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International torch relay for Beijing Paralympic Games cancelled
Labels: Beijing 2008, Summer Olympic 2008, torch relayThe planned international route of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic torch relay was cancelled, announced the Beijing 2008 Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) here on Wednesday.
Due to the devastating May 12 earthquake that struck China, BOCOG has decided to modify arrangements for the Paralympic torch relay under the principle of "safe, simple and effective".
According to BOCOG, those changes have been made to afford the Chinese government to focus on the rescue and relief work and show support for the people affected by the earthquake.
Changes to the Paralympic torch relay include shortened domestic routes calling off four stops of Chengdu, Chongqing, Urumqi and Tianjin, simplified procedures and the cancellation of the international route of the relay which was due to pass through Vancouver in Canada, London in Britain and Sochi in Russia. Besides, the Hong Kong stop was also snuffed out.
Nevertheless, the committee welcomes all overseas torch bearers to join the domestic relay, a BOCOG official told Xinhua.
The official expressed BOCOG's thanks to the International Paralympic Committee, the National Paralympic Committee of countries concerned, the international community as well as the government and people from the four cities -- Vancouver, London, Sochi and the Chinese Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong.
The BOCOG will spare no effort on holding both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the official said.
The Beijing 2008 Paralympic torch relay was to be the first to include an international leg. The BOCOG announced the planned torch relay routes last September, including 16 domestic legs, 3 international legs and Hong Kong.
Due to the devastating May 12 earthquake that struck China, BOCOG has decided to modify arrangements for the Paralympic torch relay under the principle of "safe, simple and effective".
According to BOCOG, those changes have been made to afford the Chinese government to focus on the rescue and relief work and show support for the people affected by the earthquake.
Changes to the Paralympic torch relay include shortened domestic routes calling off four stops of Chengdu, Chongqing, Urumqi and Tianjin, simplified procedures and the cancellation of the international route of the relay which was due to pass through Vancouver in Canada, London in Britain and Sochi in Russia. Besides, the Hong Kong stop was also snuffed out.
Nevertheless, the committee welcomes all overseas torch bearers to join the domestic relay, a BOCOG official told Xinhua.
The official expressed BOCOG's thanks to the International Paralympic Committee, the National Paralympic Committee of countries concerned, the international community as well as the government and people from the four cities -- Vancouver, London, Sochi and the Chinese Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong.
The BOCOG will spare no effort on holding both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the official said.
The Beijing 2008 Paralympic torch relay was to be the first to include an international leg. The BOCOG announced the planned torch relay routes last September, including 16 domestic legs, 3 international legs and Hong Kong.
The Beijing Olympic Torch
Labels: Beijing 2008, Summer Olympic 2008, torch relayThe Beijing Olympic Torch boasts strong Chinese characteristics, and showcases Chinese design and technical capabilities. It embodies the concepts of a Green Olympics, a High-tech Olympics and the People's Olympics.
The Key Facts about the Torch
The torch is 72 centimetres high, weighs 985 grams and is made of aluminium. The torch is of a curved surface form, with etching and anodizing being used during its production. A torch can usually keep burning for approximately 15 minutes in conditions where the flame is 25 to 30 centimetres high in a windless environment. The torch has been produced to withstand winds of up to 65 kilometres per hour and to stay alight in rain up to 50mm an hour. The flame can be identified and photographed in sunshine and areas of extreme brightness. The fuel is propane which is in accordance with environmental guidelines. The material of its form is recyclable.
The Artistic and Technical Features of the Torch
The torch of the Beijing Olympic Games has a very strong Chinese flavour. It demonstrates the artistic and technical level of China. It also conveys the message of a Green Olympics, a High-tech Olympics and the People's Olympics. The shape of the paper scroll and the lucky clouds graphic, expresses the idea of harmony. Its stable burning technique and adaptability to the environment have reached a new technical level. The torch of the Beijing Olympic Games is designed, researched and produced in China. BOCOG owns all intellectual property rights.
The Fuel for the Torch
Under the concept of a Green Olympics, environmental protection was a key element listed in the invitation documents to the design companies, by BOCOG. The fuel of the torch is propane, which is a common fuel which also comes with a low price. It is composed of carbon and hydrogen. No material, except carbon dioxide and water remain after the burning, eliminating any risk of pollution.
The Burning System
Its stable burning technique and adaptability to the environment have reached a new technical level. It can stay alight in severe weather conditions such as strong wind, rain, snow, hail, etc. The flame can also be identified in sunshine and areas of extreme brightness so as to satisfy the requirements of capturing photographic images and video footage.
The Design Timelines
- 2005 August BOCOG developed the design concepts and requirements of the torch.
- 2005 December BOCOG recruited potential torch designs from the design society. In total, BOCOG received 388 pieces of works. 2006 June-August BOCOG selected the structural designer and the burning system designer.
- 2007 January Beijing Olympic Torch was approved by IOC
Olympic City : Qingdao International Marina
Labels: Beijing 2008, Olympic City, Sailing, Summer Olympic 2008Location: City of Qingdao
Use during the Games: Sailing
Category: New competition venue (under construction)
Qingdao
Qingdao is located on the southern coastline of the Shandong Peninsula, in east China's Shandong Province. Dubbed "Eastern Switzerland", Qingdao is one of China's most important port cities. With an area of 10,654 km2, it has a population of 7.31 million by the end of 2004.
A unique blend of sea and mountains and a pleasant climate make Qingdao extraordinary. It has an average temperature of 12.2 degrees Celsius and a total length of coastline (including that of its 69 offshore islands) of 862.64 kilometers, of which 730 kilometers are continental.
Qingdao is an important manufacturing centre, an ice-free seaport and one of the most important textile industrial centres in China. It is also famed as a transit pivot for Eurasia and the Pacific region.
Qingdao International Marina
The Qingdao International Marina for the Games of the 29th Olympiad is located on the old site of the Beihai shipyard by Qingdao's Fushan Bay in China's Shangdong Province. The Centre will cover a total area of 45 hectares (450,000 sq.m.), two thirds of which will be utilised for the competitions.
The whole project is comprised of the Land Area, and the Harbor and the Off-shore Section. The projects on land will provide the administration and competition management centre, the athletes' centre, the press centre, the logistic and functional centre, and other affiliated facilities as well. The Harbor and Off-Shore parts will focus on the engineering of the major and secondary breakwater, an embankment, a quay featuring the Olympic Memorial Wall, and the renovation of the shore wall.
The quay, the secondary breakwater, and the embankment will enclose an area of 15.5 hectares (155,000 sq.m.) while the major breakwater, together with the embankment, will occupy 7.5 hectares (75,000 sq.m.). Additional overlay and facilities will also be placed for temporary use of the Games. A removable surveying shed and a pontoon, for instance, will be set up separately on the embankment and the western quay to facilitate observations and transportation.
Use during the Games: Sailing
Category: New competition venue (under construction)
Qingdao
Qingdao is located on the southern coastline of the Shandong Peninsula, in east China's Shandong Province. Dubbed "Eastern Switzerland", Qingdao is one of China's most important port cities. With an area of 10,654 km2, it has a population of 7.31 million by the end of 2004.
A unique blend of sea and mountains and a pleasant climate make Qingdao extraordinary. It has an average temperature of 12.2 degrees Celsius and a total length of coastline (including that of its 69 offshore islands) of 862.64 kilometers, of which 730 kilometers are continental.
Qingdao is an important manufacturing centre, an ice-free seaport and one of the most important textile industrial centres in China. It is also famed as a transit pivot for Eurasia and the Pacific region.
Qingdao International Marina
The Qingdao International Marina for the Games of the 29th Olympiad is located on the old site of the Beihai shipyard by Qingdao's Fushan Bay in China's Shangdong Province. The Centre will cover a total area of 45 hectares (450,000 sq.m.), two thirds of which will be utilised for the competitions.
The whole project is comprised of the Land Area, and the Harbor and the Off-shore Section. The projects on land will provide the administration and competition management centre, the athletes' centre, the press centre, the logistic and functional centre, and other affiliated facilities as well. The Harbor and Off-Shore parts will focus on the engineering of the major and secondary breakwater, an embankment, a quay featuring the Olympic Memorial Wall, and the renovation of the shore wall.
