Mr. Liu Qi's Speech

Mr. President,

Distinguished IOC Members,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

New Beijing, Great Olympics reflects our desire to host a great Olympic Games in the new century in a city with ancient culture and modern charm.

The three themes of our bid are: Green Olympics, Hi-tech Olympics and the People's Olympics. Our goal is to spread the Olympic Ideals among our people, especially 400 million young people.

Over 95% of our population supports the bid - because they believe that hosting the 2008 Olympic Games will help raise their quality of life.

Over half a million people have volunteered to assist in any and all Olympic projects. Our citizens, both young and old, are actively learning foreign languages to welcome you in friendly and familiar voices. As you may notice, I am learning English now.

In 1998, we began a 10-year program of 12 billion US dollars to improve the environment. We will use the most advanced and reliable technology for all Olympic projects.

The Beijing Organizing Committee will have full power to comply with all of the obligations of the Host City Contract and to meet all of the needs of the Olympic Family.

We are committed to meet each of the challenges cited in the Evaluation Commission report.

I want to say that the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will have the following special features:

-- They will help promote our economic and social progress and will also benefit the further development of our human rights cause.

-- They will promote an exchange of rich Chinese culture with other cultures.

-- They will mark a major step forward in the spreading of the Olympic Ideals.

Ladies and Gentleman, I am very confident that Beijing will organize an excellent Games in 2008 and the Games in Beijing will leave a unique legacy to China and to sport. Let us all share this unique legacy together.

Thank you very much.