BEIJING 2008 PARALYMPIC GAMES-September 6-17, 2008

[img]http://paralympic.beijing2008.cn/upload/cms_paralympic/column_en/paralympic_logo.jpg[/img]IY XU!s+b7kO

J1dw?X;M(_:? [color=Magenta][b]The Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games  September 6-17, 2008[/b][/color]
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Paralympics celebrated with praise-worthy website p,QD`fD#N+t_"d
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(BEIJING, May 29) ¡§C The launch of the official website for the 13th Paralympic Games (paralympic.Beijing2008.cn) on Thursday coincided with the 100-day countdown to the Beijing Paralympics. Tang Xiaoquan, executive vice-president of the Beijing Organizing Committee of the Games of XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), highly praised the website for its "people-oriented" culture. Tang also serves as president of executive board and vice-president of China Disabled Persons' Federation.!]3@ x8fa&Gf,g

k$J A*eK The launching ceremony was held in a service center for people with disabilities where visitors could paint, make handicrafts or work on recovery exercises. Tang was very happy when viewing all of this, saying, "We are happy to see you are willing to face the difficulties of life with considerable courage and are eager to participate in social activities. As you can see, the needs of people with disabilities are gradually taken into consideration in city construction." She also praised their contributions to society and encouraged them to work hard for a better life.*QpO,}5\R
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According to Tang, the most precious gift of the 2008 Beijing Paralympics is that people are now paying more attention to sports for people with disabilities and barrier-free facilities are now in place in many cities. Most notably, the whole society is now giving unprecedented care to people with disabilities.
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The official website for the Beijing Paralympics gives people with disabilities all over the world (83 million of whom reside in China), an opportunity to view the excellent athleticism of people with physical abnormalities in the sporting arena. Hopefully, those that witness these courageous individuals will be inspired to fight against the odds and contribute to the world. At the same time, the website will also spread the message of "transcendence, equality, integration" to the world, showing BOCOG's confidence in hosting a high-level Paralympics with distinguishing features, said Tang.,bQ9pa'Gp-M

R3`Oh-P],KsYs Preparation work is approaching its end for the upcoming Beijing Paralympics, including venue construction, competition organization and city infrastructure enforcement, Tang continued. The Beijing Paralympics will introduce the concept of a "harmonious society" to the whole world and encourage people with disabilities to contribute to society.X%cOr-zE DC
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100 days!

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7bUq4g)T H3Q{]     Liu Jingmin (2nd, L) unveils Paralympic countdown clock.
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(BEIJING, May 29) -- The electric countdown clock in front of the Olympic Tower and near the Bird's Nest made an enthusiastic statement on Thursday: Only 100 days to go before the start of the 2008 Beijing Paralympics Games.eX/]4Fppk o U`
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Beijing vice-mayor and BOCOG leader Liu Jingmin took the lead in unveiling the Paralympic countdown clock in front of the Olympic Tower.5g]:h4P"Vu)z
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Uo3x+yI6Gs[ The easily recognizable Paralympic countdown clock showcases the Paralympic symbol on a background of white, underneath which sits the words "Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games." An automatic clock counts down the exact number of days until the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games on September 6th, 2008.qAWBe-b-V1?
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[url]http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/news/official/n214383159.shtml[/url]

BOCOG and IPC discuss Paralympic preparations

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                    Scene of the meeting
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)[]9R5q~4K%]?E (BEIJING, May 20) -- BOCOG and IPC members convened here on Monday to begin the 4th Beijing Paralympic task force meeting.$@Q%Lr-D&[!K n R
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BOCOG's various departments in charge of 18 Paralympic areas, including ticketing, the Torch Relay, the opening and closing ceremonies, education, the Paralympic Village, barrier-free facilities, and marketing, will report on the progress of preparations during the three-day meeting. Discussions will also be held with the relevant IPC departments.
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$Y+{%G8T8A2ye~H Present at the meeting were IPC Chief Executive Officer Xavier Gonzalez and Zhao Wenzhi, deputy commander-in-chief of headquarters for preparatory work of the Beijing Paralympic Games. Members of the IPC and relevant BOCOG staff also attended the meeting.
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Introduction to the Design of Fu Niu Lele

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The design of Fu Niu Lele derives its inspiration from the farming cultivation culture of ancient Chinese civilization, and bears the following salient features:*a xl%I;H:_H
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(1) Showing the rich concept of the Beijing Paralympic Gamesbcvs;}VUD

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O1D Cows, symbolic of a down-to-earth, diligent, staunch and never-say-die spirit, are adopted to show the unremitting spirit of athletes with a disability in being the best they can be. It dovetails with the upbeat spirit of Paralympians and the concept of "Transcendence, Equality, Integration" of the Beijing Paralympic Games.{({ M9DWm5j;o"TH
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The determined, optimistic and diligent spirit of cows reflects a positive attitude to life. The Paralympic Games calls for people with a disability to enjoy the same rights to compete in sports as anyone else, and to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the World, and thus develop their strength to add vigor and vitality to social progress.9q+F7}4G+O hM

y/i8]V+` Fu Niu Lele invites people from across the globe to come to Beijing, enjoy the splendours of the Beijing Paralympic Games and see the inspiring performances of Paralympic athletes who achieve the unexpected Ail/J*G0PZ}y4B*d