The quay, the secondary breakwater, and the embankment will enclose an area of 15.5 hectares (155,000 sq.m.) while the major breakwater, together with the embankment, will occupy 7.5 hectares (75,000 sq.m.). Additional overlay and facilities will also be placed for temporary use of the Games. A removable surveying shed and a pontoon, for instance, will be set up separately on the embankment and the western quay to facilitate observations and transportation.
Pictograms of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games unveiled
Labels: Beijing 2008, Pictograms, Summer Olympic 2008
The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) released the Pictograms of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on the occasion of the 2-year countdown to the opening of the Games.
One of the basic image elements of the Olympics, the Olympic Games Pictograms are widely applied in areas such as Olympic directional instruction system, advertising and communications, landscape and environmental arrangement, TV broadcasting and souvenir designs. The Pictograms play an important role in identifying the Olympic sports as well as in Olympic marketing.
Named "the beauty of seal characters" and with strokes of seal characters as their basic form, the Pictograms of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games integrate pictographic charm of inscriptions on bones and bronze objects in ancient China with simplified embodiment of modern graphics, making them recognizable, rememberable and easy to use. Skillfully using the effect of sharp contrast between the black and white colors which the typical Chinese traditional artistic form of rubbings have, the Pictograms of the Beijing Olympic Games display distinct motion character, graceful aesthetic perception of movement and rich cultural connotations, thus arriving at the harmony and unity of form with conception.
The Beijing Olympics Pictograms comprise of 35 sport icons, namely those of athletics, rowing, badminton, baseball, basketball, boxing, canoe / kayak flatwater, canoe / kayak slalom, cycling, equestrian, fencing, football, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline, weightlifting, handball, hockey, judo, wrestling, swimming, synchronized swimming, diving, water polo, modern pentathlon, softball, taekwondo, tennis, table tennis, shooting, archery, triathlon, sailing, volleyball and beach volleyball.
In March 2005, BOCOG invited four professional design institutes and organizations to the solicitation campaign of Pictograms of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The design based on "seal characters" by China Central Academy of Fine Arts and that on "string" by Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University were shortlisted after experts' appraisal.
A joint design working group between China Central Academy of Fine Arts and Academy of Arts and Design constantly improved and perfected the design in accordance with the suggestions of BOCOG and experts home and abroad.
In December 2005, BOCOG submitted the Beijing Olympic Pictograms to the 28 International Sports Federations (IFs) for approval, and all of IFs had endorsed the Pictograms by April 2006. And in June this year, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) granted the set of the Pictograms.
Beijing 2008 Olympic Emblem - Invitation
Labels: Beijing 2008, emblem, Olympic Games, Summer Olympic 2008
Invitation
"Dancing Beijing" is a kind invitation. The open arms in the emblem say that China is opening its arms to welcome the rest of the world to join the Olympics, a celebration of "peace, friendship and progress of mankind."
"Is it not a joy to have friends come from afar?" The idiom portrays the feelings of friendly and hospitable Chinese people and expresses the sincerity of the city.
Come to Beijing, take a good look at the historical heritages of China's Capital city, and feel the pulse of the country's modernization;
Come, share every piece of its joy, and experience the vigor of the country;
Come, and let us together weave a peaceful and wonderful dream.
"Dancing Beijing" is a kind invitation. The open arms in the emblem say that China is opening its arms to welcome the rest of the world to join the Olympics, a celebration of "peace, friendship and progress of mankind."
"Is it not a joy to have friends come from afar?" The idiom portrays the feelings of friendly and hospitable Chinese people and expresses the sincerity of the city.
Come to Beijing, take a good look at the historical heritages of China's Capital city, and feel the pulse of the country's modernization;
Come, share every piece of its joy, and experience the vigor of the country;
Come, and let us together weave a peaceful and wonderful dream.
! Milestone ! Commitment ! Image ! Beauty ! Hero ! Spirit ! Invitation !
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Mascot
Beijing 2008 Olympic Emblem - Spirit
Labels: Beijing 2008, emblem, Olympic Games, Summer Olympic 2008 Spirit
"Dancing Beijing" extends the totem of the Chinese nation. The form of a running human being stands for the beauty and magnificence of life. Its graceful curves are like the body of a wriggling dragon, relating the past and future of one same civilization; they are like rivers, carrying the century-old history and the nation's pride; they are like veins, pulsing with vitality of life.
The intrinsic values of sports -- athlete-centered and people-oriented - are well defined and upgraded in an artistic way in "the dance of Beijing." We sing if words fail to explain it all, and we dance if the singing does not explicitly tell the meaning.
Vigorous Beijing is looking forward to the celebration in 2008 and the Olympics wait all mankind to dance together.
"Dancing Beijing" extends the totem of the Chinese nation. The form of a running human being stands for the beauty and magnificence of life. Its graceful curves are like the body of a wriggling dragon, relating the past and future of one same civilization; they are like rivers, carrying the century-old history and the nation's pride; they are like veins, pulsing with vitality of life.
The intrinsic values of sports -- athlete-centered and people-oriented - are well defined and upgraded in an artistic way in "the dance of Beijing." We sing if words fail to explain it all, and we dance if the singing does not explicitly tell the meaning.
Vigorous Beijing is looking forward to the celebration in 2008 and the Olympics wait all mankind to dance together.
! Milestone ! Commitment ! Image ! Beauty ! Hero ! Spirit ! Invitation !
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Mascot
Beijing 2008 Olympic Emblem - Hero
Labels: Beijing 2008, emblem, Olympic Games, Summer Olympic 2008 Hero
"Dancing Beijing" calls upon heroes. Olympic Games functions as the stage where heroes are made known, miracles created and glories earned, and where every participant constitutes an indispensable part of the occasion.
The powerful and dynamic design of the emblem is a life poem written by all participants with their passion, affections, and enthusiasm. It is an oath every participant takes to contribute power and wisdom to the Olympics.
The emblem cheers for arts and for the Olympic heroes, who pass down the essence of the Olympic Spirit, which well connects sports and cultures.
"Dancing Beijing" calls upon heroes. Olympic Games functions as the stage where heroes are made known, miracles created and glories earned, and where every participant constitutes an indispensable part of the occasion.
The powerful and dynamic design of the emblem is a life poem written by all participants with their passion, affections, and enthusiasm. It is an oath every participant takes to contribute power and wisdom to the Olympics.
The emblem cheers for arts and for the Olympic heroes, who pass down the essence of the Olympic Spirit, which well connects sports and cultures.
! Milestone ! Commitment ! Image ! Beauty ! Hero ! Spirit ! Invitation !
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Mascot
Beijing 2008 Olympic Emblem - Beauty
Labels: Beijing 2008, emblem, Summer Olympic 2008Beauty"Dancing Beijing" is a favorite color of the Chinese people. The color "red" is intensively used in the emblem, pushing the passion up to a new level. It carries Chinese people's longing for luck and happiness and their explanation of life.
Red is the color of the Sun and the Holy Fire, representing life and a new beginning. Red is mind at ease, symbol of vitality, and China's blessing and invitation to the world.
! Milestone ! Commitment ! Image ! Beauty ! Hero ! Spirit ! Invitation !
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Mascot
Beijing 2008 Olympic Emblem - Image
Labels: Beijing 2008, emblem, Summer Olympic 2008Image "Dancing Beijing" serves as the city's foremost appearance. It is an image that shows the eastern ways of thinking and the nation's lasting appeal embodied in the Chinese characters. It is an expression that conveys the unique cultural quality and elegance of Chinese civilization.
With inspiration from the traditional Chinese art form - calligraphic art, the character "Jing" (the latter of the city's name) is developed into the form of a dancing human being, reflecting the ideal of a "New Olympics". The words "Beijing 2008" also resembles the vivid shapes of Chinese characters in handwriting, voicing in concise strokes of the countless feelings Chinese people possess towards the Olympics.
As people ponder on the rich connotations and charms of these Chinese characters, a "New Beijing" has thus been brought forward.
! Milestone ! Commitment ! Image ! Beauty ! Hero ! Spirit ! Invitation !
