BEIJING, 4 August 2003 — Beijing yesterday launched the official emblem for the 2008 Olympics as the clock began ticking on the five-year countdown to the hosting of China’s first ever Games.
The emblem, picked from 2,000 entries, resembles a runner on a red background with the words “Beijing 2008” written in an eastern-style brush stroke below.
It was due to be unveiled on May 25 but the ceremony was postponed due to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic that killed 349 people and infected more than 5,000.
International Olympic Committee President Jacque Rogge described the emblem as “young, dynamic — bringing together the historical and cultural heritage, as well as the future of China.”
Organizers had wanted to keep the design a closely guarded secret in preparation for the official fanfare launch but their thunder was stolen by an Olympic website that obtained a copy on July 20 and pasted it across the Internet.
Hollywood star Jackie Chan and China’s leading lady Gong Li were on hand at the glitzy launch party which was coordinated by movie director Zhang Yimou, famous for classics such as “Hero” and “Raise the Red Lantern”.
Chairman of the International Olympic Committee’s Coordination Commission for the 2008 Games Hein Verbruggen, who was officially presented with the emblem in Beijing’s Temple of Heaven park, has described it as “strong”.
“We (the IOC) are extremely pleased with the logo,” he said.
IOC marketing director Michael Payne said the logo was key to the success of the Olympic marketing program, which is scheduled to be launched in September.
Estimates put the cost of staging the Games at $1.6 billion, although much of this is expected to be recouped through marketing.
Infrastructure construction is already well underway with roads and subway stations to service Olympic Park being built.
Architects meanwhile were picked last week to build the $100 million swimming centre which will have high-tech Teflon fabric walls made to look like bubbling water, according to state press.
The box-like shape of the Watercube stadium is in tune with the main National Stadium, also located at Olympic Green and whose design resembles a bird’s nest.
They are two of 18 sports facilities being built in Beijing for the Olympics at a cost of more than three billion dollars.
The Games were originally scheduled for the last week in July and the first week in August but will now be held from Aug. 8 to 24.
China requested the change to avoid extreme heat and lessen the chances of storms affecting the sporting extravaganza.
