Beijing Oylmpics 2008

(BEIJING, August 8) -- After a century of anticipation and seven years of preparation, the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will kick off at 8:00 on the evening of August 8 in the National Stadium (also known as "Bird's Nest") in Beijing. Delegations from 205 countries and regions will be a part of the greatest gathering in the history of the Olympic Games.

The Beijing Olympic Games starts on August 8 and ends on August 24. More than 100,000 of the world's top athletes will compete fiercely for 302 gold medals in 28 sports.

Nearly 7 million tickets to the Games have been sold. Over 4 billion people are expected to watch the television broadcast of Beijing Olympic Games worldwide.

As the host country, China will send its largest delegation ever to the Olympic Games -- 1,099 members (including 639 athletes).

All Olympic venues and stadiums, many of which are highly advanced technologically, have been completed, passing overall examinations with high marks.

To host this unique and high-level Olympic Games, the Chinese government and people have overcome many difficulties and made great achievements. For example, in May, the Olympic torch scaled the world's highest peak, Mount Qomolangma, as part of the worldwide Torch Relay. Air quality in Beijing is up to standard for 70 percent of the days in a year, ensuring quality air during the Beijing Olympics; security is a top priority, with a three-level protective framework in place; measures have been adopted (such as alternate driving days based on license plate numbers) to ease traffic congestion and reduce emissions; intellectual property rights of the International Olympic Committee have been effectively protected; the Beijing Olympic Village was given high marks by Villagers; and the 2008 Beijing International Media Center, Main Press Center and International Broadcast Center have been opened, offering top-notch services to reporters from all around the world.

8:00 pm Be sure to watch and support your country!