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Mascot
Beijing 2008 Olympic Emblem - Commitment
Labels: Beijing 2008, emblem, mascot Commitment
"Dancing Beijing" is a Chinese Seal. It is engraved with commitment made to the Olympic Movement by a country that has 56 ethnic groups and a population of 1.3 billion. While witnessing the advocacy of the Olympic Spirit by a nation with both ancient civilization and modern culture, it also unfolds a future-oriented city's pursuit of the Olympic Ideal.
It is a symbol of trust and an expression of self confidence, standing for the solemn yet sacred promise that Beijing - the host city of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games - has made to the world and to all mankind.
"Complete sincerity can affect even metal and stone (literally meaning sincerity smoothes the way to success)." The inception of our ancestors' wisdom and the image of a seal made of metal and stone allow the emblem to present Chinese people's respect and honesty for the Olympics.
The moment we earnestly imprint the emblem with the "Chinese seal", Beijing is about to show the world a grand picture of "peace, friendship, and progress of mankind" and to strike up the passionate movement of "faster, higher, and stronger" for mankind.
"Dancing Beijing" is a Chinese Seal. It is engraved with commitment made to the Olympic Movement by a country that has 56 ethnic groups and a population of 1.3 billion. While witnessing the advocacy of the Olympic Spirit by a nation with both ancient civilization and modern culture, it also unfolds a future-oriented city's pursuit of the Olympic Ideal.
It is a symbol of trust and an expression of self confidence, standing for the solemn yet sacred promise that Beijing - the host city of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games - has made to the world and to all mankind.
"Complete sincerity can affect even metal and stone (literally meaning sincerity smoothes the way to success)." The inception of our ancestors' wisdom and the image of a seal made of metal and stone allow the emblem to present Chinese people's respect and honesty for the Olympics.
The moment we earnestly imprint the emblem with the "Chinese seal", Beijing is about to show the world a grand picture of "peace, friendship, and progress of mankind" and to strike up the passionate movement of "faster, higher, and stronger" for mankind.
! Milestone ! Commitment ! Image ! Beauty ! Hero ! Spirit ! Invitation !
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Mascot
Beijing 2008 Olympic Emblem Milestone
Labels: Beijing 2008, emblem, Summer Olympic 2008Every emblem of the Olympics tells a story. The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games emblem "Chinese Seal, Dancing Beijing" is filled with Beijing's hospitality and hopes, and carries the city's commitment to the world.
Milestone
"Dancing Beijing" is a milestone of the Olympics. It serves as a classic chapter of the Olympic epic inscribed by the spirit of the Chinese nation, calligraphed by the deeper import of the ancient civilization, and molded by the character of Cathay's descendents. It is concise yet deep inside, bringing forth the city's gradual changes and development. It appears dignified yet bears a tune of romance, reflecting the nation's thoughts and emotions.
In the lead up to the Beijing 2008 Olympics, the emblem will attract more and more people from around the world to Beijing and China to join the great celebration with the Chinese people.
! Milestone ! Commitment ! Image ! Beauty ! Hero ! Spirit ! Invitation !
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Mascot
Milestone
"Dancing Beijing" is a milestone of the Olympics. It serves as a classic chapter of the Olympic epic inscribed by the spirit of the Chinese nation, calligraphed by the deeper import of the ancient civilization, and molded by the character of Cathay's descendents. It is concise yet deep inside, bringing forth the city's gradual changes and development. It appears dignified yet bears a tune of romance, reflecting the nation's thoughts and emotions.
In the lead up to the Beijing 2008 Olympics, the emblem will attract more and more people from around the world to Beijing and China to join the great celebration with the Chinese people.
! Milestone ! Commitment ! Image ! Beauty ! Hero ! Spirit ! Invitation !
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Mascot
Nini - Mascots of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Labels: Beijing 2008, mascot, Summer Olympic 2008
Every spring and summer, the children of Beijing have flown beautiful kites on the currents of wind that blow through the capital. Among the kite designs, the golden-winged swallow is traditionally one of the most popular.
Nini's figure is drawn from this grand tradition of flying designs. Her golden wings symbolize the infinite sky and spread good-luck as a blessing wherever she flies. Swallow is also pronounced "yan" in Chinese, and Yanjing is what Beijing was called as an ancient capital city. Among Fuwa, Nini is as innocent and joyful as a swallow. She is strong in gymnastics and represents the green Olympic ring at Olympic 2008 Mascot.
Olympic 2008 Mascots
Beibei, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Jingjing, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Huanhuan, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Yingying, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Nini, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Yingying - Mascots of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Labels: Beijing 2008, mascot, Summer Olympic 2008
Like all antelopes, Yingying is fast and agile and can swiftly cover great stretches of land as he races across the earth. A symbol of the vastness of China's landscape, the antelope carries the blessing of health, the strength of body that comes from harmony with nature. Yingying's flying pose captures the essence of a species unique to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, one of the first animals put under protection in China.
The selection of the Tibetan Antelope reflects Beijing's commitment to a Green Olympics. His head ornament incorporates several decorative styles from the Qinghai-Tibet and Sinkiang cultures and the ethnic design traditions of Western China. Strong in track and field events, Yingying is a quick-witted and agile boy who represents the yellow Olympic ring at Olympic 2008 Mascot.
Olympic 2008 Mascots
Beibei, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Jingjing, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Huanhuan, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Yingying, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Nini, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Huanhuan - Mascots of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Labels: Beijing 2008, mascot, Summer Olympic 2008
In the intimate circle of Fuwa, Huanhuan is the big brother. He is a child of fire, symbolizing the Olympic Flame and the passion of sport -- and passion is the blessing he bestows. Huanhuan stands in the center of Fuwa as the core embodiment of the Olympic spirit.
And while he inspires all with the passion to run faster, jump higher and be stronger, he is also open and inviting. Wherever the light of Huanhuan shines, the inviting warmth of Beijing 2008 -- and the wishful blessings of the Chinese people -- can be felt. The fiery designs of his head ornament are drawn from the famed Dunhuang murals -- with just a touch of China's traditional lucky designs. Huanhuan is outgoing and enthusiastic. He excels at all the ball games and represents the red Olympic ring as Olympic 2008 mascot.
Olympic 2008 Mascots
Beibei, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Jingjing, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Huanhuan, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Yingying, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Nini, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Jingjing - Mascots of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Labels: Beijing 2008, mascot, Summer Olympic 2008
Jingjing makes children smile -- and that's why he brings the blessing of happiness wherever he goes. You can see his joy in the charming naivety of his dancing pose and the lovely wave of his black and white fur. As a national treasure and a protected species, pandas are adored by people everywhere.
The lotus designs in Jingjing's headdress, which are inspired by the porcelain paintings of the Song Dynasty (A.D.960-1234), symbolize the lush forest and the harmonious relationship between man and nature. Jingjing was chosen to represent our desire to protect nature's gifts -- and to preserve the beauty of nature for all generations. Jingjing is charmingly naïve and optimistic. He is an athlete noted for strength who represents the black Olympic ring at Olympic 2008 mascot.
Olympic 2008 Mascots
Beibei, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Jingjing, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Huanhuan, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Yingying, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Nini, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Beibei - Mascots of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Labels: Beijing 2008, mascot, Summer Olympic 2008
In China's traditional culture and art, the fish and water designs are symbols of prosperity and harvest. And so Beibei carries the blessing of prosperity. A fish is also a symbol of surplus in Chinese culture, another measure of a good year and a good life.
The ornamental lines of the water-wave designs are taken from well-known Chinese paintings of the past. Among Fuwa, Beibei is known to be gentle and pure olympic mascot. Strong in water sports, she reflects the blue Olympic ring.
Olympic 2008 Mascots
Beibei, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Jingjing, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Huanhuan, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Yingying, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Nini, Olympic 2008 Mascot
The Official Mascots of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Labels: Beijing 2008, mascot, Summer Olympic 2008Like the Five Olympic Rings from which they draw their color and inspiration, Fuwa will serve as the Official Mascots of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, carrying a message of friendship and peace -- and good wishes from China -- to children all over the world.
Designed to express the playful qualities of five little children who form an intimate circle of friends, Fuwa 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.
Each of Fuwa has a rhyming two-syllable name -- a traditional way of expressing affection for children in China. Beibei is the Fish, Jingjing is the Panda, Huanhuan is the Olympic Flame, Yingying is the Tibetan Antelope and Nini is the Swallow.