_h%q gB)N[ (2) Embodying the harmony between man and nature
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E.p1FHZ1BK%`&W As one of the animals closest to human beings, cows are well-known for their friendliness and their affinity to the humans who care for them. Throughout the history of the development of world civilization, poetry and songs have clearly expressed the aspiration of humankind for a harmonious life. Cows have often found their way into the natural, cozy and poetic country life reflected in literary and art works, showing public expectation for the harmonious coexistence between man and nature.
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In the traditional culture of China, cows are also depicted as animals considered auspicious in inviting good weather and bumper harvests.
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The design scheme absorbs the modeling and design styles unique to China's folk engraved prints, New Year drawings, and toys. This, plus features unique to the modeling of modern cartoons, shows an integration of traditional folk style and public interest with that of modern times.
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rq?zf3X'N1g (4) Cows are widely accepted internationally
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xF_QS? Cows were one of the first animals depicted in literary and art works. Cases in point include the Lascaux mural in France and Altamira rock paintings in Spain, which all contain drawings of cows. Therefore, adopting cows as the mascot of the Paralympic Games, instead of traditional rare animals, is a creative act in terms of design to a certain extent.\\ u~H6B5]c/T
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(5) Commanding space for future designs and marketing
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The design scheme conforms to the principle of stability. Its basic image facilitates the combination of the modeling of sports with souvenirs of the Paralympic Games, and is also good for the adoption of down, plastics and other materials. The mascot could be made of simple as well as different materials in accordance with the need for combined modeling.$Z|'T8b%Vb-F1_

[ a2s%Om-}6a~C,H [url]http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/graphic/n214342414.shtml[/url]

Comparing to Summer Olympics, few people know Paralympic Games and pay attention to it.
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Paralympic torch relay route announced at one-year countdown

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\sWm^m;s LAs       Jia Qinglin (L) and Philip Craven (R) launch the planned torch relay routeOG ld9V,G

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(BEIJING, September 6) -- The China Millennium Monument in Beijing was surrounded by colorful flags and bright lights Thursday night. Over 5,000 people from Beijing and throughout the world jointly celebrated the one-year countdown to the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.
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At the ceremony, Mr. Jia Qinglin, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, announced the planned torch relay route for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.}7I7ND*gW"k

)[3G:ldQl Mr. Liu Qi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, secretary of the Beijing Municipal CPC Committee and president of the Beijing organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) and Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee, attended the ceremony. Sir Craven presented invitation letters for the Beijing Paralympics to representatives of various national and regional Paralympic Committees (NPCs).

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In his speech Mr. Jia Qinglin discussed China's efforts and achievements in its cause for people with a disability, who have made outstanding contributions to the nation's social-economic development and have won broad respect from the whole society.
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$h yMiY/]-a With the support of the Chinese government and people, Jia said, preparations for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games are progressing smoothly. "Through the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, we will further show the spirit of persons with a disability that is inherent in their self-renewal and independence and promote the development of Paralympic sports," he said.+L*\.mPe"a@

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[ He urged the Paralympics organizers to try their best to carry forward Paralympic spirits, foster a good social atmosphere of caring and assistance to people with a disability, further strengthen cooperation and friendship with people with a disability from all over the world and construct a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous world.
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iQ#A _3no_ Mr. Liu Qi told the audience that in preparing for the Paralympics, all Paralympic venues except the National Stadium and the Paralympic Village will be completed by the end of this year and more than 400,000 university students and people from all sectors of society have registered as volunteers of the Paralympic Games.
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Barrier-free facilities are being built in all the important public areas of Beijing. The "Welcome the Olympics, Promote Civility and Create a Sound Social Environment" activity has been popularized in the capital and across the country. More and more citizens are devoted to caring for the lives of people with a disability, protecting their rights, promoting their development and supporting their cause.
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              The planned route map

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\nOQt:b#q In his speech, Sir Philip Craven said the Paralympics provide an opportunity for the athletes to showcase themselves. On behalf of the IPC, he thanked China for its efforts and announced that Beijing will be the world's capital of the Paralympic sports until the end of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games..SL$t4E EB
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Mr. Deng Pufang, President of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, said that, in the year to come, people with a disability will continue to join the entire nation in actively and enthusiastically supporting the preparations for the Paralympics. The Chinese athletes look forward to joining athletes from around the world to carry out the Olympic motto of "Citius, Altius, Fortius," interpret the Olympic goal of "peace, friendship and progress" and show the glamour of "equal participation" as well as put into practice the idea of "Transcendence, Equality and Integration" in the Beijing Paralympics.
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[4_5~%T'c$S4|8b;@g2N At 8:20 pm, the IPC anthem was played, and the IPC and Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games flags entered the stage to join more than 160 flags of various countries and regions or NPC flags. The presidents of the Canadian, British, Russian and Chinese NPCs were respectively presented with invitation letters for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games from Mr. Liu Qi and Sir Philip Craven.
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,z.f ~5EETR$bc Later, Mr. Jia and Sir Craven pressed the button together to announce the planned torch relay route for the Beijing Paralympics.
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/Z['jOq*w2YE:N According to the organizers, "Transcendence, Equality and Integration" is the theme of the torch relay. "Light the Passion, Share the Dream" is its slogan. The torch will be lit on August 28, 2008 at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing and the torch relay will continue for 10 days. The relay in China and abroad will proceed at the same time.MY ~k m,Y;f|z
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The planned torch relay route will cross "Paralympic cities" from Beijing (host city of the 13th Paralympic Games) to Vancouver (host city of the 10th Paralympic Winter Games in 2010) to London (host city of the 14th Paralympic Games in 2012) to Sochi (host city of the 11th Paralympic Winter Games in 2014) to Hong Kong (co-host city of the 13th Paralympics, equestrian events). The two other routes will be the "Modern China" and "Ancient China" routes. The "Modern China" route will cross Shenzhen, Chongqing, Wuhan, Shanghai, Qingdao, Dalian and Tianjin and the "Ancient China" route will cross Huangdi Mausoleum, Xi'an, Hohhot, Urumqi, Chengdu, Changsha, Nanjing and Luoyang. The three torches will finally meet in Beijing and light the main cauldron at the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games on September 6, 2008.?HfB-^1[

8B)^%}e;Y gv*P9R&?x The choir "We Are Ready" brought the celebration to the climax. Mr. Wang Qishan, mayor of Beijing and executive president of BOCOG presided over the celebration.9ml0n-vo

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.N:jE3};d'q7t Let's waiting for their wonderful performance

