Public Spark

Olympics is a huge feat, not only for the athletes, but also for the country hosting the events. These were some of the preparations that were needed to host the Olympics in Beijing:

1. Figuring out distribution of venues

   Olympics would not exist without a location to host. With over 302 events, many specialized facilities are needed. These are some of the buildings that were developed/renovated specifically for the Olympics.

   • Beijing National Stadium

     The construction of the National Stadium, also known as the “Bird’s Nest” began in December of 2008. It is located in the Olympic Green and occupies 21.4 hectares. The National Stadium will serve as the main venue of of the Olympics 2008, hosting the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the Athletics and Football events.

   • National Aquatics Center

     It took over four years to construct the National Aquatics Center, nicknamed the “Water Cube.” It is located on the southern part of the central part of the Olympic Green and occupies 6.95 acres. During the Olympic games, swimming, diving, and synchronized swimming events will be held. After the Olympic games end, it will be converted to a multi-functional facility for sports, culture and recreation.

   • Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium

     It covers an area of 168,000 square meters and has three floors underground and four floors above ground. The gymnasium has a seating capacity for 18,000 spectators.

   • BUAA Gymnasium

     The Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (BUAA) Gymnasium recently completed its expansion project. There have been additional game seats added, totally 6,000 seats, new weightlifting competition platforms, as well as upgrades of various systems such as heating, fire protection, and safety.

2. Figuring out the logistics of transportation

   In preparation for the huge rush during the games, Beijing’s subway system underwent a major expansion by adding seven lines and more than eighty new stations, including a direct link to Beijing Capital International Airport. Within the airport, eleven unmanned trains were added to be able to expedite movement of people through the new terminal building. A new five-level emergency alert system was also implemented to ensure smooth and safe transportation for an estimated three million visitors.

   On the ground, Beijing is set to designate thirty-eight official public transit routes linking the Olympic venues. During the games, 2,500 large-size buses and 4,500 minibuses will be operated. Therefore, Beijing will implement a temporary road space rationing in order to improve air quality.

3. Marketing

   • Emblem

     The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games emblem “Chinese Seal, Dancing Beijing” is filled with Beijing’s hospitality and hopes. It’s emblem is made to show the world a grand picture of “peace, friendship, and progress of mankind.” Its image shows the eastern ways of thinking, while keeping to the nation’s lasting appeal, with the calligraphy of ancient civilization. The color red used in the emblem carries Chinese people’s longing for luck and happiness. It is the color of the Sun and the Holy Fire, representing life and a new beginning.

   • Theme

     “One World One Dream” theme is easy to remember yet meaningful and inspirational. It expresses the common aspirations and dreams of people all over the world, inspired by the Olympic ideals. It also 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”.

   • Official Mascots:

     Like the Five Olympic Rings from which they draw their color and inspiration, Fuwa will serve as the Official Mascots of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

     Beibei is the Fish: In China’s traditional culture and art, the fish and water designs are symbols of prosperity and harvest. Among Fuwa, Beibei is known to be gentle and pure and she reflects the blue Olympic ring.

     Jingjing is the Panda: As a national treasure and a protected species, pandas are adored by people everywhere. Jingjing is an athlete noted for strength who represents the black Olympic ring.

     Huanhuan is the Olympic Flame: Huanhuan stands in the center of Fuwa as the core embodiment of the Olympic spirit. He is outgoing and enthusiastic and excels at all the ball games. Huanhuan represents the red Olympic ring.

     Yingying is the Tibetan Antelope: The antelope carries the blessing of health, the strength of body that comes from harmony with nature. Yingying is strong in track and field events, and he represents the yellow Olympic ring.

     Nini is the Swallow: Among Fuwa, Nini is as innocent and joyful as a swallow. She is strong in gymnastics and represents the green Olympic ring.

     When you put their names together — Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni — they say “Welcome to Beijing,” offering a warm invitation that reflects the mission of Fuwa as young ambassadors for the Olympic Games.

4. Torches

   The torch is both technically and beautifully designed. Click on above link to view image. The torch is 72 cm high and weighs 985 grams. It has a stable burning technique that can stay alight in severe weather conditions such as strong wind, rain, snow, hail, etc.

5. Medals

   The medal for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games is designed with gold and jade, which symbolizes nobility and virtue. On the front side, the medal adopts standard design as outlined by the International Olympic Committee. While on the back, the medal is inlaid with jade and the Beijing Games emblem. The medal hook design is derived from a ceremonial jade piece with decoration of double dragon pattern.

References

• Official Website of 2008 Olympics

• Wikipedia