The Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Olympic GamesAugust 8-24 2008
(BEIJING, August 24) -- The many years of preparation for the Olympic Games have paid off, said Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
"IOC is extremely pleased by the organization of the Games," said the official at a press conference at the Main Press Center on Sunday. He was impressed by BOCOG's efforts, pointing out the splendid Olympic Village and the high quality competition venues.
This is part of the tangible legacy left behind by the Olympic Games in China, he continued. In particular, the venues BOCOG renovated or built in university complexes will be used by students for a long time to come.
In terms of intangible legacy, China has come to realize and understand the need for heightened involvement regarding the country's role in protecting the environment, he said.
With the Olympic Games a wild success, China has realized that its citizens are hugely enthusiastic about sports. He believed that more investment in this arena will follow the Games.
As far as the universality of the Games, Rogge pointed out that in Athens, 74 countries earned medals. Here in Beijing, that number has increased to 86. In addition, a higher percentage of women participated in the 2008 Summer Games, 43 percent, than in the 2004 Summer Games, 41 percent.
Through the Olympic Games, China has opened up to the world. The world has learned a lot about China and China has learned a lot about the world, Rogge continued.