The Evolution of Paralympic Games

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(t:E N:jc7{yAwW In 1948, Sir Ludwig Guttmann organized a sports competition involving World War II veterans with a spinal cord injury in Stoke Mandeville, England. Four years later, competitors from the Netherlands joined the games and an international movement was born. Olympic style games for athletes with a disability were organized for the first time in Rome in 1960, now called Paralympics. In Toronto in 1976, other disability groups were added and the idea of merging together different disability groups for international sport competitions was born. In the same year, the first Paralympic Winter Games took place in Sweden.
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Today, the Paralympics are elite sport events for athletes from six different disability groups. They emphasize, however, the participants' athletic achievements rather than their disability. The movement has grown dramatically since its first days. The number of athletes participating in Summer Paralympic Games has increased from 400 athletes from 23 countries in Rome in 1960 to 3806 athletes from 136 countries in Athens in 2004.8@n0L@nMy4q(I
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The Paralympic Games have always been held in the same year as the Olympic Games. Since the Seoul 1988 Paralympic Games and the Albertville 1992 Winter Paralympic Games they have also taken place at the same venues as the Olympics. On 19 June 2001, an agreement was signed between IOC and IPC securing this practice for the future. From the 2012 bid process onwards, the host city chosen to host the Olympic Games will be obliged to also host the Paralympics.
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The Chinese city of Beijing will host the next 2008 Paralympic Games, whereas the Winter Paralympics 2010 will be in Vancouver, Canada. London will host the Paralympics in 2012.}C,U8eWVs
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(Credit: IPC. Click here for further information.)'?jNkEK(M

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[url]http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/spirit/pastgames/n214340029.shtml[/url]

Affordable tickets for Beijing Paralympics announced

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YGuQ `v2y5X      The tickets were unveiled to the media attending the press conference
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(BEIJING, June 18) -- In conformity with the practice of previous Paralympic Games and China's situation, organizers have formed low-price policies for the Beijing Paralympic Games, said Zhu Yan, director of the Beijing Olympic Ticketing Center.
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The Beijing Paralympics, to be held from September 6 to 17, 2008, will have 20 sports and 420 disciplines for a total of 206 competition sessions at 20 venues. Only 143 sessions will need tickets while the road bike race will be open to the public for free, Zhu said.!aQQK'M7C'Q

7F;b9G1dp)xLm{h8@ A total of 1.66 million Paralympic tickets are on sale, half of which are sold to domestic spectators. Clusters of clients including national Paralympic committees will share 30 percent of the tickets, and the remaining 20 percent, some 330,000 tickets, will be given out to beneficiaries of the Olympic Education Program.
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Zhu advised domestic purchasers to go on line to buy tickets at the current stage. Later, Bank of China outlets will engage in sales as well. Like the Olympic Games, there will be ticket sales outside the competition venues.
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The tickets were unveiled to the media attending the press conference. They feature the Paralympic emblem, sport pictograms, core graphics of "lucky clouds," as well as the Paralympic mascot. Braille content is included on the tickets to the opening and closing ceremonies as well as goal-ball and judo competitions, an unprecedented practice in the history of the Paralympic Games, Zhu added.2^5A{"@U~!c3FfX
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   Opening ceremony sample ticket of the Beijing Paralympic Games3a3iE aKH

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   Closing ceremony sample ticket of the Beijing Paralympic Games
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   Tickets sample designated for the Olympic Education Program
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Air China tests reception of Paralympians

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    A lower counter to facilitate Paralympians' movements
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(BEIJING, June 16) -- Air China recently conducted a crowd control drill at the third terminal (T-3) of the Capital International Airport to test its services for Paralympians.
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T-3 is a major zone scheduled to receive Paralympic athletes during the Paralympic Games. The airport designed the whole procedure of attendance for the drill, which dealt with real flight schedules and athletes with visual and hearing impairments, amputees and other persons with disabilities, with the aim of testing the terminal's operation capabilities.
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\E)]:?3QB1d The in-flight drill required air attendants to help Paralympians get seated and disembark. To ensure the smooth movement of persons with disabilities, the staff prepared narrower wheelchairs and a lower counter to better accommodate the passengers.
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It was reported that every Air China flight attendant will have some knowledge about every Paralympian passenger, including his or her sport specialty, disability, doctor or volunteer medical assistant information, and special diet requirements. The flight attendants will also help the passengers get acquainted with the emergency equipment in the airplane.
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[[i] Last edited by ASHLEYTUNG at 2008-6-20 18:57 [/i]]

Beijing Paralympic volunteers corps launched

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Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping addresses the mobilization gathering of the volunteers for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, at the Workers' Gymnasium in Beijing, capital of China, May 4, 2008. (Photo credit: Xinhua)
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BEIJING, May 4 (Xinhua) -- The volunteers corps for the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics was officially launched here on Sunday as the games' chief organizer, Liu Qi, handed the team its flag at a rally.*I^ fz [E
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Vice President Xi Jinping, a member of the Political Bureau Standing Committee of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), addressed the gathering, which was attended by more than 6,000 people.g:E }e6j8\)@1p

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He urged Olympics volunteers to be "promoters of the Olympic spirit" and "practitioners of the volunteer service concept," as well as "representatives of China's peaceful development image."Pva*uh

!b8_ ePP p He also urged participants to contribute to holding a "unique and high-level" event.
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o)sp Liu Qi (C), president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the 29th Olympiad, confers the flag to the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics Volunteer Service Group at the mobilization gathering of the volunteers for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, at the Workers' Gymnasium in Beijing, capital of China, May 4, 2008. (Photo credit: Xinhua)z8^Y\@4vbzNb_

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.t$XJu#z"U @~}2tcf The volunteers corps of the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics has 100,000 Games-time volunteers, 400,000 city volunteers and more than 1 million social volunteers.
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City volunteers will work at designated locations across the host city, mainly to help overseas visitors overcome the language barrier, while the social volunteers will mainly offer services at local communities.
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There will also be hundreds of thousands of volunteer cheerleaders during the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games, which will run from Aug. 8-24 and Sept. 6-17, respectively.h!b:K$mx
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$n1Oi7y+v:~!i,|v [url]http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/volunteers/index.shtml[/url]
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Paralympic task force meets in Beijing

