Rogge's Message for Beijing Olympics Emblem Unveiling

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Sunday, August 03, 2003

Rogge's Message for Beijing Olympics Emblem Unveiling

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. Following is the video message by IOC President Jacque Rogge.

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CHIN AI DE BEIJING P��NG YO MEN, NI MEN HAO

On behalf of the Olympic Movement, I would like, first of all, to extend my greetings and best wishes to the people and government of China.

My special wishes to all the Beijing's city authorities, sports leaders and BOCOG personalities, gathered tonight on the occasion of the launching of the new emblem of Beijing 2008.

Not being able to be among you today--- and I deeply regret --- I would like however to share this unique moment with all of you through this video message.

Already two years that, Beijing was elected as the host city for the 2008 Games. Since then, the IOC is pleased to notice month after month the quality of preparation and the understanding of the challenges by the Beijing Organizing Committee, in a close cooperation with the government officials.

Let me therefore take this opportunity to pay tribute to the efforts of the organizing committee, and their continued commitment to the promotion of Olympism and sport in the country.

Your country is very important to the Olympic Movement.

When China returned to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 1984, after a 50 year absence, it marked a great turning point. One of the primary goals of the Olympic Movement, as you know, is to unite the world---the whole world--- in peace through sport through the celebration of each and every Games. When China joined the parade of nations in Los Angeles, the Olympic Movement leaped ahead in its efforts to bring the whole world together in peace and friendship. And we are grateful for that.

China won 16 medals in Los Angeles, and since then has achieved in winning another 120 medals. Your competitive standard is high, your athletes are among the best in the world. You have much to be proud of.

Your contributions on the field of play have served to strengthen the Olympic Movement and global sport.

Now, As you open the gates and invite the world in, the Olympic Movement is highly honored to be counted among your first guests.

At the heart of each and every Olympic celebration, there is a symbol that takes center stage one emblem that crystallizes the identity of those Games for all time. That symbol is the one created by the host city. This is the symbol we are going to unveil here in a few moments.

Within a few short years, the emblem we unveil here tonight will become one of the most visible and recognized marks in the world.

More than 4 billion people watched the Games in Sydney three summers ago. Next summer, the world will watch the Games in Athens, Greece, as the Olympic Movement returns to its ancient birthplace.

In 2008, more people than ever will tune in to experience the unique celebration that China will stage for the world. Your country and culture remain a source of great fascination to the outside world.

Your new emblem immediately conveys the awesome beauty and power of China that's embodied in your heritage and your people. It clearly said that Beijing would put its focus on the performer---on the athletes and artists and volunteers who join this great journey to the Games.

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 it place at the center of your Games--- We are confident that it will achieve the stature of one of the best and most meaningful symbols in Olympic history.

I congratulate you on this emblem, one which should be a symbol of great pride for every one of you.

Thank you.

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