When you put their names together -- Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni -- they say " Olympic Games.
Fuwa also embody both the landscape and the dreams and aspirations of people from every part of the vast country of China. In their origins and their headpieces, you can see the five elements of nature -- the sea, forest, fire, earth and sky -- all stylistically rendered in ways that represent the deep traditional influences of Chinese folk art and ornamentation.
Official Mascots of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Beibei , Jingjing , Huanhuan , Yingying , Nini
Spreading Traditional Chinese Good Wishes Wherever They Go
In the ancient culture of China, there is a grand tradition of spreading good wishes through signs and symbols. Each of Fuwa symbolizes a different blessing -- and will honor this tradition by carrying their good wishes to the children of the world. Prosperity, happiness, passion, health and good luck will be spread to every continent as Fuwa carry their invitation to Beijing 2008 to every part of the globe.
At the heart of their mission -- and through all of their work -- Fuwa will seek to unite the world in peace and friendship through the Olympic spirit. Dedicated to helping Beijing 2008 spread its theme of One World, One Dream to every continent, Fuwa reflect the deep desire of the Chinese people to reach out to the world in friendship through the Games -- and to invite every man, woman and child to take part in the great celebration of human solidarity that China will host in the light of the flame in 2008.
Beijing Olympic 2008 Mascots
Beibei, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Jingjing, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Huanhuan, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Yingying, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Nini, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Free Olympic Wallpaper #1
Free Olympic Wallpaper #2
Designed to express the playful qualities of five little children who form an intimate circle of friends, Fuwa 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.
Each of Fuwa has a rhyming two-syllable name -- a traditional way of expressing affection for children in China. Beibei is the Fish, Jingjing is the Panda, Huanhuan is the Olympic Flame, Yingying is the Tibetan Antelope and Nini is the Swallow.
When you put their names together -- Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni -- they say " Olympic Games.
Fuwa also embody both the landscape and the dreams and aspirations of people from every part of the vast country of China. In their origins and their headpieces, you can see the five elements of nature -- the sea, forest, fire, earth and sky -- all stylistically rendered in ways that represent the deep traditional influences of Chinese folk art and ornamentation.
Official Mascots of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Beibei , Jingjing , Huanhuan , Yingying , Nini
Spreading Traditional Chinese Good Wishes Wherever They Go
In the ancient culture of China, there is a grand tradition of spreading good wishes through signs and symbols. Each of Fuwa symbolizes a different blessing -- and will honor this tradition by carrying their good wishes to the children of the world. Prosperity, happiness, passion, health and good luck will be spread to every continent as Fuwa carry their invitation to Beijing 2008 to every part of the globe.
At the heart of their mission -- and through all of their work -- Fuwa will seek to unite the world in peace and friendship through the Olympic spirit. Dedicated to helping Beijing 2008 spread its theme of One World, One Dream to every continent, Fuwa reflect the deep desire of the Chinese people to reach out to the world in friendship through the Games -- and to invite every man, woman and child to take part in the great celebration of human solidarity that China will host in the light of the flame in 2008.
Beijing Olympic 2008 Mascots
Beibei, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Jingjing, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Huanhuan, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Yingying, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Nini, Olympic 2008 Mascot
Free Olympic Wallpaper #1
Free Olympic Wallpaper #2
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Beijing 2008,
Summer Olympic 2008,
torch relay
Spectators cheer as they watch the Olympic torch relay in Paris, capital of France, on April 7, 2008. (Photo credit: Xinhua)
The Olympic torch relay concluded in Paris Monday afternoon, after repeated disruptions by Tibetan separatists and their supporters which aroused indignation from spectators and sports officials.
The torch was forced to be put on an accompanying bus for four times in the afternoon as precautions against the protestors, a Xinhua photographer reported. The journey was cut short and brought to the final place by bus.
torch, but was stopped by police, and another one failed in his attempt to snatch the torch from a torchbearer.
Torchbearer Mathieu Pinto runs with the torch during the Olympic torch relay in Paris, capital of France，on April 7, 2008. Paris is the fifth stop of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay outside the Chinese mainland. (Photo credit: Xinhua)
At least five protesters were detained for blocking the Beijing Olympic torch relay in the French capital, the AFP news agency reported.
Henri Serandour, head of the French Olympic Committee on Monday criticized the protests as "highly regrettable."
"I think that people should have let this flame through, that they could have held their protests to one side," he said.
"Everyone has a right to express themselves but to stop it passing shows a lack of respect for the basic freedom of our athletes to carry this flame, which is a message of peace to the whole world," the chief said.
Another member of the French Olympic Committee said here Monday that the Olympic torch relay should not be affected in any way.
"The Olympic sacred fire is a symbol of peace, tolerance... and should not be affected by anybody in any way," Guy Drut told France 3 television.
Spectators of the Beijing Olympic torch relay were greatly annoyed and angered by Tibetan separatists and their supporters attempting to disrupt the Monday event in Paris, the fifth leg of the flame's global tour.
"We've come here only to watch the torch relay," said a Paris student, who gave his first name as Mark.
"What in the world does this have anything to do with us except for annoying us?" he added, pointing to Tibetan separatist demonstrators.
Liu Zijun, a Chinese student studying in Paris told Xinhua that the Beijing Olympic Games is a big event for China, she and her friends were very angry about the protests around the relay of the sacred fire.
"A majority of the French people are friendly towards China, but they have no knowledge about what really happened in Tibet and have been misled by some western media's distorted reports," Liu said, adding those media have played a "very bad role" in the matter.
Tens of thousands spectators went to the street of Paris to watch the torch relay, which covers 28 kilometers starting the Eiffel Tower and ending at the Stade (Stadium) Charlety in the south of the city.
Many on-lookers waved Chinese flags to cheer the event or put flag stickers on the face.
One of them told Xinhua that some of the flags were hand-made by themselves or posted by their friends in China.
Spokesman of the torch relay center of the Beijing Olympic Organization Committee Qu Yingpu said that the torch relay started in Paris smoothly, but has encountered protests during the process. Due to technical and safety reasons, the relay team had to change the ways of torch bearing four times during the process and put the torch onto the bus before the relay was resumed towards the south of Paris.
On Sunday, he said that as the highest symbol of the Olympic spirit, the Olympic flame represents peace, friendship and progress. Under the authorization of the International Olympic Committee, the Beijing Olympic torch relay is taking its journey of harmony throughout the world, sharing the passion and glory of the Olympics with the world, and has received warm welcome from the people en route.
However, a few "pro-Tibet independence" activists have attempted to interrupt the torch relay during its journey in grave violation of the Olympic spirit, as the Olympic flame belongs to the world. The act will surely arouse resentment of the peace-loving people, and is bound to fail, he said.
The Beijing Olympic torch relay takes place on Monday in Paris, the fifth leg of its global tour.
The 2008 Olympic flame was ignited on March 24 in Ancient Olympia of Greece and was handed over to Beijing on March 31 after a six-day relay in Greece.
The 130-day torch relay will cover 137,000 km before the flame returns to Beijing and enters the National Stadium on Aug. 8 for the Olympics' opening ceremony.
A total of 21,880 torch bearers will be participating in the unprecedented relay, which is held under the theme of "Journey of Harmony."
The Olympic torch relay concluded in Paris Monday afternoon, after repeated disruptions by Tibetan separatists and their supporters which aroused indignation from spectators and sports officials.
The torch was forced to be put on an accompanying bus for four times in the afternoon as precautions against the protestors, a Xinhua photographer reported. The journey was cut short and brought to the final place by bus.
torch, but was stopped by police, and another one failed in his attempt to snatch the torch from a torchbearer.
Torchbearer Mathieu Pinto runs with the torch during the Olympic torch relay in Paris, capital of France，on April 7, 2008. Paris is the fifth stop of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay outside the Chinese mainland. (Photo credit: Xinhua)
At least five protesters were detained for blocking the Beijing Olympic torch relay in the French capital, the AFP news agency reported.
Henri Serandour, head of the French Olympic Committee on Monday criticized the protests as "highly regrettable."
"I think that people should have let this flame through, that they could have held their protests to one side," he said.
