a mascots is able to materialize the Olympic spirit, communicate the concepts of each Olympic Games, promote the history and culture of the host city and create a festive atmosphere for the Games. Mascots act as a significant vehicle for communicating the Olympic spirit to the general public, especially children and youth. Whatever shapes they have, they fundamentally share a creative rationale, that is, the mascots must be able to convey the theme of the Olympic Games, showcase the distinctive geographical features, history and culture unique to the host city.
2008 Beijing Olympic Mascots
A long awaited 2008 Beijing Olympics mascots was unveiled on November 11, 2005, exactly 1000 days before the Beijing Olympics. Olympics 2008 mascots is a set of five doll mascots, which draw their color and inspiration from the five Olympic rings. 2008 Beijing Olympics mascots is designed by Han Meilin, chief of the mascot designers' group. He said that since it was not possible for a single figure to represent China’s intense and diversified culture, his team came out with the idea of five mascots instead of one. “Fuwa”, 2008 Beijing Olympics mascots, also embody the natural characteristics of four of China's most popular animals – the Fish, the Panda, the Tibetan Antelope, the Swallow – and the Olympic Flame. Fuwa or Friendlies, 2008 Beijing Olympic Mascots, is a symbol that carry with it a message of friendship and peace and convey blessings from China to children all over the world.
2008 Beijing Olympics Mascots
Each Fuwa has a rhyming two-syllable name – represents Beibei the Fish, Jingjing the Panda, Huanhuan the Olympic Flame, Yingying the Tibetan Antelope and Nini the Swallow. Each of these five names seems like a possible child name, but when put together, they sound identical to a phrase meaning, “Beijing welcomes you”.
With the motto of spreading prosperity, happiness, passion, health and good luck across the continents, Fuwa, 2008 Beijing Olympic Mascots, offers a warm invitation for the 2008 Olympic Games.
Beibei: Beibei is known to be gentle and purest among Fuwa and reflects the blue Olympic rings. The fish and water designs are symbols of prosperity and harvest in Chinese culture and art. Beibei reflects the strength in water sports.
Jingjing: Jingjing, one of the five dolls of 2008 Beijing Olympic Mascots, symbolizes blessing of happiness wherever he goes. The lotus designs in Jingjing's headdress represent the lush green forest and man’s harmonious relationship with nature. Jingjing reflects the black Olympic rings. He shows the strength in athletics.
Huanhuan: Better known as big brother among Fuwa, Huanhuan represents red Olympic rings. As a child of fire, he symbolizes the Olympic Flame and the passion of sport. It is believed that wherever he goes he inspires all with the passion to run faster, jump higher and be stronger. Huanhuan reflects the excellence in ball games.
Yingying: Yingying as a symbol of being fast and agile represents the yellow Olympic rings. It reflects the strength in track and field events.
Nini:Nini symbolize the infinite sky and spread good-luck as a blessing. It represents the green Olympic rings and reflects strength in gymnastics.
Olympic Poster
Olympic Poster 2008 has been designed by the enthusiastic students from about 266 colleges and universities in and around China. The organizers have made a collection of about 3,860 Olympics-themed posters from them. The designing of Olympic Poster began in the year of 2006 from the month of March.
The Beijing Olympics Posters 2008 has also been made by the students of the universities and colleges of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao. The sole reason behind the making of posters for the Beijing Olympic 2008 is to promote the event on a grand scale. Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) has played a dominant role in this field. The Beijing Jintai Art Gallery has got about an approximate of 300 Olympics-themed posters on display. These posters are those made by the students of the universities and colleges of China.
The exhibition was inaugurated on 12th July. It was attended by Jiang Xiaoyu, Vice President of BOCOG. The Beijing Olympic Games of 2008 is going to take place from 8th August to 24th August, 2008 at the Beijing National Stadium. The Olympics Posters of the Beijing Olympic 2008 shows the extreme talent of the students in the field of visual art and at the same time their extreme enthusiasm for the Olympics.
Participating Countries
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- American Samoa
- Andorra
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Arab Rep. of Egypt
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Aruba
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Benin
- Bermuda
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bosnia-Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- British Virgin Islands
- Brunei Darussalam
- Bulgaria
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Cape Verde
- Cayman Islands
- Central Africa
- Chad
- Chile
- China Republic
- Chinese Taipei
- Colombia
- Comoros
- Congo
- Cook Islands
- Costa Rica
- Cote-d´lvoire
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Djibouti
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Estonia
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Gabon
- Georgia
- Germany
- Ghana
- Great Britain
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guam
- Guatemala
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Ivory Coast
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jordon
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Korea Democratic People Republic
- Korea people Republic
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Libya
- Lichtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mali
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- Netherlands Antilles
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Niger
- Niger
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palau
- Palestine
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Puerto Rico
- Qatar
- Rep. of Macedonia
- Rep. of Moldova
- Rhodesia
- Romania
- Rwanda
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Lucia
- San Marino
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- St. Vincent & Gr.
- Sudan
- Surinam
- Swaziland
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- The Gambia
- Timor-Leste
- Togo
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Tuvalu
- U.S.A.
- U.S.S.R.
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- Unified Team
- United Arab Emirates
- Uruguay
- US Virgin Islands
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
- Western Samoa
- Yemen
- Yugoslavia
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
2008 Olympics Participating Countries are expected to have most of the countries who participated in the Athens Olympic Games of 2004.
2008 Olympics Logo
2008 Beijing Olympics Logo is ‘Chinese Seal, Dancing Beijing’. Along with this symbol, three other symbols have also been selected for Beijing Olympic Emblem 2008. They include the Environmental Symbol of Beijing Olympics-‘Green Olympics’, Beijing Olympic Cultural Festival Symbol and Volunteers Symbol of Beijing Olympics.
A set of other symbols have also been selected for each of the games by the Beijing Olympic Games organization. The Emblem of the Beijing Olympic Games 2008 shows a red Chinese seal placed right above ‘Beijing 2008’ and the Olympic rings. The red Chinese seal exhibits a dancing figure. The various curves used in the Beijing Olympic Emblem 2008 symbolize the body of a Chinese dragon. Red stands for ‘good luck’. The open arms of the Chinese seal signify the warm welcome of China to the rest of the world.
Given below is a brief on the other symbols of Beijing Olympic Games 2008:
* Environmental Symbol of Beijing Olympics-‘Green Olympics’: This symbol the crown of a tree and a human figure. It symbolizes the affinity of human being with nature.
* Beijing Olympic Cultural Festival Symbol: This symbol depicts a man and a lantern dancing with joy. Lantern actually signifies ‘reunion’.
* Volunteers Symbol of Beijing Olympics: Their symbol shows hearts and human figures in dancing form.