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)u?]OH%~ qI      The Beijing 2008 Paralympic task force meets in Beijing.
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     Tang Xiaoquan (1, L) attends the meeting.f%k_6S]\

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(|F`k1n1|"__ (BEIJING, June 23) -- Representatives and experts from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) are receiving updates and holding discussions on the preparatory work for the Beijing Paralympic Games during a five-day meeting of the Paralympic task force that started on Monday.Gm-NbUvY:D

/CX4UM%MA Topics on the agenda include opening and closing ceremony operations, transport operations, spectator services, risk management, catering, Games-time cultural activities, Paralympic Village operations and ticketing. Representatives of the IPC will be brought to the site of the Paralympic Family Hotel, competition venues and the Paralympic Village.
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Tang Xiaoquan, president of the Executive Board of the China Disabled Persons Federation and executive vice-president of BOCOG, and other officials from BOCOG and co-host cities are attending the meeting.Z!x_S|/~ K

,HUE+w;O.Qr/Xz z|5\ [img]http://images.beijing2008.cn/20080623/Img214416402.jpg[/img]
,GJ*HU#|2In       Attendees receive updates from BOCOG departments.
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[img]http://images.beijing2008.cn/20080623/Img214416403.jpg[/img]
6ZR)gN1J6B:vc      An IOC representative is updated on Paralympic preparations.
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$wnOwGi^Op(p%[!e [url]http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/news/official/n214416399.shtml[/url]

BOCOG stresses communications, media operation services

[img]http://images.beijing2008.cn/20080623/Img214416713.jpg[/img]{ KqG0Fg
                Scene of the meeting(]0f}^u5GS3kK)S
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(BEIJING, June 20) -- BOCOG President Liu Qi on Friday urged quality work in media and communications and excellent services for the media during the Olympic Games.
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Addressing a mobilization meeting with the staff for media and communications as well as media operations related to the Olympics, Liu said points of focus should be planned for pre-Games, Games-time and post-Games stages and the people's enthusiasm for participating in and contributing to the Olympics should be promoted. The staff should highlight the contributions that the Olympic Games will make to the nation's social-economic development and the efforts that will ensure equal splendor of the Olympics and Paralympics.pqDYMr
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[img]http://images.beijing2008.cn/20080623/Img214416714.jpg[/img]
T%AW#Aw    Liu Qi, president of BOCOG, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, makes a speech
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The staff should make media members feel at home in both their working and living spaces by offering them convenient services and meeting their demands in information and news coverage, he said.
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More than 1,000 people, including BOCOG staff, representatives of China's central publicity organizations, spokesmen for central and municipal government departments and co-host cities, the Main Press Center, the International Broadcast Center, and venue management teams of the Olympics and representatives of volunteers attended the meeting and received updates on Olympic preparations in relevant areas.
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    Scene of the meetingp#b |-q/F e!rN,|s*_o

5p^6|8]1[(y/S(P ^,Yp.r [url]http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/[/url]
Sv|%\q8O}\7A#Y'r [url]http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/news/official/n214416712.shtml[/url]

Official: 80 percent of the Olympic and Paralympic volunteers confirmed

[img]http://images.beijing2008.cn/20080108/Img214228386.jpg[/img] tH+P6K{#m ?+l
     Liu Jian talks in detail about the Olympic volunteer projectG1E2s dA ["?R]

wk([i/?&a2B (BEIJING, January 8) -- Director Liu Jian of the Volunteer Department of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) discussed on Tuesday morning the Beijing Olympic Volunteer Program with those present at a press conference at the Beijing Olympic Media Center.n&?O1z0X.sH K
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Following is Liu's account of the volunteer program as it stands.9E\:JW1iO/YObZ

#H[N i_}/|6` The volunteer program has received widespread attention and concern from the public since launching on June 5, 2005. The plan called for the recruitment of a total of 100,000 volunteers for the Olympics and Paralympics, in addition to 400,000 city volunteers to provide information, language, emergency and other services in the city and around the venues.I9A9D*IC9N$~o

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-g|8QZf The Beijing Olympic Volunteer Program consists of six working projects (The "Towards Olympics" Voluntary Service Project, The BOCOG Pre-Games Volunteer Project, The Games-time Volunteer Project, The City Volunteer Project, The Social Volunteer Project, The Olympic Volunteer Work Legacy Transformation Project) and the "Smile Beijing" theme campaign.*yJ)A|5c0}NI

5}9kp"I{2B/q)N(H Lx The applicant pool has already reached 800,000, setting an Olympic volunteer record. More than 20,000 volunteer applicants were invited to serve during the "Good Luck Beijing" sport events in 2007.
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s At the end of 2007, approximately 80 percent of the volunteers required for the Olympic and Paralympic Games had been initially confirmed.(j~{kSL9]1D-BA

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g6X8mB*S2fJ)d    Scene of the press conference
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L5V+tGCD#Z^ Volunteer training, benefits and incentive program in the works

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/m*j;@W`:HZF-a Volunteer training consists of general training, professional training, venue training and on-post training. Paralympic volunteers receive additional training in specialized topics related to the Paralympic Games. Training is conducted via distance training, onsite training and training by practice.%[?
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E6Z5EE{Lb#\ More than 90,000 volunteers have tested the training system, with 80,000 volunteers receiving general training and 30,000 receiving professional training.
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2eWzTb0c&a1M~+w)N Volunteer work benefits include: special identity cards; volunteer work uniforms; meal provision during work hours; complimentary public transportation service within designated areas; and accidental and emergency insurance during work hours.
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In addition, volunteers will be acknowledged for excellence in their service.nj0|I2D3_4GD
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More than 920,000 apply for City Volunteer ProjectL2~uX7s(J'rNO;`

