Updated：2008-06-25 From：Xinhuanet

BEIJING, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The planned international route of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic torch relay was cancelled, announced the Beijing 2008 Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) here on Wednesday.

Due to the devastating May 12 earthquake that struck China, BOCOG has decided to modify arrangements for the Paralympic torch relay under the principle of "safe, simple and effective".

According to BOCOG, those changes have been made to afford the Chinese government to focus on the rescue and relief work and show support for the people affected by the earthquake.

Changes to the Paralympic torch relay include shortened domestic routes calling off four stops of Chengdu, Chongqing, Urumqi and Tianjin, simplified procedures and the cancellation of the international route of the relay which was due to pass through Vancouver in Canada, London in Britain and Sochi in Russia. Besides, the Hong Kong stop was also snuffed out.

Nevertheless, the committee welcomes all overseas torch bearers to join the domestic relay, a BOCOG official told Xinhua.

The official expressed BOCOG's thanks to the International Paralympic Committee, the National Paralympic Committee of countries concerned, the international community as well as the government and people from the four cities -- Vancouver, London, Sochi and the Chinese Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong.

The BOCOG will spare no effort on holding both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the official said.

The Beijing 2008 Paralympic torch relay was to be the first to include an international leg. The BOCOG announced the planned torch relay routes last September, including 16 domestic legs, 3 international legs and Hong Kong.


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         Updated：2008-04-11
Scene of the book presentation ceremony and 2nd Paralympic Games lecture

(BEIJING, April 11) -- "A Conversational English Reader" and other training material of the Beijing Paralympic Games Training Series were the subjects of a book presentation ceremony on Friday. The 2nd Paralympic Games lecture took place following the ceremony.

"A Conversational English Reader" is the first English-language training material regarding Paralympic services in China. Over 155,000 copies of the various training manuals have been distributed.



            Li Binghua speaks

"We must take advantage of the publication of these Paralympic training materials to train the public, industries and various communities," said Li Binghua, executive vice-president of BOCOG.

Following the book presentation ceremony, the subject of services for people with a limb or mental disability was discussed during the 2nd Paralympic Games lecture.

(Photo credit: Miao Lidong)


     Paralympic Games training material


    "A Conversational English Reader" and other Paralympic training material


     Training material recipients

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Updated：2007-09-04


            Jackie Chan in the studio

(BEIJING, Sept. 4) -- "We Are Ready!"

So says world famous movie star Jackie Chan as the actor is now in Beijing recording "We Are Ready!" -- the theme song of the one-year countdown to the Games of the XXIX Olympiad.

Compared with many performers of this song during the Olympic countdown, Chan will "fly solo" during the celebration of the one-year countdown to the Beijing Paralympic Games Thursday at the downtown China Millennium Monument.

Chan said, "Speaking loud of this sentence (We Are Ready) on behalf of the Chinese people holds many great meanings. Being part of it (the Games) in and of itself is a great pleasure and honor.


      Jackie Chan talks to the recording team.

"For the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, I am fully prepared. I am ready to serve as long as I am called up."

Chan has long been in the service of the 2008 Olympic Games, as he was one of the image ambassadors for the Olympic bid and a strong promoter of Olympic volunteerism.

Chan's version of "We Are Ready" will be available for download via the wireless music billboard of China Mobile.


        Jackie Chan sings the song in the studio.


        Jackie Chan gets ready for the recording.


http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/culture/index.shtml
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Updated：2008-07-02


                     Tang Xiaoquan (L) reveals model.

(BEIJING, July 2) -- On Wednesday morning, at Beijing's disabled persons' sports and employment training center, a set of touchable models of two Olympic venues were put on display. Persons with visual impairment were invited to the activity to use their hands to gain a physical understanding of the Olympic Games.

Several government and organizational leaders were at the activity today, including Tang Xiaoquan, BOCOG executive vice-president and vice-president of the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF) and Zhao Yanxia and Sha Chenshen of the BOCOG Cultural Activities Department.



               Zhao Yanxia

The activity, hosted by the Beijing Disabled Persons' Federation and supported by CDPF, BOCOG Cultural Activities Department, BOCOG Media Operations Department, and sponsors of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, involved three scaled-down versions of Beijing's National Stadium and National Aquatics Center. Persons with disabilities were invited to touch the models to get a feel for the Olympic constructions.

The guests could hardly contain their emotions, expressing the gratitude they felt for being so widely supported by the Olympic community. They were very thankful for the opportunity provided them to better understand the Games and Olympic culture. The activity embodied the spirit of a people-oriented Games.


        Sha Chengshen

According to reports, the touchable models will be displayed in the Olympic and Paralympic Villages from August 23 to September 19, after which they will be transferred to the Beijing Disabled Persons' sports and employment training center.


           Visually-impaired persons feel model of Olympic construction.



