Beijing Unveils the Emblem of 2008 Beijing Olympics

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, August 05, 2003

Beijing Unveils the Emblem of 2008 Beijing Olympics

The unveiling ceremony of the long-expected emblem of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) was held in Qi Nian Dian (Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests) of Tian Tan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing.

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Beijing Unveils Emblem of 2008 Olympic Games

The official emblem for the 29th Olympic Games in 2008 was presented to the awaiting world today at a grand ceremony held by the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG).

The new emblem was unveiled by Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China, and Hein Verbruggen, Chairman of the Coordination Commission at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad. The unveiling was put on in the presence of 2,008 VIPs and to an audience of 400 million TV viewers at a spectacular show that was broadcast live.

The emblem, which legally is also the official emblem for BOCOG, is entitled "Dancing Beijing." It resembles a red Chinese seal enclosing a lively dancing figure. It combines elements of traditional Chinese culture with the true Olympic spirit and values. "Dancing Beijing," which will be a core element of Beijing's Olympic image and look, is expected to become one of the most powerful graphic identities in the history of the Olympic Games. The unveiling of the new emblem also paves the way for the marketing programme which the BOCOG plans to launch in early September.

Drawn in graceful traditional Chinese calligraphy, "Dancing Beijing" celebrates the spirit of sport, of every Olympian, and of China. Its open arms convey a message of hope -- an invitation to the world to share in Beijing's history, its rich cultural heritage, its dynamism and its future. The emblem symbolizes China opening to the world and reaching out to embrace all humanity. The Beijing 2008 Games emblem will be remembered as the first to use red as a dominant colour. Red is very special to historical and present day China.

Beijing officially unveils 2008 Olympic Games emblem

At 8 p.m 26, international film star Jackie Chan and former table-tennis world champion Deng Yaping conveyed the mysterious emblem into the Qi Nian Dian when the car arrived at Tian Tan from the China Millennium Monument.

At 8 p.m 30, the performance of "Lantern Ceremony", which is full of oriental fascinating charm, opened the prelude for the emblem releasing.

Addressing the 2,008 dignitaries and guests, Mr. Liu Qi, the President of BOCOG, said: "The emblem of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games is a precious treasure which the people of China are dedicating to the Olympic Movement. The spirit of the emblem combines the unique integration of Oriental spirit and history and modern Olympic philosophy."

In a video message, IOC President Jacques Rogge congratulated the efforts of BOCOG and their continued commitment to the promotion of Olympism and sports in the country. Rogge believed the new emblem should be a symbol of great pride for China.

"Your new emblem immediately conveys the awesome beauty and power of China which are embodied in your heritage and your people," Rogge said, "In this emblem, I saw the promise and potential of a New Beijing and a Great Olympics. This is a milestone in the history of your Olympic quest. As this new emblem becomes known around the world - and as it takes its place at the centre of your Games - we are confident that it will achieve the stature of one of the best and most meaningful symbols in Olympic history."

At 8 p.m 50, Wu Bangguo and Mr. Hein Verbruggen unveiled the emblem of the Beijing Olympic Games among warm applause. Soon after, Yuan Weimin, on behalf of BOCOG presented the emblem to Gibert Felli, IOC Executive Director.

The seal presented to the IOC symbolizes Beijing's 'seal of promise' and commitment to hosting the best-ever Olympics. It is one of an identical pair carved out of a whole piece of precious jade from Northwest China's Xinjiang. The other one is to be kept in a planned Olympic Museum that Beijing will build after the 2008 Olympic Games.

BOCOG President Liu also stressed the importance of protecting the new emblem. He added in his speech: "It is important for all of us to protect the Olympic imagery and brand intellectual property. The Chinese Central Government and the Beijing Municipal Government have introduced new regulations to ensure the protection of the Olympic emblem and our sponsors' and partners' rights. As we prepare for the Games, we are calling on all Olympic citizens around the world who care and support the Olympic Movement to respect and abide by international guidelines for the Intellectual Property Right."