A#jZv5N(|f According to Liu Jian, during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, 500 volunteer service stations will be set up throughout the city, with some 400,000 volunteers offering their time and skills. Post-Games, the city volunteer service stations will remain an important legacy of the Olympics. So far, some 920,000 people have applied to become city volunteers.^4RbX r}I4Z2q
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The city volunteers were put to the test during the Spring Festival, the Labor Day holiday and the National Day holiday in 2007.KFl{7ZTs/I
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Various activities have taken place under the "Smile Beijing" theme campaign since it kicked off on August 8, 2006. The activities have included environment beautification projects; projects to maintain the transportation system; and songs to spread the "volunteer smile." The volunteer "Smile Wristband" has since become a popular, and even fashionable, accessory.
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[url]http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/volunteers/news/n214342593.shtml[/url]

Andy Lau and performers with a disability give a shining performance

[img]http://images.beijing2008.cn/20070921/Img214163299.jpg[/img]
'Z(Uv(G!P f\t&hZ Performers with a disability performed with Andy Lau at the one-year countdown celebration for the 2008 Paralympic Games:t(]G/C4n:M

9[iFgP0~$J (BEIJING, September 7) -- Andy Lau was mesmerized by the spirited performances by the dancers in wheelchairs who accompanied the singer onstage during the celebration of the one-year countdown for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games Thursday evening.
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6nb9e.kX g During the countdown celebration at the China Millennium Monument in Beijing, Lau shared the stage with a group of 10 performers with a disability in wheelchairs.xH5j,[#a)lH%{L
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The highlight of the performance was a moment in which one of the male performers used a single hand to lift his wheelchair to pose for a photo with the singer.
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According to reports from Hong Kong media sources, Andy Lau took time from his busy schedule to fly to Beijing especially for the celebration directly from Nanning, one of the cities on his current China concert tour. Following the celebration, Lau flew directly to Ningbo to continue his concert tour.
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F(p;U*Eb$UW0KH:A Other Chinese artists including Joey Yung and Jackie Chan also came to Beijing for the celebration
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International torch relay for Beijing Paralympic Games cancelled

Updated：2008-06-25 From：Xinhuanet Q Y Eai5y5MwB

|G3EJt BEIJING, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The planned international route of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic torch relay was cancelled, announced the Beijing 2008 Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) here on Wednesday.Kzdr+s
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Due to the devastating May 12 earthquake that struck China, BOCOG has decided to modify arrangements for the Paralympic torch relay under the principle of "safe, simple and effective".
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7yEw)Y O0K0s/g|Ub9u2I According to BOCOG, those changes have been made to afford the Chinese government to focus on the rescue and relief work and show support for the people affected by the earthquake.
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pE&aPDX7} Changes to the Paralympic torch relay include shortened domestic routes calling off four stops of Chengdu, Chongqing, Urumqi and Tianjin, simplified procedures and the cancellation of the international route of the relay which was due to pass through Vancouver in Canada, London in Britain and Sochi in Russia. Besides, the Hong Kong stop was also snuffed out.|;[n
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Nevertheless, the committee welcomes all overseas torch bearers to join the domestic relay, a BOCOG official told Xinhua.RGk#QP9{|h!s%K

!nay io The official expressed BOCOG's thanks to the International Paralympic Committee, the National Paralympic Committee of countries concerned, the international community as well as the government and people from the four cities -- Vancouver, London, Sochi and the Chinese Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong.tLUW5UWz
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The BOCOG will spare no effort on holding both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the official said.
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"agw:D s3R)y4w&` The Beijing 2008 Paralympic torch relay was to be the first to include an international leg. The BOCOG announced the planned torch relay routes last September, including 16 domestic legs, 3 international legs and Hong Kong.] ?sY0RT'n
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lrdKW!\ [url]http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/torchrelay/index.shtml[/url]
~3yw C4PK(i [url]http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/torchrelay/news/n214419721.shtml[/url]

First English-language Paralympic training book distributed

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         Updated：2008-04-11
I(^o? M_N%e/S Scene of the book presentation ceremony and 2nd Paralympic Games lecture
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:Me,o@Uj4H9l (BEIJING, April 11) -- "A Conversational English Reader" and other training material of the Beijing Paralympic Games Training Series were the subjects of a book presentation ceremony on Friday. The 2nd Paralympic Games lecture took place following the ceremony.gf \0p*l)dKo

\ Oi6l `-\_5RE "A Conversational English Reader" is the first English-language training material regarding Paralympic services in China. Over 155,000 copies of the various training manuals have been distributed.
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            Li Binghua speaks
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X+v|8oY5k:v "We must take advantage of the publication of these Paralympic training materials to train the public, industries and various communities," said Li Binghua, executive vice-president of BOCOG.H2|#mEmY

aXdD1P3T4] Following the book presentation ceremony, the subject of services for people with a limb or mental disability was discussed during the 2nd Paralympic Games lecture.)ac"n9@ X`#R

D!tAF)X"J?t r (Photo credit: Miao Lidong)
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vPL2UB(Gz      Paralympic Games training material
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D.A4k)d5u4@{     "A Conversational English Reader" and other Paralympic training materialWhy N*ZB

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     Training material recipients*m^rt,j+~ T+{q

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[url]http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/culture/headlines/n214349947.shtml[/url]

Jackie Chan is ready for the Paralympics

Updated：2007-09-04 &]3c7y/g2zXqiX(_

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            Jackie Chan in the studio
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7Y7H |?D{ (BEIJING, Sept. 4) -- "We Are Ready!"
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d#L)V LB.h!^ Compared with many performers of this song during the Olympic countdown, Chan will "fly solo" during the celebration of the one-year countdown to the Beijing Paralympic Games Thursday at the downtown China Millennium Monument.
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6] @;^a9Tmaos Chan said, "Speaking loud of this sentence (We Are Ready) on behalf of the Chinese people holds many great meanings. Being part of it (the Games) in and of itself is a great pleasure and honor. aq$N]q3Avle

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      Jackie Chan talks to the recording team.)ob6p3yH