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Olympic is coming...........

Paralympic??

First time see this word for disables!

yeah, it is also my first time to see this word.

Updated：2008-07-07 From：Xinhua





The People's Bank of China (PBOC), the country's central bank, is to issue a commemorative bank note with a face value of 10 yuan ($1.46) from Tuesday to mark the Beijing Olympic Games, the bank said in a statement on Sunday.

The PBOC said it would issue a total of 6 million such notes, which would be circulated in the currency market with the same denomination as the ordinary 10-yuan notes.

The new note, in cyan, is 148.5 millimeters long and 72 millimeters wide, according to the central bank. While the ordinary 10-yuan notes are in cobalt black, 140 millimeters long and 70 millimeters wide.

On one side is a picture of the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, the main venue for the Games in August. Above the picture is the emblem of the Beijing Games, "Chinese Seal, Dancing Beijing". The picture of national stadium and the emblem are both set against the backdrop of the Temple of Heaven, one of the country's best-known landmarks.

This takes the place of the portrait of the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong and China's national emblem on the ordinary 10-yuan notes.

The other side features the famous ancient Greek marble statue of a discus-thrower, Discobolus, portraits of athletes and the Arabic numeral "2008".

These replace the drawing of the scenic Three Gorges, but the name of the PBOC in Chinese pinyin, Mongolian, Tibetan, Ugyur and Zhuang, remains in the top right corner.

The central bank also said it incorporated watermarks and other technologies to prevent counterfeiting of the notes.

A clear watermark appears on the picture of the National Stadium in the shape of the Arabic numeral "10" and the Games of XXIX Olympiad in the Chinese characters, said the bank.

(China Daily)

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        Updated：2008-05-11

     The Temple of Heaven

The Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games will give friends from all over the world an opportunity to experience Beijing, the capital city of China.

Beijing is both a tribute to China's proud history and a gateway to China's future. The capital city during the Liao, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties, Beijing has long been the political, cultural, and diplomatic center of China. It is now an international metropolis, home to 11 million people from all walks of life.

Alongside 7300 cultural relics and historic sites and more than 200 scenic spots -- including the world's largest palace, the Forbidden City, as well as the Great Wall, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven -- Beijing boasts an impressive modern skyline, a reflection of its rapid economic development. The recently expanded Beijing Capital International Airport is China's largest and most advanced airport.

August and September mark the end of summer and the beginning of autumn in Beijing, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 30 degrees Celsius. This is the best season to visit, with clear, blue skies allowing visitors to fully witness the charm and vastness of the city.


           The Great Wall


            Shichahai

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Updated：2008-07-10 From：Xinhuanet


    Chinese officials gather at the Great Hall of the People to review preparations for the Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Beijing, capital of China, July 9, 2008, 30 days before the Olympics opens. (Photo credit: Xinhua)


     Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping speaks during a gathering to review preparations for the Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, July 9, 2008, 30 days before the Olympics opens. (Photo credit: Xinhua)


BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) -- With just 30 days until the Olympics opens, officials gathered here on Wednesday to review preparations for the event, with security and stadium management as priorities.

"We will do our utmost to fulfill the tasks in the final preparations. We will host exciting, wonderful and successful Olympics and Paralympic Games that will satisfy the world, the athletes and the audience," Vice President Xi Jinping told the gathering.

With assistance from the International Olympic Committee and the world, all preparations were going smoothly, he said, extending appreciation to those in China and abroad for contributing to the Games.

In the next 30 days, the country will repeatedly test its security measures to ensure the safety of the coming torch relay in Beijing, the events and the venues, he said.

The local governments of Beijing and its neighboring provinces were urged to finalize their security measures and develop contingency plans.

Residents are welcome to participate in the work, Xi said, adding: "We will enhance international cooperation in this aspect of the preparations."

Another major task will be to have test runs of the venues and improve their efficiency and management, Xi said. "We will test every detail at every post and make sure we find any flaws and correct them as quickly as possible, even during the Games."

Xi also promised to provide good service to journalists coming to cover the Games and good treatment for all foreign guests.

He urged relevant departments to ensure food safety, standard air quality and good traffic conditions, as well as water, power and gas supplies, and to avoid disturbing the daily life of the public.

"We should also do preparation work well for the Paralympics, which means checking working plans for the Paralympic stadiums, examining barrier-free facilities, and mobilizing the public to care about Paralympic sports," he said.

Chinese athletes should train well and prepare for the contests, he said, adding that strict penalties should be introduced against doping, to ensure that all athletes show good spirit and morality.

Xi also urged enhancement of the "civilization campaign" and etiquette education among the public. He said that local spectators should respect players from all over the world, to present a good image of China as a "country of etiquette."

Zhou Yongkang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, also attended the meeting.


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"One World One Dream" fully reflects the essence and the universal values of the Olympic spirit -- Unity, Friendship, Progress, Harmony, Participation and Dream. It expresses the common wishes of people all over the world, inspired by the Olympic ideals, to strive for a bright future of Mankind. In spite of the differences in colors, languages and races, we share the charm and joy of the Olympic Games, and together we seek for the ideal of Mankind for peace. We belong to the same world and we share the same aspirations and dreams.

"One World One Dream" is a profound manifestation of the core concepts of the Beijing Olympic Games. It reflects the values of harmony connoted in the concept of "People's Olympics", the core and soul of the three concepts -- "Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics and People's Olympics". While "Harmony of Man with Nature" and "Peace Enjoys Priority" are the philosophies and ideals of the Chinese people since ancient times in their pursuit of the harmony between Man and Nature and the harmony among people, building up a harmonious society and achieving harmonious development are the dream and aspirations of ours. It is our belief that peace and progress, harmonious development, living in amity, cooperation and mutual benefit, and enjoying a happy life are the common ideals of the people throughout the world.

"One World, One Dream" is simple in expressions, but profound in meaning. It is of China, and also of the world. It conveys the lofty ideal of the people in Beijing as well as in China to share the global community and civilization and to create a bright future hand in hand with the people from the rest of the world. It expresses the firm belief of a great nation, with a long history of 5,000 years and on its way towards modernization, that is committed to peaceful development, harmonious society and people's happiness. It voices the aspirations of 1.3 billion Chinese people to contribute to the establishment of a peaceful and bright world.

The English translation of the slogan is distinctive in sentence structure. The two "One"s are perfectly used in parallel, and the words "World" and "Dream" form a good match. The slogan is simple, meaningful, inspiring, and easy to remember, read and spread.

In Chinese, the word "tongyi", which means "the same", is used for the English word "One". It highlights the theme of "the whole Mankind lives in the same world and seeks for the same dream and ideal".

http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/graphic/index.shtml
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(BEIJING, May 23) -- The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) unveiled the pictograms for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games at the Beijing Olympic Media Center on Wednesday, on the occasion of the Month for the Publicity of the 17th National Help-the-Disabled Day.

The pictograms will be widely used in the road signal system, in the symbols and decorations in and outside the venues, as well as in the guides for athletes and spectators. They will also be used in TV broadcasting, in promotion, in advertising and in marketing, to enrich the public experience of the Paralympic Games. Being important components of the image of the Paralympics, the pictograms must reflect the Paralympic sports clearly and in keeping with the other visual elements of the Beijing Paralympics such as the emblem and the color system, and act as carriers of the concepts of the Paralympic Games and of the culture of the host county.

The pictograms of the Beijing Paralympic Games have adopted the creative concepts and design styles of the pictograms of the Beijing Olympic Games, while taking into account the characteristics of the Paralympic sports and the experience of the previous editions of the Paralympic Games. They have done so to maintain the continuity of the image design style, which is a crucial consideration because of the limited time interval between the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The pictograms of the Beijing Paralympic Games use the structure of the Chinese seal script as their basic form, while incorporating the pictographic charm of the oracle bone writing (jia gu wen) and the bronze-ware script (jin wen) with the simplification of modern graphics. The design not only features the particular movement and dynamism of each sport, but is also easy to recognize, remember and use. Through the skillful application of the striking contrast between white and black, the pictograms of the Beijing Paralympic Games demonstrate distinct features of movement, graceful charm of dynamism and rich cultural connotations, and arrive at a harmony and unity of "form" and "content".

The pictograms of the Beijing Paralympic Games cover all 20 individual sports, namely archery, athletics, boccia, cycling, equestrian, football 5-a-side, football 7-a-side, goal-ball, judo, power-lifting, rowing, sailing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, volleyball (sitting), wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis.

BOCOG started the research, creation and appraisal of the pictograms for the Beijing Paralympic Games in May 2006.The Central Academy of Fine Arts, a member of the Design Group for the Pictograms of the Beijing Olympic Games, was responsible for their design, creation and testing. Numerous design experts, Paralympics specialists and representatives of disabled athletes offered their valuable opinions and suggestions during the process. In December 2006, the BOCOG Executive Board officially approved the design scheme of the pictograms and submitted them to the international sports federations (IFs). As of the end of February 2007, all IFs reviewed and approved the pictograms and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) officially approved them in April 2007.

http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/graphic/index.shtml
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       Medals of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games

The design of the medals for Paralympic Games is inspired by the ancient Chinese dragon-pattern jade disc: jade disc wedged on the obverse of the medal with the Emblem of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in the center. The color of jade varies with the gold medal, silver medal and copper medal from white, gray-white to gray. The design of the medal hook derives from jade "huang", a ceremonial jade piece with decoration of double dragon pattern and "Pu", the reed mat pattern, classic and elegant.