"Everyone has a right to express themselves but to stop it passing shows a lack of respect for the basic freedom of our athletes to carry this flame, which is a message of peace to the whole world," the chief said.
Another member of the French Olympic Committee said here Monday that the Olympic torch relay should not be affected in any way.
"The Olympic sacred fire is a symbol of peace, tolerance... and should not be affected by anybody in any way," Guy Drut told France 3 television.
Spectators of the Beijing Olympic torch relay were greatly annoyed and angered by Tibetan separatists and their supporters attempting to disrupt the Monday event in Paris, the fifth leg of the flame's global tour.
"We've come here only to watch the torch relay," said a Paris student, who gave his first name as Mark.
"What in the world does this have anything to do with us except for annoying us?" he added, pointing to Tibetan separatist demonstrators.
Liu Zijun, a Chinese student studying in Paris told Xinhua that the Beijing Olympic Games is a big event for China, she and her friends were very angry about the protests around the relay of the sacred fire.
"A majority of the French people are friendly towards China, but they have no knowledge about what really happened in Tibet and have been misled by some western media's distorted reports," Liu said, adding those media have played a "very bad role" in the matter.
Tens of thousands spectators went to the street of Paris to watch the torch relay, which covers 28 kilometers starting the Eiffel Tower and ending at the Stade (Stadium) Charlety in the south of the city.
Many on-lookers waved Chinese flags to cheer the event or put flag stickers on the face.
One of them told Xinhua that some of the flags were hand-made by themselves or posted by their friends in China.
Spokesman of the torch relay center of the Beijing Olympic Organization Committee Qu Yingpu said that the torch relay started in Paris smoothly, but has encountered protests during the process. Due to technical and safety reasons, the relay team had to change the ways of torch bearing four times during the process and put the torch onto the bus before the relay was resumed towards the south of Paris.
On Sunday, he said that as the highest symbol of the Olympic spirit, the Olympic flame represents peace, friendship and progress. Under the authorization of the International Olympic Committee, the Beijing Olympic torch relay is taking its journey of harmony throughout the world, sharing the passion and glory of the Olympics with the world, and has received warm welcome from the people en route.
However, a few "pro-Tibet independence" activists have attempted to interrupt the torch relay during its journey in grave violation of the Olympic spirit, as the Olympic flame belongs to the world. The act will surely arouse resentment of the peace-loving people, and is bound to fail, he said.
The Beijing Olympic torch relay takes place on Monday in Paris, the fifth leg of its global tour.
The 2008 Olympic flame was ignited on March 24 in Ancient Olympia of Greece and was handed over to Beijing on March 31 after a six-day relay in Greece.
The 130-day torch relay will cover 137,000 km before the flame returns to Beijing and enters the National Stadium on Aug. 8 for the Olympics' opening ceremony.
A total of 21,880 torch bearers will be participating in the unprecedented relay, which is held under the theme of "Journey of Harmony."
Olympic flame crosses London amid snow
Labels: Beijing 2008, Summer Olympic 2008, torch relayThe heavy snow in London exerted slim effect on people's passion of seeing Beijing Olympic flame as large crowds lined along the street to greet the relay of torch on Sunday in the host city of 2012 Games.
People crowd in Chinatown to watch the Olympic torch relay in London, capital of Britain, April 6, 2008. London is the fourth stop of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay outside the Chinese mainland. (Photo credit: Xinhua)
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown (4th L), British Olympic Minister Tessa Jowell (5th L) and torchbearer Denise Lewis (6th L) applaud as disabled torchbearer Ali Jawad (3rd L) starts with the torch outside 10 Downing Street in London, capital of Britain, April 6, 2008. (Photo credit: Xinhua)
London boasted the longest relay of nearly 50 kilometers among cities outside China's mainland. Eighty torchbearers, including Paralympics, Olympic athletes and celebrities carried the torch through ten London boroughs from Wembley to Greenwich. Landmark buildings and ancient sites witnessed the sacred flame.
Dragon and lion dancing performance dressed up the Chinatown like a festival. Large groups of Chinese in squares or concentration point waited the flame hours before its arrival.
Quintuple Olympic gold medallist rower from Marlow Bottom Steve Redgrave initiated the relay within the Wembley Stadium.
Dragon and lion dancing performance dressed up the Chinatown like a festival. Large groups of Chinese in squares or concentration point waited the flame hours before its arrival.
Quintuple Olympic gold medallist rower from Marlow Bottom Steve Redgrave initiated the relay within the Wembley Stadium.
Torchbearer Giles Emily (C) holds the torch during the Olympic torch relay in London, capital of Britain, April 6, 2008. (Photo credit: Xinhua)
After striking gold in Sydney, Redgrave became the only English athlete ever to have won gold medals in five consecutive Olympic Games. His first Olympic gold came in the coxed fours in Los Angeles in 1984, followed by gold with Andy Holmes in the coxless pairs at Seoul in 1988, gold with Matthew Pinsent in the coxless pairs at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 and the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.
In the Downing Street, Prime Minister Gordon Brown met a special torchbearer Ali Jawad, a disabled athlete on wheelchair, who is on the brink of qualification for Beijing Paralympics.
"The Olympic games are very important for all Chinese. In Chinatown, everyone is very anxious to see the torch pass," said London Chinese Community Center spokeswoman Annie Wu. "We hope it goes smoothly."
Chinese ambassador to Britain Fu Ying ran her leg in Chinatown, who was a hot topic of British media over whether she would be a torchbearer.
"It's a great day for both London and Beijing. The two cities meet each other today," said Fu.
"I hope the Olympic flame can splash peace, harmony and friendship to the world. I'm happy to see large groups of residents give their warm welcome to the flame's arrival including the elderly and the young.
"The Chinatown leg is a very special experience. Britain is one of the top destinations for first-generation Chinese migrants, so a lot of people have been living here for decades.
"It's really a great pleasure to see Londoners smiling and waving."
The Asian descendant Mayuri Morawaka had a leg in Enfield. "I ran a year dance club with another fellow student once a week at my school, I also help with sports day and dance workshops. I am currently completing the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award," said Morawaka.
"I strongly support the Olympics because it encourages people to engage in more physical activity and a great opportunity to seethe world's sporting talents bringing each other closer."
Chun Pal Mak, an English student with Chinese origin living in London, carried the torch through Greenwich.
"This is the greatest honor to be able to represent Britain and China in this exchange of great importance. Since as a child I've watched the Olympics and prided myself that I am both British and Chinese," he said.
"I love sports and participate in many, representing the John Roan Secondary Schools cricket team. We reached the finals and we also won the under-15 league."
The last bearer is Dame Kelly Holmes, a retired English middle-distance athlete. She won gold medals in the 800 meters and1,500 meters at the 2004 Summer Games.
The route covers London's cross-sectional sites including Wembley Stadium, Notting Hill Gate, Hyde Park Place, Marble Arch, Oxford Circus, British Museum, Chinatown Arch, Trafalgar Square, Downing Street, Bridge Street, Waterloo Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral and Greenwich.
More than 80,000 people of Chinese descent live in London, making it the largest Chinese community in Europe.
Following the London leg of the Olympic Torch Relay, the torch will travel to Paris for its fifth leg in the global tour.
In the Downing Street, Prime Minister Gordon Brown met a special torchbearer Ali Jawad, a disabled athlete on wheelchair, who is on the brink of qualification for Beijing Paralympics.
"The Olympic games are very important for all Chinese. In Chinatown, everyone is very anxious to see the torch pass," said London Chinese Community Center spokeswoman Annie Wu. "We hope it goes smoothly."
Chinese ambassador to Britain Fu Ying ran her leg in Chinatown, who was a hot topic of British media over whether she would be a torchbearer.
"It's a great day for both London and Beijing. The two cities meet each other today," said Fu.
"I hope the Olympic flame can splash peace, harmony and friendship to the world. I'm happy to see large groups of residents give their warm welcome to the flame's arrival including the elderly and the young.
"The Chinatown leg is a very special experience. Britain is one of the top destinations for first-generation Chinese migrants, so a lot of people have been living here for decades.
"It's really a great pleasure to see Londoners smiling and waving."