5g \\)j.jvL6N "For the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, I am fully prepared. I am ready to serve as long as I am called up."
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Chan has long been in the service of the 2008 Olympic Games, as he was one of the image ambassadors for the Olympic bid and a strong promoter of Olympic volunteerism.
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{9NA@b"Pd         Jackie Chan sings the song in the studio.
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J2OC_&g R#u         Jackie Chan gets ready for the recording.T2n;B0}{&L mhaq

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JD7W5nM_ [url]http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/culture/headlines/n214359354.shtml[/url]

Touchable models of Olympic venues revealed

Updated：2008-07-02
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`2\$|.D3ygM!m                      Tang Xiaoquan (L) reveals model.
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(BEIJING, July 2) -- On Wednesday morning, at Beijing's disabled persons' sports and employment training center, a set of touchable models of two Olympic venues were put on display. Persons with visual impairment were invited to the activity to use their hands to gain a physical understanding of the Olympic Games.
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S'RX+B Gj*j Several government and organizational leaders were at the activity today, including Tang Xiaoquan, BOCOG executive vice-president and vice-president of the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF) and Zhao Yanxia and Sha Chenshen of the BOCOG Cultural Activities Department.!OY+Aw:I%p:J$g
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K'R u$ZH0^j.v[                Zhao Yanxia;W4TwB.w0Y4wD0\
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The activity, hosted by the Beijing Disabled Persons' Federation and supported by CDPF, BOCOG Cultural Activities Department, BOCOG Media Operations Department, and sponsors of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, involved three scaled-down versions of Beijing's National Stadium and National Aquatics Center. Persons with disabilities were invited to touch the models to get a feel for the Olympic constructions.
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The guests could hardly contain their emotions, expressing the gratitude they felt for being so widely supported by the Olympic community. They were very thankful for the opportunity provided them to better understand the Games and Olympic culture. The activity embodied the spirit of a people-oriented Games.
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        Sha Chengshen
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According to reports, the touchable models will be displayed in the Olympic and Paralympic Villages from August 23 to September 19, after which they will be transferred to the Beijing Disabled Persons' sports and employment training center.
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           Visually-impaired persons feel model of Olympic construction.:D1oI,]DP

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'a9L!@(cH_-z%\ [url]http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/[/url]
(ys+EG0a_:D [url]http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/news/official/n214431299.shtml[/url]

Olympic is coming...........:lol :lol

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First time see this word for disables!

Reply #21 spade's post

yeah, it is also my first time to see this word.

China to issue special 10-yuan notes to mark Olympics

Updated：2008-07-07 From：Xinhua #_G?Ou/e0L\yI

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kr7u%p\ The PBOC said it would issue a total of 6 million such notes, which would be circulated in the currency market with the same denomination as the ordinary 10-yuan notes.]#m0M)^_'Yt~*m%|X

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On one side is a picture of the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, the main venue for the Games in August. Above the picture is the emblem of the Beijing Games, "Chinese Seal, Dancing Beijing". The picture of national stadium and the emblem are both set against the backdrop of the Temple of Heaven, one of the country's best-known landmarks.f0v;P*yk)P
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This takes the place of the portrait of the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong and China's national emblem on the ordinary 10-yuan notes.
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3]raU4F"j/k(Rg The other side features the famous ancient Greek marble statue of a discus-thrower, Discobolus, portraits of athletes and the Arabic numeral "2008".

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These replace the drawing of the scenic Three Gorges, but the name of the PBOC in Chinese pinyin, Mongolian, Tibetan, Ugyur and Zhuang, remains in the top right corner.
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5~{1|oB5v*{n2C The central bank also said it incorporated watermarks and other technologies to prevent counterfeiting of the notes.0^gBv@E3|)`

VLfjX A clear watermark appears on the picture of the National Stadium in the shape of the Arabic numeral "10" and the Games of XXIX Olympiad in the Chinese characters, said the bank.}'@]({e n
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(China Daily)
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Welcome to Beijing

[img]http://images.beijing-2008.org/20070521/Img214079789.jpg[/img]
\ pEe(H;U.SPm:F1@         Updated：2008-05-11
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     The Temple of Heaven|,i%_
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The Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games will give friends from all over the world an opportunity to experience Beijing, the capital city of China.
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Beijing is both a tribute to China's proud history and a gateway to China's future. The capital city during the Liao, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties, Beijing has long been the political, cultural, and diplomatic center of China. It is now an international metropolis, home to 11 million people from all walks of life.
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Alongside 7300 cultural relics and historic sites and more than 200 scenic spots -- including the world's largest palace, the Forbidden City, as well as the Great Wall, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven -- Beijing boasts an impressive modern skyline, a reflection of its rapid economic development. The recently expanded Beijing Capital International Airport is China's largest and most advanced airport.MXPe\"Un
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August and September mark the end of summer and the beginning of autumn in Beijing, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 30 degrees Celsius. This is the best season to visit, with clear, blue skies allowing visitors to fully witness the charm and vastness of the city.b4c/_,x"BZarV
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[img]http://images.beijing-2008.org/20070611/Img214096264.jpg[/img]
'F8xT H8t$x!Yd            The Great Wall
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[url]http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/spectators/beijing/index.shtml[/url]
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At one-month mark, China making final Games preparations

Updated：2008-07-10 From：Xinhuanet
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u\a*wa8B     Chinese officials gather at the Great Hall of the People to review preparations for the Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Beijing, capital of China, July 9, 2008, 30 days before the Olympics opens. (Photo credit: Xinhua)6ojqVY,~
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     Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping speaks during a gathering to review preparations for the Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, July 9, 2008, 30 days before the Olympics opens. (Photo credit: Xinhua)
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BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) -- With just 30 days until the Olympics opens, officials gathered here on Wednesday to review preparations for the event, with security and stadium management as priorities.
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"We will do our utmost to fulfill the tasks in the final preparations. We will host exciting, wonderful and successful Olympics and Paralympic Games that will satisfy the world, the athletes and the audience," Vice President Xi Jinping told the gathering.
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%I2n^|#i9[vU In the next 30 days, the country will repeatedly test its security measures to ensure the safety of the coming torch relay in Beijing, the events and the venues, he said.kyq;H#U