The design concept and pattern of the medals for the Paralympic Games is similar to those of the medals for the Olympic Games, reflecting the fairness and mutual respect of all people. The medals for Paralympic Games have the same value and honor with those for Olympic Games and are the best symbol for the concept of "One World One Dream".

Jade culture has lasted for over 8000 years in China. Jade disc used to be a ritual ware for grand ceremonies in ancient China. Besides, Chinese nationality has the tradition of regarding jade as the supreme symbol of prestigious morality. The jade on the Paralympic medals is an honorable recognition of winners and also a modern interpretation of the traditional values of Chinese people, representing the perfect match of the Chinese civilization and the Paralympic Spirit.

Certificates for the medals of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games

Ghatpot mounting is a traditional decoration method for calligraphy and painting in China. It is unique with classic elegance.

Certificate of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games will be printed on China paper mounted with traditional cloud-pattern ghatpot. China paper is warm, rich, even and clean in texture. The fresh, refined color of ghatpot gives out an elegant, moderate scroll book character.

Packing case for medals of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games

Lacquering is a traditional Chinese technique. Lacquers painted by this technique are light and firm in quality with calm and conservative color, polished like jade, natural and elegant. The packing case takes the shape of square, tray and lid structure, with slight arc in four sides, representing heaven, earth, and four directions and their harmony. It is made of Paulownia wood and painted red. A golden emblem is wedged on the central top of the lacquer case. Red and gold reflect each other, presenting a glorious style.


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http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/graphic/n214342419.shtml

Updated：2008-07-15



(BEIJING, July 15) -- The Games-time version of the official website of the Beijing Olympic Games went live on July 15, 2008, giving shape to the information release platform for the Games and marking the official website's entry into Games-time status.

Releasing information in five languages -- Chinese, English, French, Spanish and Arabic -- the official website serves as a major channel for netizens worldwide to obtain information on the competitions of the Beijing Olympics and an important window for countries and people around the world to understand Beijing and China.

The website will issue immediate official information on the Beijing Olympics from authoritative sources and offer live coverage of all press conferences held by BOCOG and important press conferences by the IOC and national and regional Olympic committees through photos and transcripts.

In terms of Olympic competition coverage, the website will immediately publish detailed Olympic competition schedules, real-time competition progress for all sports, results, technical statistics and medal standings, in addition to detailed previews and post-competition analyses, flash reports, post-competition interviews, daily roundups and athlete features, with references to file and background information for all participating athletes, as soon as relevant data and information becomes available.

The website will offer full coverage of the highly anticipated Olympic opening and closing ceremonies and selected coverage of Olympic cultural activities, updates on co-host cities, events outside the venues, volunteers, venue operations and sponsorship activities. The "Olympic Spirit" page will follow the progress of the Olympic Cultural Festival, Olympic Youth Camp and Olympic Education Program with an aim at enhancing awareness among youth,enabling them to learn more about and participate in the Olympic Games.

To support BOCOG's services for spectators and media members, the website will provide comprehensive information on ticketing, guidelines for spectators, guides to the host city, venues and facilities, accessible services, transport, hotels, entertainment, Olympic licensed products. An advanced E-map will link netizens to any destination they seek.

Before and after the Olympic competitions, the website will hold online interviews with guests that include social celebrities, sports stars, Olympic officials, representatives of sponsors and ordinary volunteers, to allow netizens to see and understand all aspects of the Games.

http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/
http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/of ... on/n214454444.shtml

Updated：2008-07-17

Wang Xinxian, president of National Paralympic Committee of China (Photo credit: Zhang Yu)

(BEIJING, July 17) -- The Chinese delegation to the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games hosted a press conference on Thursday, revealing that a total of 547 representatives will be part of the group, which includes 332 athletes who will be competing in all 20 events.


Tang Xiaoquan (L), executive vice-president of BOCOG and vice-president of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, presents a plaque recognizing donations. (Photo credit: Zhang Yu)

197 men and 135 women will make up the competitive team, the largest in Chinese history; the oldest athlete is 51-years-old and the youngest is 15-years-old. Compared to the Athens Paralympic Games, the Chinese delegation this time around has increased by 261 people, which includes 132 more athletes than in 2004. The athletes come from all walks of life from all over the country: students, farmers, self-employed individuals and workers will be representing China in September. For 226 of these athletes, 2008 will be their Olympic debut year.


He Junquan, gold medalist of 2004 Paralympic Games (Photo credit: Zhang Yu)

For the first time in any Paralympic Games, equestrian, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball, rowing, sailing, boccia, goalball, football 5-a-side and football 7-a-side events will be held.

The Paralympic Games have continuously gained popularity over the years, not only in China, but worldwide. It occupies the same stage as the Olympic Games as an internationally celebrated event, as awareness and support of people with disabilities increase.


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