Olympic flame welcomed at Tian´anmen Square

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-31-2008 12:28

A grand ceremony has just been held at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, to welcome the arrival of the Olympic flame from Greece.

The Chinese president Hu Jintao lit the cauldron, and handed the torch over to Chinese Olympic  champion, Liu Xiang.

It signifies the launch of the international and domestic torch relay.

China's top officials, including President Hu Jintao, as well as officials from the International Olympic Committee attended the event.

This was the highlight of the ceremony.

The torch in the hands of top organizer for the Beijing Olympics, Liu Qi, was ignited by the sacred flame carried back to Beijing from Greece, and then passed to Chinese President Hu Jintao.

The Chinese president lit the cauldron, and handed the torch over to Chinese Olympic champion, Liu Xiang.

This marks the official launch of the international and domestic torch relay for the upcoming Beijing Games.

Chinese Vice-President, Xi Jinping, said China welcomes athletes and friends coming to Beijing for the grand sports event.

Chinese Vice-President, Xi Jinping, said China welcomes athletes and friends coming to Beijing for the grand sports event.

Xi Jinping, Chinese Vice-President, said, "The Chinese government and people will give full support to the Games and the preparation, to be a good host and welcome the arrival of friends from around the world. We anticipate that the 1.3-billion Chinese and people from elsewhere in the world can share the Olympic passion and glory together under the burning Olympic flame."

Head of the International Olympic Committee Coordination Commission, Hein Verbruggen, also addressed the gathering.

A grand ceremony has just been held at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, to welcome the arrival of the Olympic flame  from Greece.

Hein Verbruggen, Head of the International Olympic Committee Coordination Commission, said, Following the global and domestic relay, it will return to Tian'anmen Square on August 6th, awaiting the final moment of the start of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on August 8th.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei