June 24, 2004

The second "Beijing 2008" Olympic Cultural Festival opened today, the International Olympic Day, with a grand evening gala showcasing Chinese singing and dancing staged by the China National Song & Dance Ensemble. From June 23 to July 13, Beijing citizens could take part in rich and colorful activities during the Festival.

Important Part of the City's Olympic Preparation

The cultural festival is an important part of Beijing's Olympic preparation and a significant approach to the realization of "People's Olympics", said Long Xinmin, President of the organizing committee of this cultural event at the opening ceremony. By staging the annual Olympic Cultural Festival, Beijing will further demonstrate the world its brilliant culture and its citizens' high spirit, promote communication and integration of sports and culture between China and other countries, and motivate the whole society to participate in the preparation work.

Splendid Evening

The gala began with the arrival of "the Envoy of Olympia Flame", a dramatic figure used as the thread of the gala show. This "marvelous guest from afar" involves in every phase of the gala and leads the audience to a dreamlike experience of "Fantastic China Tour". The dancing part of the performance integrated competitive sports like rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and aerial silk. In addition, "Olympic symbols" were incorporated into the designing of dance movements, stage scenery and costumes. Chinese singing and dancing characterized by the red color and "Green Olympics" merged organically, displaying in every detail the beauty of harmony between man and sports, man and nature, and man and society. The performance blossomed in radiant splendor. The magical stage effect, joyous tone, mild music and graceful dance together made the audience intoxicated and enchanted, with enthusiastic applause bursting out once and again.

A Festival for Wide Public Participation

The second "Beijing 2008" Olympic Cultural Festival is the successor and development of the first one held last year. Lasting for three weeks, the Festival will include the Olympic Knowledge Contest, the Olympic Exhibition, the Olympic Forum, a series of public cultural and sports activities and the celebration of the "Citizens' Day". This Cultural Festival's most distinctive characteristic will be its emphasis on wide public participation. During the Citizens' Day from July 10 to July 11, major parks in the urban area will offer free entry or give discounts at various levels.

The opening ceremony was chaired by BOCOG Vice-President Jiang Xiaoyu. Present at the gala were Liu Qi, BOCOG President, Yuan Weimin, BOCOG Executive President, Director-general of the State General Administration of Sport and President of the Chinese Olympic Committee, Deng Pufang, BOCOG Executive President and President of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, officials of the central government, Beijing City and BOCOG, foreign diplomats, and Beijing citizens from all walks of life.