9.8.2008
Photo
taken on Aug. 8, 2008 shows the fireworks during the opening
ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games held in the National
Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in north Beijing,
China. (Xinhua/Wang Yongzhuo)
Beijing , 09 August, (Xinhua):
Chinese President Hu Jintao declared open the 29th summer
Olympic Games of Beijing in the National Stadium in north
Beijing on Friday night.
Thundering cheers rocked the full-packed stadium, while
splendid fireworks lit up the city skyline.
The
exciting announcement came after a nearly-one-hour art
performance highlighting China's 5,000-year civilization
and modern achievements, and a 2.5-hour march-in of more
than 10,000 athletes from 204 countries and regions.
"Today,
the Olympic flame lit in Olympia has come to the end of
its odyssey and will be kindled to adorn the night sky
of Beijing," said Liu Qi, president of the Beijing
Organizing Committee for the 29th Olympic Games (BOCOG),
in his speech.
"Hosting
an Olympic Games has been a century-old dream for the
Chinese nation. For seven years, ever since Beijing won
its Olympic bid, the hearts of 1.3 billion Chinese people
have been pulsating in unison with the Olympic Movement,"
he added.
In
his speech, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President
Jacques Rogge congratulated Beijing on its dream coming
true tonight.
"For
a long time, China has dreamed of opening its doors and
inviting the world's athletes to Beijing for the Olympic
Games," said Rogge.
"You
have chosen as the theme of these Games 'One World, One
Dream.' That is what we are tonight," he added.
"These Games belong to you. Let them be the athletes'
Games," the IOC chief told the athletes.
He
also thanked Beijing, the Games organizers and the "gracious
volunteers," before inviting President Hu to declare
open the Games.
Courtesy - Asian
Tribune
