Games of the XXIX Olympiad
As printed in the June-July 2008 Newsletter
The 2008 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, were held in Beijing, People's Republic of China from August 8 to August 24, 2008, and followed by the 2008 Summer Paralympics from September 6 to September 17.
10,500 athletes competed in 302 events in 28 sports; just one event more than was on the schedule of the Athens games of 2004.
The 2008 Summer Olympics emblem is known as "Dancing Beijing". The emblem combines a traditional Chinese red seal and a representation of the jing ("national capital") with athletic features. The open arms of the calligraphic word symbolizes the invitation of China to the world to share in its culture. IOC president Jacques Rogge was very happy with the emblem, saying, "Your new emblem immediately conveys the awesome beauty and power of China which are embodied in your heritage and your people."
The slogan for the 2008 Olympics is "One World, One Dream". The slogan calls upon the whole world to join in the Olympic spirit and build a better future for humanity. It was chosen from over 210,000 entries submitted from around the world.
The Chinese government promoted the games to highlight China's emergence on the world stage. A total of 37 venues were used to host the events including 12 newly constructed venues. Several new National Olympic Committees (NOC's) have also been recognized by the IOC.
The 2008 Olympic Mascots are the five Fuwa ("good luck dolls"). The Fuwa consist of five members that incorporate fish, giant panda, fire, Tibetan antelope, and swallow designs. They roughly correspond with the five elements of Chinese philosophy: water, metal, fire, wood, and earth. The Fuwa each have as their primary colour one of the colours of the five Olympic Rings that stand for the five continents. The five Fuwa are named Beibei, Jingjing, Huanhuan, Yingying, and Nini. When the first syllable of each of the five names are said together, the result is the phrase which means "Beijing welcomes you".