The Asian descendant Mayuri Morawaka had a leg in Enfield. "I ran a year dance club with another fellow student once a week at my school, I also help with sports day and dance workshops. I am currently completing the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award," said Morawaka.
"I strongly support the Olympics because it encourages people to engage in more physical activity and a great opportunity to seethe world's sporting talents bringing each other closer."
Chun Pal Mak, an English student with Chinese origin living in London, carried the torch through Greenwich.
"This is the greatest honor to be able to represent Britain and China in this exchange of great importance. Since as a child I've watched the Olympics and prided myself that I am both British and Chinese," he said.
"I love sports and participate in many, representing the John Roan Secondary Schools cricket team. We reached the finals and we also won the under-15 league."
The last bearer is Dame Kelly Holmes, a retired English middle-distance athlete. She won gold medals in the 800 meters and1,500 meters at the 2004 Summer Games.
The route covers London's cross-sectional sites including Wembley Stadium, Notting Hill Gate, Hyde Park Place, Marble Arch, Oxford Circus, British Museum, Chinatown Arch, Trafalgar Square, Downing Street, Bridge Street, Waterloo Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral and Greenwich.
More than 80,000 people of Chinese descent live in London, making it the largest Chinese community in Europe.
Following the London leg of the Olympic Torch Relay, the torch will travel to Paris for its fifth leg in the global tour.
Beijing Olympic torch relay in St. Petersburg ends
Labels: Beijing 2008, Summer Olympic 2008, torch relay
The Beijing Olympic torch relay in St. Petersburg, the third leg of its global journey, ended on Saturday afternoon at the Palace Square.
Mayor of St. Petersburg Valentina Matviyenko (L Front) gives the torch to torchbearer Galina Zybina, Russia's shot put gold medallist at the 1952 Summer Olympics held in Helsinki, at the Victory Square in St. Petersburg, Russia, on April 5, 2008. St. Petersburg is the third stop of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay outside the Chinese mainland. (Photo credit: Xinhua)
At around 3 p.m. (1100 GMT), the last torchbearer Svetlana Zhurova, the vice speaker of Russian State Duma and a gold medalist at 2006 Turin Winter Olympics, ran into the Palace Square on the south of the Winter Palace, where a huge crowd had already waited to receive the Olympic flame.
A grand celebration was held starting from 2:30 p.m. at the square. After Zhurova lit the cauldron, the audience brought out a burst of applause.
Galina Zybina, shot put gold medalist at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland, was the first torchbearer running from the Victory Square at about 10:45 a.m. (0645 GMT).
After 250 meters, she handed over the flame to Leonid Tyagachyov, the president of the Russian Olympic Committee, who ran another 250 meters.
There was a total of 80 torchbearers in St. Petersburg, including famous athletes, cultural and business figures and politicians, covering a distance of about 20 kilometers.
The Olympic torch had already been relayed in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on April 2 and Turkey's Istanbul on April 3. It will go on Saturday evening from St. Petersburg to London, the capital of Britain.
Mayor of St. Petersburg Valentina Matviyenko (L Front) gives the torch to torchbearer Galina Zybina, Russia's shot put gold medallist at the 1952 Summer Olympics held in Helsinki, at the Victory Square in St. Petersburg, Russia, on April 5, 2008. St. Petersburg is the third stop of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay outside the Chinese mainland. (Photo credit: Xinhua)
At around 3 p.m. (1100 GMT), the last torchbearer Svetlana Zhurova, the vice speaker of Russian State Duma and a gold medalist at 2006 Turin Winter Olympics, ran into the Palace Square on the south of the Winter Palace, where a huge crowd had already waited to receive the Olympic flame.
A grand celebration was held starting from 2:30 p.m. at the square. After Zhurova lit the cauldron, the audience brought out a burst of applause.
Galina Zybina, shot put gold medalist at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland, was the first torchbearer running from the Victory Square at about 10:45 a.m. (0645 GMT).
After 250 meters, she handed over the flame to Leonid Tyagachyov, the president of the Russian Olympic Committee, who ran another 250 meters.
There was a total of 80 torchbearers in St. Petersburg, including famous athletes, cultural and business figures and politicians, covering a distance of about 20 kilometers.
The Olympic torch had already been relayed in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on April 2 and Turkey's Istanbul on April 3. It will go on Saturday evening from St. Petersburg to London, the capital of Britain.
Flame leaves Istanbul for St. Petersburg
Labels: Beijing 2008, Summer Olympic 2008, torch relay
The last torchbearer in Istanbul, Taner Sagir, the weightlifting gold medalist in the 77-kg category at Athens 2004, reached Taksim Square at 7:00 p.m. (GMT +3) to light the cauldron, concluding the second leg of the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay outside of the Chinese mainland.According to Qu Yingpu, a spokesman from BOCOG's Torch Relay Center, the relay in Istanbul was a success, and the torch was enthusiastically received all along the route.
Detailed arrangements by the governments of Turkey and Istanbul, the Turkish Olympic Organizing Committee and the Chinese embassy in Turkey ensured a safe and orderly relay, he said. He expressed belief that success here and in the previous leg in Almaty indicated continued success for the relay.
Following the relay, the Torch Relay operations team left Istanbul and arrived in the next city on the relay route, St. Petersburg, at 3:00 a.m. (GMT +4). The operations team will have a day of rest on April 4, and the Torch Relay will resume in St. Petersburg on April 5.
Sacred flame blazes way through the 'city of apples'
Labels: Beijing 2008, Summer Olympic 2008, torch relay
The Olympic torch arrived in Almaty's Astana Square on Wednesday afternoon, the last site of the first stopover in the global torch relay. Yermakhan Ibraimov, men's 71kg gold medalist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, served as the last torchbearer. After he lit the flame basin, an hour-long grand gala was held on the square with Jiang Xiaoyu, executive vice-president of BOCOG, and Liu Jigang, a BOCOG official, present.Jiang addressed the gala, expressing his gratitude to the Kazakhstani government, the Almaty city government, the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and local residents. He presented a gift to the local city government.
At about 18: 00 p.m. GMT, the flame embarked on its next stop to Istanbul aboard the specially designated Air China torch carrier with the Beijing Torch relay operation team. After six hours, the torch arrived in Istanbul at about 2: 00 a.m. GMT
The torch relay in Almaty started from the Medeo Mountain and torchbearers resorted to skiing, motorcycles, and horses to relay the torch. Riding horses is a tradition in Kazakhstan, an agricultural nation. About 200,000 people rushed to the streets to witness the torch relay in this nation with a total population of 13 million. Cheering on the streets, they waved hello to reporters from the official Olympic website.
This is the first time that an Olympic Torch has passed through this Kazakhstani city. Therefore, the national government focused special attention to the torch relay. The President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, carried the Olympic flame as the first torchbearer. As such, he is also the first torchbearer of the global 2008 Olympic Games torch relay outside China's mainland.
torch RELAY : Athens ready for sacred flame handover ceremony
Labels: Beijing 2008, Summer Olympic 2008, torch relay
On Day 6 of the Torch Relay in Greece, the sacred flame moved from Marathonas to Athens, where it will stay the night. On March 30, the Olympic torch will be ceremoniously handed over to representatives of BOCOG at the Panathenaikon Stadium.On Saturday morning at 7:00, the flame took off from Lamia, passing through Amfiario before reaching Marathonas. From this famed city, torchbearers carried the flame onwards to Rafina, a city on the outskirts of Athens.
Fans were out in droves to welcome the sacred flame long before its arrival in the center of Athens. Greek, Chinese, and Olympic flags decorated the air. Nikitas Kaklamanis himself, the mayor of Athens, will be present to welcome the flame. Stavroula Kozompoli, captain of the women's water polo team from Greece that won the silver medal in the 2004 Olympics, will light the cauldron in the city.
Marathonas lies 26 miles away from Athens, and is the site of the most famous battle in the capital's history. In 490 BC, the Athenians rose up against the much larger Persian army, fighting a very bloody war which in the end they won. According to legend, Pheidippides, the winning team's fastest runner, was then sent to Athens to pronounce the victory. Upon reaching the city, after running at his highest speed for the 26 mile (42.2 km) journey, he shouted, "We have won!" and then promptly dropped dead from exhaustion.