N Tg]D:j7M0K The local governments of Beijing and its neighboring provinces were urged to finalize their security measures and develop contingency plans.
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:Ar7l5Bhd+b(~ Residents are welcome to participate in the work, Xi said, adding: "We will enhance international cooperation in this aspect of the preparations."
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7kW$N4pZ Xi also promised to provide good service to journalists coming to cover the Games and good treatment for all foreign guests.T o;y$s0@7{

UU1hO)Dy/O He urged relevant departments to ensure food safety, standard air quality and good traffic conditions, as well as water, power and gas supplies, and to avoid disturbing the daily life of the public.({~`S@3^

5j!b:K`V "We should also do preparation work well for the Paralympics, which means checking working plans for the Paralympic stadiums, examining barrier-free facilities, and mobilizing the public to care about Paralympic sports," he said.
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Xi also urged enhancement of the "civilization campaign" and etiquette education among the public. He said that local spectators should respect players from all over the world, to present a good image of China as a "country of etiquette."
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Zhou Yongkang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, also attended the meeting.M2yD {ID

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'One World One Dream'

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yY!Z1^p[ "One World One Dream" fully reflects the essence and the universal values of the Olympic spirit -- Unity, Friendship, Progress, Harmony, Participation and Dream. It expresses the common wishes of people all over the world, inspired by the Olympic ideals, to strive for a bright future of Mankind. In spite of the differences in colors, languages and races, we share the charm and joy of the Olympic Games, and together we seek for the ideal of Mankind for peace. We belong to the same world and we share the same aspirations and dreams.
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^ kJ/W_lT5Dh "One World One Dream" is a profound manifestation of the core concepts of the Beijing Olympic Games. It reflects the values of harmony connoted in the concept of "People's Olympics", the core and soul of the three concepts -- "Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics and People's Olympics". While "Harmony of Man with Nature" and "Peace Enjoys Priority" are the philosophies and ideals of the Chinese people since ancient times in their pursuit of the harmony between Man and Nature and the harmony among people, building up a harmonious society and achieving harmonious development are the dream and aspirations of ours. It is our belief that peace and progress, harmonious development, living in amity, cooperation and mutual benefit, and enjoying a happy life are the common ideals of the people throughout the world.
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1\;[1o-v*vj+~ c "One World, One Dream" is simple in expressions, but profound in meaning. It is of China, and also of the world. It conveys the lofty ideal of the people in Beijing as well as in China to share the global community and civilization and to create a bright future hand in hand with the people from the rest of the world. It expresses the firm belief of a great nation, with a long history of 5,000 years and on its way towards modernization, that is committed to peaceful development, harmonious society and people's happiness. It voices the aspirations of 1.3 billion Chinese people to contribute to the establishment of a peaceful and bright world.
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The English translation of the slogan is distinctive in sentence structure. The two "One"s are perfectly used in parallel, and the words "World" and "Dream" form a good match. The slogan is simple, meaningful, inspiring, and easy to remember, read and spread.3D"S;R8Lb)g
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In Chinese, the word "tongyi", which means "the same", is used for the English word "One". It highlights the theme of "the whole Mankind lives in the same world and seeks for the same dream and ideal"."_ET2w)C"j
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[url]http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/graphic/index.shtml[/url]

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Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games pictograms unveiled

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*SHXxo (BEIJING, May 23) -- The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) unveiled the pictograms for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games at the Beijing Olympic Media Center on Wednesday, on the occasion of the Month for the Publicity of the 17th National Help-the-Disabled Day.,In9Vc.DM2i Z
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The pictograms will be widely used in the road signal system, in the symbols and decorations in and outside the venues, as well as in the guides for athletes and spectators. They will also be used in TV broadcasting, in promotion, in advertising and in marketing, to enrich the public experience of the Paralympic Games. Being important components of the image of the Paralympics, the pictograms must reflect the Paralympic sports clearly and in keeping with the other visual elements of the Beijing Paralympics such as the emblem and the color system, and act as carriers of the concepts of the Paralympic Games and of the culture of the host county.9iew TR.\
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The pictograms of the Beijing Paralympic Games have adopted the creative concepts and design styles of the pictograms of the Beijing Olympic Games, while taking into account the characteristics of the Paralympic sports and the experience of the previous editions of the Paralympic Games. They have done so to maintain the continuity of the image design style, which is a crucial consideration because of the limited time interval between the Olympic and Paralympic Games.r-tX
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The pictograms of the Beijing Paralympic Games use the structure of the Chinese seal script as their basic form, while incorporating the pictographic charm of the oracle bone writing (jia gu wen) and the bronze-ware script (jin wen) with the simplification of modern graphics. The design not only features the particular movement and dynamism of each sport, but is also easy to recognize, remember and use. Through the skillful application of the striking contrast between white and black, the pictograms of the Beijing Paralympic Games demonstrate distinct features of movement, graceful charm of dynamism and rich cultural connotations, and arrive at a harmony and unity of "form" and "content".
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El8ac$j*H?/t The pictograms of the Beijing Paralympic Games cover all 20 individual sports, namely archery, athletics, boccia, cycling, equestrian, football 5-a-side, football 7-a-side, goal-ball, judo, power-lifting, rowing, sailing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, volleyball (sitting), wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis. w#P/Di2e

g;mi*P-T"ul5] BOCOG started the research, creation and appraisal of the pictograms for the Beijing Paralympic Games in May 2006.The Central Academy of Fine Arts, a member of the Design Group for the Pictograms of the Beijing Olympic Games, was responsible for their design, creation and testing. Numerous design experts, Paralympics specialists and representatives of disabled athletes offered their valuable opinions and suggestions during the process. In December 2006, the BOCOG Executive Board officially approved the design scheme of the pictograms and submitted them to the international sports federations (IFs). As of the end of February 2007, all IFs reviewed and approved the pictograms and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) officially approved them in April 2007.
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[url]http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/graphic/n214342418.shtml[/url]