The design of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games emblem was chosen out of 1985 entries received from around the world. Nearly 89 per cent of the entries came from China, with the remainder from Asia, Europe, America and Oceania. Eleven local and international judges were invited by BOCOG to oversee the emblem design competition.

Scott Givens, one of the international judges on the panel who previously served as the Managing Director of the Creative Group for the Salt Lake Organizing Committee, said: "The process was well-organized and fair. Great effort was expended to make sure the judges' individual views were shared and discussed while keeping the process fair and democratic."

The unveiling evening party displayed wisdom and originality by turning the altar in front of the temple into "five tracks" representing the five Olympic Rings. The Olympic Flag and the Five-Starred Red Flag were fluttering above the temple, together with melodies of the "Jasmine Flowers", a popular Chinese folk song.

The new emblem holds high the Olympic sprit of "Citius, Altius, Fortius" (or "Swifter, Higher, Stronger."), and its releasing marks a milestone in the history of Olympic Games in China. The Chinese people, who honors her commitments and is full of enthusiasm, is embracing friends from all over the world and writing a new chapter of Olympic undertakings.

Beijing 2008 Emblem Theme

Behind every symbol, there is a story. This is the story of a country opening its gates to the future. The story of a city reaching out to embrace all humanity. The story of a people inviting the world to join their dance, experience their culture, and share their joy. This is Dancing Beijing: the symbol of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

The Journey Dancing Beijing is the journey to the future. As the emblem for China's journey toward the 2008 Olympic Games, Dancing Beijing reveals the heart of an ancient culture embracing the modern world, the spirit of a people moving toward a new destiny. Dancing Beijing captures the soul of a city in transformation, a nation on the move. Its motion conveys a message of hope, an invitation to joy and a promise of unity.

The Promise Dancing Beijing is the seal of the nation. The Chinese seal has remained the standard of commitment in Chinese culture for thousands of years, serving as a signature and personal pledge. Dancing Beijing is the seal of the 2008 Olympic Games---the promise Beijing makes to the world to stage an Olympic Games unlike any the world has known. A promise rooted in honor and trust, character and truth.

The Image Dancing Beijing is the signature of the city. For over 5,000 years, the ancient Chinese art form of calligraphy has expressed the grace and character of the Chinese people, the charm and beauty of its traditions. Inspired by the ancient figure for Beijing, the new image of China's Olympic quest turns the city into a dancing athlete, beckoning a cultural exchange between East and West. In the graceful sweep of the calligrapher's hand, the image of a New Beijing is born.

The Beauty Dancing Beijing is the color of China. Red is the most significant color in Chinese culture---the most enchanting. The depth of its meaning equals the depth of its beauty. Red breathes life into Dancing Beijing. Its energy is unceasing. It is celebration, luck and new beginnings.

The Hero Dancing Beijing is the spirit of the individual. It is the symbol for every Olympian, every performer, every volunteer and every spectator---everyone who will dance at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. In its magical mix of sport and culture, Dancing Beijing celebrates the athlete's effort and the artist's vision. Arms flung wide, Dancing Beijing invites the world to share in the city's history, its beauty, its energy, its future.

The Spirit Dancing Beijing is the form of the dragon---just as the dragon's sinuous curves and dynamic nature reflect the ancient beauty and majesty of Chinese culture. In its fluid arcs, Dancing Beijing binds the past to the future, the power to the promise, the art to the athlete. The fire and light of a people, the boundless spirit of a nation are wrapped in its curves.

The Invitation Dancing Beijing is an invitation---a hand extended to welcome the world to China for a celebration destined to unite humanity as never before. For the world's largest nation, the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games are the ultimate gesture of friendship, a global expression of hope that the community of nations will dance with Beijing and join its dream of a world united in peace through sport.

Dancing Beijing The emblem of the celebration that is coming. (www.beijing-2008.org)

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