The International Olympic Committee was founded in 1894 on the initiative of a French nobleman, Pierre Frédy, Baron de Coubertin. The IOC has become the heart of the “Olympic Movement”, a conglomeration of sporting federations that are involved in the organization of the Games. As the Olympic Movement has grown so has the profile and complexity of the Games. Participation in the Games has increased to the point that nearly every nation on earth is represented. With the proliferation of satellite communications, the Internet, and the continuing trend towards globalization, the Olympics are consistently gaining supporters. This growth has created numerous challenges never before envisioned by Baron de Coubertin. Some of these difficulties include political boycotts, the use of performance enhancing medications, bribery of officials, and terrorism.
The Opening Ceremony of the Beijing2008 Olympic Games
BEIJING, August 9 — On the night of August 8, 2008, the sound of heavy footsteps thundered across the “Bird’s Nest” as colossal burning “footprints” marched in the sky along Beijing’s central axis all the way through the Olympic Green to the National Stadium. As the last “footprint” lit up the sky above the National Stadium, spectators all over the world began a virtual tour of Chinese culture; what they saw was ancient China and young China, a nation wishing to build a harmonious home together with friends from all parts of the world.
More than 20,000 performers from all parts of China including Hong Kong, Macao and Chinese Taipei, regaled audience members with martial arts performances and artistic story telling through song and dance. On the ever-changing backdrop and accompanied by amazingly complex displays of fireworks, the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games was launched, literally, with a bang.
Visit official website of Beijing Olympics http://en.beijing2008.cn/