'Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics, People's Olympics', the three themes of Beijing's bid once resounded across the world in 2001. And on July 13, she won the coveted prize. Who will ever forget that special day when we were chosen to host the 2008 Olympic Games! People were carried away by the good news and celebrated all night long. Beijing has opened her arms to embrace not only the eagerly awaited participants, but also the millions who will come to watch.
The Chinese people have been yearning to host the Games. In February, 1991, Beijing filed an application to the national Olympic Committee to host the 2000 Games. In December, 1991, an application was submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In January, 1993, China presented Beijing's Candidature File to the IOC. In March of the same year, the IOC made a three-day survey in the city. In the severe competition, Beijing failed by two votes, losing out to Sydney. This did not dampen its enthusiasm for the Games. Quietly she continued to improve her infrastructure, especially in the areas of transportation, communication, venues and surroundings.
On April 7, 1999, Beijing Municipal Government formally submitted its application for hosting the 2008 Summer Olympic Games to the International Olympic Committee. In September, 2000, good news came that the city was declared as one of the candidates. Following the weighty report, came the thorough field work of IOC which took place in February 2001. In July 2001, the IOC held a plenary session in Moscow to decide which city would host the 2008 Olympics. The rest is history.
‘The way ahead is long; I see no ending, yet high and low, but I'll search with my will unbending.' This Chinese proverb aptly describes the seriousness and enthusiasm with which Beijing has entered into the demands of the process of preparation. The long-cherished hope of the Chinese people to host the Olympics was finally realized. Not only on the day of the announcement, but right till today, enthusiasm has been the hallmark of the People as they face the great Olympic task looming ahead in 2008.
Related Article: Looking into the 2008 Olympics
