Statements regarding the Beijing 2008 Olympic Opening Ceremony

Aug 8, 2008

Beijing, China – As the Opening Ceremony of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad concluded, members of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia offered the following personal impressions on the evening’s spectacular event (all were in attendance):

David Emerson, Minister of Foreign Affairs representing Government of Canada:
"What a proud night for China and for all Canadians as we get ready to be the next host and share that same stage of honour. Bravo, Beijing, on a night of memories for everyone here and watching at home. You have shown the world what can be done to celebrate the spirit of friendship and fair play."

Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia:
"A mesmerizing show where everyone was filled with the sense of the possible. It touched the senses with light and sound, born of a rich cultural history. This was China's invitation to the world. The precision and dedication of all the artists was inspiring. It reminded us all of what the Olympic Movement is about!"

"It was a proud moment for everyone to see Canada's Olympic team enter the stadium and to see the Olympic Cauldron burn bright. It reminds us that the next time our Olympic athletes take part in the Opening Ceremony, and the next time the drama of the Olympic Cauldron lighting stirs everyone's hearts as it did tonight, it will be at home in 2010."

Jack Poole, Chairman, VANOC Board of Directors:
"What an incredible night for China and for the Olympic Movement. I felt honored to be here and to witness what will unquestionably be one of the most memorable ceremonies in the Olympic history books."

"Congratulations to the Organizing Committee and the people of China for truly showing the world one world and one dream."

John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer:
"It felt like the world caught its breath tonight even if only for an instant — but for long enough to remind us all of how good we can be when we celebrate our common humanity. The stadium was filled with joy — hope and inspiration . . . pride and peace.”

"China dazzled us all on 8–08–2008 with the art of what is possible, and they did it with passion, humility and creative genius. It was such a privilege to witness this. I will never forget tonight."

"The elements were as magical as they were technological — as moving as they were inspired — and they were daring. There will be talk about this for generations."

"Seven years ago, in Moscow, China spoke about bringing sport and Olympic values to the lives of 400 million Chinese children. Tonight was their night."

David Guscott, VANOC Executive Vice President, Celebrations and Partnerships:
"Tonight was clearly China's spectacularly dramatic coming-out party. It was like a magic show —as soon as you thought you'd seen everything —there was something even more spectacular!"

"The most memorable moment was the history of China literally unfolding on an ancient scroll painting. The lit costumes were a personal favourite. And I was most impressed by the spectacular ending — the highest tech of a globe, appearing out of the floor with anti-gravity dancers surrounded simply by thousands of beautiful faces of children of the world painted on umbrellas that magically opened at once.”

"All told, it was a wonderful blend of technology, passion and drama."

The 2008 Olympic Games officially opened at 8:08 pm (5:08 am PT) on the eighth day of the eighth month — symbolic, as the number eight symbolizes good fortune in China — before a global audience of one billion.

The Closing Ceremony for the 2008 Olympic Games will take place on August 24, prior to the start of the 2008 Paralympic Games, which will run from September 6 to 17. As of today, August 8, 2008, only 553 days remain until the Opening Ceremony for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

ContactVANOC Communications
mediarelations@vancouver2010.com