Samaranch bestowed title of honorary professor by Renmin University of China (photos attached)

Samaranch signs the Forum autograph board.

(BEIJING, June 25) -- Mr. Juan Antonio Samaranch, the former head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), attended the Beijing 2008 Olympic International Forum of the 5th Olympic Cultural Festival on Monday, where he was bestowed the title of honorary professor of Renmin University of China by the University's President, Ji Baocheng. In a speech to the more than 1,000 students and faculty also attending the forum, Mr. Samarach, recounted his journey with the Olympics and reminisced about his friendship with the Chinese.

Mr. Samaranch speaks to the audience.

He Zhenliang describes the special relationship between China and Mr. Samaranch.

Ji Baocheng presents Mr. Samaranch with a plaque of the Renmin University insignia