Materials for Beijing Olympic medals arrived

(BEIJING, September 28)-- Metal materials for 6,000 victory medals of gold, silver and bronze for the Beijing Olympic Games have been delivered to China, according the diversified minerals and medals sponsor of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, BHP Billiton company.

The medals, designed with inspiration from "bi," China's ancient jade piece engraved with a dragon pattern, are made of gold and jade. The medals are 70mm in diameter and 6mm in thickness and are slightly bigger than medals of previous Games. The gold medal is plated, and the sliver and bronze medals are made of pure metal.

In addition, 60,000 commemorative medals will be aslo be made by the company for the athletic coaches and other contributors to the Games.

According to the company, these medals will be deliverd with the ribbon, athlete's certificate and the coverage to the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) before next April.