Design Concept for the Medals of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games

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       Medals of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games
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The design of the medals for Paralympic Games is inspired by the ancient Chinese dragon-pattern jade disc: jade disc wedged on the obverse of the medal with the Emblem of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in the center. The color of jade varies with the gold medal, silver medal and copper medal from white, gray-white to gray. The design of the medal hook derives from jade "huang", a ceremonial jade piece with decoration of double dragon pattern and "Pu", the reed mat pattern, classic and elegant. mbQ5_&^Y!F

P.~-j1u6zPoa The design concept and pattern of the medals for the Paralympic Games is similar to those of the medals for the Olympic Games, reflecting the fairness and mutual respect of all people. The medals for Paralympic Games have the same value and honor with those for Olympic Games and are the best symbol for the concept of "One World One Dream".'D3dbx
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Jade culture has lasted for over 8000 years in China. Jade disc used to be a ritual ware for grand ceremonies in ancient China. Besides, Chinese nationality has the tradition of regarding jade as the supreme symbol of prestigious morality. The jade on the Paralympic medals is an honorable recognition of winners and also a modern interpretation of the traditional values of Chinese people, representing the perfect match of the Chinese civilization and the Paralympic Spirit.#y,[2z tJ&{
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Certificates for the medals of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games
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Ghatpot mounting is a traditional decoration method for calligraphy and painting in China. It is unique with classic elegance.
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Certificate of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games will be printed on China paper mounted with traditional cloud-pattern ghatpot. China paper is warm, rich, even and clean in texture. The fresh, refined color of ghatpot gives out an elegant, moderate scroll book character.
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Packing case for medals of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic GamesgA_Fo"TR,A
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Lacquering is a traditional Chinese technique. Lacquers painted by this technique are light and firm in quality with calm and conservative color, polished like jade, natural and elegant. The packing case takes the shape of square, tray and lid structure, with slight arc in four sides, representing heaven, earth, and four directions and their harmony. It is made of Paulownia wood and painted red. A golden emblem is wedged on the central top of the lacquer case. Red and gold reflect each other, presenting a glorious style.
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[url]http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/graphic/n214342419.shtml[/url]

Games-time official website goes live

Updated：2008-07-15
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(BEIJING, July 15) -- The Games-time version of the official website of the Beijing Olympic Games went live on July 15, 2008, giving shape to the information release platform for the Games and marking the official website's entry into Games-time status.;p;ZVP F8oo0N

h.eN2pt,_"V#TF J:LC Releasing information in five languages -- Chinese, English, French, Spanish and Arabic -- the official website serves as a major channel for netizens worldwide to obtain information on the competitions of the Beijing Olympics and an important window for countries and people around the world to understand Beijing and China.kH\ZCoc
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The website will issue immediate official information on the Beijing Olympics from authoritative sources and offer live coverage of all press conferences held by BOCOG and important press conferences by the IOC and national and regional Olympic committees through photos and transcripts.#]7{#KFu6I2f
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In terms of Olympic competition coverage, the website will immediately publish detailed Olympic competition schedules, real-time competition progress for all sports, results, technical statistics and medal standings, in addition to detailed previews and post-competition analyses, flash reports, post-competition interviews, daily roundups and athlete features, with references to file and background information for all participating athletes, as soon as relevant data and information becomes available.
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The website will offer full coverage of the highly anticipated Olympic opening and closing ceremonies and selected coverage of Olympic cultural activities, updates on co-host cities, events outside the venues, volunteers, venue operations and sponsorship activities. The "Olympic Spirit" page will follow the progress of the Olympic Cultural Festival, Olympic Youth Camp and Olympic Education Program with an aim at enhancing awareness among youth,enabling them to learn more about and participate in the Olympic Games.7Ju"tA:DR6U@+U
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To support BOCOG's services for spectators and media members, the website will provide comprehensive information on ticketing, guidelines for spectators, guides to the host city, venues and facilities, accessible services, transport, hotels, entertainment, Olympic licensed products. An advanced E-map will link netizens to any destination they seek.
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!w6p'\&b#z8C Before and after the Olympic competitions, the website will hold online interviews with guests that include social celebrities, sports stars, Olympic officials, representatives of sponsors and ordinary volunteers, to allow netizens to see and understand all aspects of the Games.
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[url]http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/[/url]
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Delegation to Beijing Paralympic Games largest in Chinese history

Updated：2008-07-17
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&\UoZl)CQS'z Wang Xinxian, president of National Paralympic Committee of China (Photo credit: Zhang Yu)$O,d;tK$\!j

/M3OcPd1?f (BEIJING, July 17) -- The Chinese delegation to the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games hosted a press conference on Thursday, revealing that a total of 547 representatives will be part of the group, which includes 332 athletes who will be competing in all 20 events.
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$H9b E;[|$}!|9Ol Tang Xiaoquan (L), executive vice-president of BOCOG and vice-president of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, presents a plaque recognizing donations. (Photo credit: Zhang Yu)
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197 men and 135 women will make up the competitive team, the largest in Chinese history; the oldest athlete is 51-years-old and the youngest is 15-years-old. Compared to the Athens Paralympic Games, the Chinese delegation this time around has increased by 261 people, which includes 132 more athletes than in 2004. The athletes come from all walks of life from all over the country: students, farmers, self-employed individuals and workers will be representing China in September. For 226 of these athletes, 2008 will be their Olympic debut year.#],Lfy?$H]k?S(T
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He Junquan, gold medalist of 2004 Paralympic Games (Photo credit: Zhang Yu)u(Y%`9@/S4t8gu
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For the first time in any Paralympic Games, equestrian, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball, rowing, sailing, boccia, goalball, football 5-a-side and football 7-a-side events will be held.
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{Af}*`(qb&HZl The Paralympic Games have continuously gained popularity over the years, not only in China, but worldwide. It occupies the same stage as the Olympic Games as an internationally celebrated event, as awareness and support of people with disabilities increase.
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[url]http://en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn/news/sports/others/n214459089.shtml[/url]