In 1896, when the first modern-day Olympic Games was staged, planners decided to include the "marathon" race as a competitive event; athletes would test their endurance by running the same route (in length) that Pheidippides ran to serve his country.
Along this historic road from Marathonas to Athens, five Chinese citizens will participate in the torch relay, including Zheng Xiyuan (who works as a counselor in the Chinese embassy to Greece), Qiao Li, Zhou Meifen, Cheng Xiaxi, and Ye Ruizhong.
On March 30, the sacred flame will leave from the ancient Acropolis in Athens to its last destination in Greece. BOCOG will be presented with the sacred flame at the torch handover ceremony, which will take place in Panathenaikon Stadium, the site of the first modern-day Olympic Games.
6 torch relay : Day five of torch relay covers the longest distance so far
Labels: Beijing 2008, Summer Olympic 2008, torch relay
The sacred flame went through Dion at the foot of Mount Olympus during the fifth day of the Torch Relay on Friday, with local residents excited to witness the coming of the flame.The fifth day saw the flame travel the longest distance so far in Greece. It covered nearly 400 km from the northeast to the southeast of Greece.
Fireworks were lit in Thessaloniki as part of celebrations to greet the Olympic Flame Thursday evening. At nearly 8:00 (GMT +2) the next day, the mayor of the city Vasilios Papageorgopoulos, also a famous sprinter, lit the torch using the flame basin and ran as the first torchbearer from the city amid long-time ovations. The flame basin was then loaded on a car and headed for Dion.
It seemed as if all of the city's less than 2,000 residents joined the joyous atmosphere to welcome the Olympic Flame. Waving Greek and Chinese flags dotted the air while residents and singers sang beautiful songs.
Although communication between Chinese reporters and Greek citizens is limited due to the language barrier, residents of Dion enjoyed the Olympic Torch relay. Most of them smiled to Chinese reporters and some said Nihao (hello) in Chinese.
Dimosthenis Tampakos, an Athens Olympic rings champion, lit the Olympic flame basin before loud whistles and ovations. This is the fourth time Tampakos has been a torchbearer. He said he had a special feeling when holding the Olympic torch. Dion is named after the Greek translation for Zeus.
The Mayor of Volos went out to welcome the flame and was the first torchbearer from the city.
Celebrations were held in a stadium, which the mayor said was one of the venues for the 2004 Athens Olympic football events.
The mayor has never been to China but he wished that Beijing will play host to a successful Olympic Games.
The flame arrived at Lamia at 6:54 p.m., where the torch will stay overnight. On Saturday, the flame will head to the Acropolis.
5 torch relay : Cauldron lit in Thessaloniki on fourth day of torch relay
Labels: Beijing 2008, Summer Olympic 2008, torch relay
Chinese reporters had to handle a tough schedule as the Torch Relay entered into its fourth day's journey at the birthplace of Olympics.Both Chinese reporters and BOCOG officials have been deprived of any spare time, but they are lucky as they are treated as distinguished guests in Greece, with friendly citizens providing free meals to the visitors.
The Torch Relay was put off for half an hour in the first stop of Veria with a population of about 30,000 at 9:30 a.m. (GMT + 2).
Thousands of local residents braved the unsatisfactory weather to greet the sacred flame. Children holding Chinese and Greek national flags chanted "China! China!"
The torch departed Veria for the second stop of Naoussa. The glowing spirits of onlookers dressed in folk costumes were evident as the flame basin in front of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games emblem "Chinese Seal, Dancing Beijing" was lit.
After a journey of 24.5km, the torch arrived at Skidra. A little girl clad in a priestess's costume welcomed the coming of the sacred flame with Olive branches.
A half hour later, the flame came to Edessa. The sacred flame was met with slight drizzle, but nothing could dampen the bright fire, nor the spirits of onlookers. Officials and armed forces joined ordinary citizens to greet the flame.
The flame stopped in beautiful Giannitsa, wrapped in cold. The town was only 7 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.
Pella was the next stop, where a young girl expressed her passion about China.
The young girl is from a local middle school. She told reporters that she learned about China by watching TV and reading magazines. China is a beautiful country with long-standing and glorious culture, she said.
She continued to tell reporters that although she has never been to China, she plans to visit the country in the future.
The fourth day's final destination was the historic city of Thessaloniki, which has a population of about one million. Thessaloniki, the second largest commercial city in Greece, is crammed with culture and sprinkled with sights.
According to schedule, the torchbearers will leave Thessaloniki at 8:24 a.m. (GMT+2), making their way to Dion at 10:36 after a journey of 94 km. They will arrive at Larisa at 13:09 after a journey of 86.5km. Half an hour later, the flame will arrive at Volos at 15:48 pm and make its trip to Lamia at 18:54 pm after a journey of 112 km, where a celebration is planned and the Olympic torch will stay overnight.
4 torch relay : Olympic Torch sleeps over in Veria
Labels: Beijing 2008, torch relay
Day three of the Greek leg of the 2008 Olympic Torch Relay began in Ioannina under similar weather conditions as the previous day. The chilly temperatures followed the torch as it touched down upon the snowy town of Metsovo, stop number two on Wednesday, March 26.At 11:08 a.m., the Olympic Torch reached the mountain town, welcomed by traditional song and dance from residents braving the cold. Dressed in beautiful Greek costumes, the townspeople smiled at the world, reflecting the innate friendliness of the Greek culture.
After Metsovo, the torch continued on its journey through Greece, arriving in Grevena at 1:42 p.m. Amidst Greek and Chinese flags being waved in the air by crowds of excited onlookers, the Torch Relay went on without a hitch.
At 2:12 p.m., the Torch Relay picked up again to march towards its next destination 57 kilometers away: Kozani. In Tuesday's travels, this was perhaps the most unique stop in the Torch Relay route.
Why? The chicken that laid the egg.
The world remembers when Halley's Comet made its appearance in 1834. In that same year, a hen in Kozani laid an egg that stunned residents in the small town. The special egg's shell was imprinted with an image in the likeness of Comet Halley. The hen's owner donated the egg to Greece, receiving special honors for his gift. Today, Kozani is not only celebrated for its fascinating history, but also for its beautiful landscape.
As the day continued with the torch moving towards its last stop, Veria, the snowy surroundings were slowly replaced by clear blue skies. This change in scenery is interestingly reflected in the Greek flag, made up of blue and white. Some say that those colors represent the Greek sea and sky mixed with white clouds and waves. Others say the white refers to the snowy mountainous areas of the peninsula. Whichever the explanation, no one will deny the beauty of the country, presented to the world through the Olympic Torch Relay.
3 torch relay : Greek torchbearers: Today is our festival
Labels: Beijing 2008, Summer Olympic 2008, torch relayMarch 25, Tuesday, is the second day of the Torch Relay for the Beijing Olympic Games. It is also the 187th anniversary of Greek Independence Day.
Starting today, the Greeks entered a week of celebrations. The Greek national flag could be seen along the route of the torch relay and the people looked enthusiastic. Dressed in national costumes, they danced, sharing the joy brought about by the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
With smiles on their faces, a group of school girls responded to a reporter's question: "Why did we dance? We danced to welcome the Olympic Torch and celebrate our festival!"
Leaving Mesologi, the last leg of the first day of the torch relay at 9:00 a.m. (GMT+2), the Flame made stops at Amfilochia, Menidi and Arta and arrived at Ioannina at 7:28 p.m. The torchbearers will continue their journey tomorrow again in a festive mode.
Starting today, the Greeks entered a week of celebrations. The Greek national flag could be seen along the route of the torch relay and the people looked enthusiastic. Dressed in national costumes, they danced, sharing the joy brought about by the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
With smiles on their faces, a group of school girls responded to a reporter's question: "Why did we dance? We danced to welcome the Olympic Torch and celebrate our festival!"
Leaving Mesologi, the last leg of the first day of the torch relay at 9:00 a.m. (GMT+2), the Flame made stops at Amfilochia, Menidi and Arta and arrived at Ioannina at 7:28 p.m. The torchbearers will continue their journey tomorrow again in a festive mode.
