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Final Sprint in Games Bid
Beijing has lifted its pace as it nears the finish line in its bid for the 2008 Olympic Games.
The city launched a range of activities on World Olympic Day on Saturday in the lead-up to July 13's final vote in Moscow.
The weekend's activities displayed the widespread enthusiasm of the Chinese people for the Olympics, peaking in Saturday night's Three Tenors concert in the Forbidden City.
"June 23 is the World Olympic Day, and in China, where the Olympic spirit is alive and well, this day is commemorated by many as a day to celebrate sports and the Olympics," said Liu Qi, Beijing mayor and president of the city's bid committee.
"The Chinese people are passionate about the Olympics," he said.
As a part of the celebrations an annual long distance running event was held Sunday in Beijing. As many as 5,000 people gathered at the Yunhe Cultural Plaza, east of the city, for the event which has been held since 1987 and was organized by the Chinese Olympic Committee.
China's first Olympic gold medallist Xu Haifeng and Sydney Olympic diving champion Li Na attended the event.
Xu, a former air rifle shooter and currently head coach of the Chinese national shooting team, said he had a deep affection for the Olympic movement, having participated in three Games as an athlete and two Games as a coach.
Source: China Daily
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