Olympic culture festival kicks off

The second "Beijing 2008" Olympic Cultural Festival opened on June 23, the International Olympic Day, and will conclude on July 13-- the third anniversary of the city's successful bidding for the hosting of the Games, BOCOG announced at a press conference June 23 afternoon. This cultural event is jointly sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Culture, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, the General Administration of Sport, the Beijing Municipal Government and BOCOG.

Rich and Colorful Activities

The Olympic Cultural Festival includes opening and closing ceremonies, an Olympic exhibition, an Olympic forum, art performances and a series of cultural and sports activities, according to Zhang Ming, Deputy Director of BOCOG Department of Culture and Ceremonies. The Festival also celebrates the "Citizens' Day" and witness activities in the Olympic Cultural Square.

The opening ceremony of this Cultural Festival was held on the evening of June 23 in Haidian Theatre, with the China National Song & Dance Ensemble staging a grand gala showcasing Chinese ethnic singing and dancing. On the evening of July 13, a soiree for the closing of this cultural event will be held at the China Millennium Monument which will be broadcast live by Beijing TV Station. The emblem of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games will be officially launched during the soiree.

Olympic culture festival kicks off (2)

Answering press questions at the press conference, BOCOG Vice-President Jiang Xiaoyu noted that the most distinctive feature of this Cultural Festival will be its wide public participation. He said the Festival's wide range of activities are designed to attract the general public so as to further enhance the Olympic awareness, promote the Olympic spirit and strengthening non-governmental communication for the Olympic culture.

Paralympic Emblem to be Unveiled

Beginning from 2008, the Paralympic Games and Summer Olympic Games will be hosted in the same country, city, venues and facilities as required by IOC, Jiang Xiaoyu said. He added that the Chinese government highly respects this initiative. The Beijing 2008 Paralympic Logo-- the most influential symbol of the Paralympic Games- is both related with and differentiated from the Beijing Olympic Logo-- "China Seal, Dancing Beijing". He noted that the Paralympic logo will play an important role in representing Chinese cultural traditions, promoting the Olympic movement and celebrating the determined spirit of disabled athletes and people.

Jiang said the logo selection has progressed smoothly, adding that he believes the official 2008 Paralympic Logo will be very attractive and a match of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Logo.

Source: Beijing-2008.org