2 torch relay : First day of Olympic Torch Relay concludes
Labels: Beijing 2008, Summer Olympic 2008, torch relay
The first day of the Olympic Torch Relay successfully concluded, with the Olympic Flame lit in Mesologi. Heavy rain did not affect the enthusiasm of the Greek people. They gathered together, welcoming the Olympic torch.In the Torch Lighting Ceremony that began at 11:00 a.m. (GMT +2) on March 24, in Olympia, Greece, the High Priestess successfully lit the sacred flame in a traditional ritual, using only the rays of the sun and a parabolic mirror.
The High Priestess, portrayed by Greek actress Maria Nafpliotou, used the flame to light the torch of the first torchbearer, Alexandros Nikolaidis, the Greek Olympic Taekwondo silver medalist in 2004. Nikolaidis ran with the torch to the Coubertin monument, beginning the first leg of the relay in Greece
From March 24-29, the torch will travel across Greece, ending at Panathinaiko Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, where the flame will be handed over to BOCOG.
At 20:30 (GMT +2), the Greek torchbearer held the Olympic torch and entered a designated place in Mesologi. Although it was raining heavily, the torch relay still attracted many Greek fans holding Chinese and Greek national flags in their hands. The lighting of the Olympic flame in Mesologi marked the conclusion of the first day of the Olympic Torch Relay.
On March 25, the Olympic Torch Relay will start from MESOLOGI, via AGRINIO, AMFILOCHIA, MENIDI, and ARTA, and finally arrive at IOANNINA.
1 torch relay : Sacred flame waves goodbye to Greece
Labels: torch relay"Tell the world, the Olympic Games are about to begin!"
One week earlier, on March 24, the torch lighting ceremony was successfully completed, signaling the start of the torch relay in Greece. On Sunday, March 30, the Greek leg of the torch relay officially concluded, with the handover of the torch to BOCOG at Panathenaikon Stadium in Athens. The sacred flame will head to Beijing from here, and after a welcome ceremony launching the start of the 2008 Games, the flame will begin its worldwide tour.
In the past seven days, the sacred flame has circled around Greece, traveling 1,500 kilometers, starting from the birthplace of the modern Olympics, Ancient Olympia, and ending in Athens, the site of the 2004 Olympic Games. Although the sacred flame met with less than perfect weather conditions during its journey, having to face wind, rain, and snow, torchbearers relentlessly carried on, and in their care, the fire continued to burn brightly atop torches and altars.
The sacred flame witnessed love and friendship freely given by Greek citizens as the torch ignited their passionate Olympic spirits. The cooperative friendship between Chinese and Greeks, as shown through the successful torch relay, serves to spread the ideals of peace and harmony throughout the world.
Over 600 people had the honor of carrying the torch through its journey in Greece. From the first torchbearer (Alexandros Nikolaidis, 80 kg taekwondo Olympic silver medalist in 2004) to the last (Pigi Divetzi, silver medalist in the triple jump in the Athens Olympic Games), each person represented the heart of the Olympic Games, where fairness and equality overcome social and economic status. Every torchbearer stands equal on this platform provided by the sacred flame.
At every stop along the relay route, the sacred flame was met with expressive enthusiasm and celebrated with passionate song and dance. Greek citizens were eager to show the world their unique traditions with beautiful outfits and lovely performances, rehearsed and impulsive, encouraged by the spirit of the Olympic flame.
Unforgettable moments during the Greek leg of the torch relay are plentiful. For example, the image of the sacred flame being carried forward through pouring rain on the evening of the torch lighting ceremony will be forever imprinted on onlookers' memories. And the words of a visually impaired torchbearer, after finishing her race, "I can't see the flame, but I can feel it's warmth," will be remembered for countless years to come.
Although most of the residents reporters spoke to in Greece have never been to China, and have only a vague idea of Beijing, they overwhelmingly opened their hearts to welcome the Chinese representatives, as well as the Beijing Olympics as a whole, sending their well-wishes along with the sacred flame as it journeyed through the country.
Twenty-six Chinese nationals from various circles took part in the Greek relay run as torchbearers, including Olympic swimming gold medalist Luo Xueyuan, four-time Olympic table tennis champion Deng Yaping, Chinese ambassador to Greece Luo Linquan, and postman Quan Erping from Inner Mongolia. They were the face of China in Greece, bringing greetings from the East.
The friendly atmosphere provided by the Greek population as the sacred flame traveled through both large metropolises and tiny mountain villages was palpable to the guests. In addition, the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) did everything in its power to ensure the safety and success of the torch relay, efficiently planning the route and wonderfully executing the torch arrival ceremonies. Greek President Karolos Papoulias, and Prime Minister Konstandinos KARAMANLIS were present at the Olympic torch lighting ceremony, an immense honor for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
As the Greek leg of the torch relay has concluded, the sacred flame brings with it to Beijing all of the blessings of the Greek population as expressed by their warm welcome in the last week. From here, the torch will head first to Beijing, to be welcomed by a launching ceremony, after which the sacred flame representing the 2008 Beijing Olympics will make its way around the globe.
One week earlier, on March 24, the torch lighting ceremony was successfully completed, signaling the start of the torch relay in Greece. On Sunday, March 30, the Greek leg of the torch relay officially concluded, with the handover of the torch to BOCOG at Panathenaikon Stadium in Athens. The sacred flame will head to Beijing from here, and after a welcome ceremony launching the start of the 2008 Games, the flame will begin its worldwide tour.
In the past seven days, the sacred flame has circled around Greece, traveling 1,500 kilometers, starting from the birthplace of the modern Olympics, Ancient Olympia, and ending in Athens, the site of the 2004 Olympic Games. Although the sacred flame met with less than perfect weather conditions during its journey, having to face wind, rain, and snow, torchbearers relentlessly carried on, and in their care, the fire continued to burn brightly atop torches and altars.
The sacred flame witnessed love and friendship freely given by Greek citizens as the torch ignited their passionate Olympic spirits. The cooperative friendship between Chinese and Greeks, as shown through the successful torch relay, serves to spread the ideals of peace and harmony throughout the world.
Over 600 people had the honor of carrying the torch through its journey in Greece. From the first torchbearer (Alexandros Nikolaidis, 80 kg taekwondo Olympic silver medalist in 2004) to the last (Pigi Divetzi, silver medalist in the triple jump in the Athens Olympic Games), each person represented the heart of the Olympic Games, where fairness and equality overcome social and economic status. Every torchbearer stands equal on this platform provided by the sacred flame.
At every stop along the relay route, the sacred flame was met with expressive enthusiasm and celebrated with passionate song and dance. Greek citizens were eager to show the world their unique traditions with beautiful outfits and lovely performances, rehearsed and impulsive, encouraged by the spirit of the Olympic flame.
Unforgettable moments during the Greek leg of the torch relay are plentiful. For example, the image of the sacred flame being carried forward through pouring rain on the evening of the torch lighting ceremony will be forever imprinted on onlookers' memories. And the words of a visually impaired torchbearer, after finishing her race, "I can't see the flame, but I can feel it's warmth," will be remembered for countless years to come.
Although most of the residents reporters spoke to in Greece have never been to China, and have only a vague idea of Beijing, they overwhelmingly opened their hearts to welcome the Chinese representatives, as well as the Beijing Olympics as a whole, sending their well-wishes along with the sacred flame as it journeyed through the country.
Twenty-six Chinese nationals from various circles took part in the Greek relay run as torchbearers, including Olympic swimming gold medalist Luo Xueyuan, four-time Olympic table tennis champion Deng Yaping, Chinese ambassador to Greece Luo Linquan, and postman Quan Erping from Inner Mongolia. They were the face of China in Greece, bringing greetings from the East.
The friendly atmosphere provided by the Greek population as the sacred flame traveled through both large metropolises and tiny mountain villages was palpable to the guests. In addition, the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) did everything in its power to ensure the safety and success of the torch relay, efficiently planning the route and wonderfully executing the torch arrival ceremonies. Greek President Karolos Papoulias, and Prime Minister Konstandinos KARAMANLIS were present at the Olympic torch lighting ceremony, an immense honor for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
As the Greek leg of the torch relay has concluded, the sacred flame brings with it to Beijing all of the blessings of the Greek population as expressed by their warm welcome in the last week. From here, the torch will head first to Beijing, to be welcomed by a launching ceremony, after which the sacred flame representing the 2008 Beijing Olympics will make its way around the globe.
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