Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon!
Before I introduce our cultural programs, let me tell you one thing first about 2008.
You're going to have a great time in Beijing. Many people are fascinated by China's sport legends
in the history. For example, back to Song dynasty which was the 11th century, people in our
country started to play a game called Cuju, which is regarded as the origin of ancient football.
The game was so popular that women were also participating. So now you would probably understand
why our women's football team does so well today.
There are a lot more wonderful and exciting events waiting for you in the new Beijing, a modern
metropolis with 3,000 years of cultural treasures woven into the urban tapestry. Along with the
iconic imagery of the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall, the city also
offers an endless mixture of theaters, museums, discos, all kinds of restaurants and shopping
malls which will amaze and delight you.
But beyond that, this is a city of millions of friendly people who love to meet people from
around the world. They believe if the 2008 Olympic Games is held in Beijing, it will help to
enhance the harmony between our culture and the diverse cultures of the world. And their gratitude
will pour out in open expressions of affection for you and the great movement that you guide.
Within our cultural programs, education and communication will receive the highest priority.
We seek to create an intellectual and a sporting legacy by broadening the understanding of the
Olympic Ideals throughout the country.
Cultural events will unfold each year, from 2005 to 2008. We'll stage multi-disciplined cultural
programs including concerts, exhibitions, art competitions and camps which will involve young
people from around the world. During the Olympics, these activities will also be held in the
Olympic Village and in the city for the benefit of the athletes.
Our Ceremonies will give China's greatest and the world's greatest artists a chance to celebrate
the common aspiration of humanity and the unique heritage of Chinese culture and that of the
Olympic movement.
With the concept inspired by the famed Silk Road, our Torch Relay will break new ground, traveling
from Olympia through some of the oldest civilizations known to man, Greek, Roman, Egyptian,
Byzantine, Mesopotamian, Persian, Arabian, Indian and Chinese. Carrying the message "Share the
Peace, Share the Olympics," the eternal flame will reach new heights as it crosses the Himalayas
over the world's highest summit - Mount Qomolangma, which is known to many of you as Mt. Everest.
In China, the torch will pass through Tibet, cross Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, travel the Great Wall
and visit Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and the 56 ethnic communities who make up our society. On its
journey, the flame will be seen by and inspire more human beings than any previous relay.
I am afraid I can not give you the full picture of our cultural programs within such a short period
of time. Before I end, let me share with you one story. Seven hundred years ago, amazed by his
incredible description of a far away land of great beauty, people asked Marco Polo whether his
stories about China were true. And Marco answered: What I've told you was not even half of what
I saw.
Actually, what we have shown you here today is only a fraction of Beijing that awaits you.
Ladies and gentlemen, I believe that Beijing will prove to be a land of wonders to all of you,
to athletes, spectators, and the worldwide television audience alike. Come and join us.
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you all.