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On 13th July 2001 Samaranch announced that Beijing would host the 2008 Olympic Games. I remember watching the news. I was excited ... but 2008 still seemed a long way off. Now, after seven years of planning, preparing, building and working hard to coordinate every aspect of this illustrious event I am sure the judges don’t regret their decision. The Olympic Games are coming to Beijing and Beijing is ready for the Games and for everything that they will bring.

The city of Beijing is over 3,000 years old but it has been cleaned and renovated to welcome our guests from all corners of the world. The shiny Beijing National Stadium – our “Bird’s Nest” – is ready to open its doors for athletes and spectators. The people of Beijing are ready, too. With a team of 100,000 volunteers ready and waiting to escort and help our guests from abroad. As the mayor of Beijing said “their smile is this city’s best calling card.” Last, but not least, the Olympic torch is ready. It recently reached the highest place in the world when it arrived at the peak of Mount Qomolangma. With all the preparations and enthusiasm, Beijing is going to host the best Olympic Games that the world has ever seen.

In four years time, in 2012, the honour of hosting the Olympic Games will pass to the city of London. London is another historical city and I am sure that the people of London will feel as happy and proud as we feel today. I would like to use this opportunity to offer my congratulations to the city of London and to wish its people every success with the Olympic Games 2012. Right now 2012 probably seems a long way off but the time will pass quickly and you will soon be preparing welcoming speeches as our representatives are today.

The great sporting event that is the Olympic Games is about to start. Thousands will come to Beijing to take part in the spectacle. Millions more will watch the Games on TV around the world. It is a great honour for China to to be a host to so many people – in person – and also from a distance. All that remains is to wish all of the competitors the very best of luck. Beijing and China welcomes everyone to the celebration of the greatest sporting event in the world.