Source: CCTV.com

03-27-2007 10:08

Tuesday will mark the start of the 500-day countdown to the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Many milestones have been achieved since Beijing put in a bid to host the games. Over the next 500 days there's still a lot that needs to be done.

Torch design, route to be announced

The emblem, mascot and torch all represent the Olympic Games. After the emblem and mascot were unveiled, attention turned to the torch design.

In December 2005, BOCOG called for submissions. After two rounds, three designs were sent to the IOC. The winning design will be announced within the next 500 days.

The torch relay will run through 28 cities in five continents, and over 70 cities in China. For the first time, it will ascend the highest point in the world on Mount Qomolangma. The final route will be announced later this year.

Song search enters final phase

The Olympic theme song contest has entered its final round. In the six-year long search, thirty-four candidates have been chosen. Theme songs are needed for seven events, from the torch relay through to the closing ceremony. The theme song for the 2008 Games, will be revealed 100 days before the opening ceremony.

42 test events for 2008 Games

China will hold forty-two test events between July 2007 and June 2008. They will cover all 28 sports in the 2008 Olympics and two in the Paralympics. The events will be held at Olympic venues in Beijing, Qingdao, Hong Kong and other host cities.

Opening, closing ceremonies being prepared

A tremendous amount of effort needs to be put in to make the Olympics in Beijing a successful one. Two of the highlights are the opening and closing ceremonies. And for the Beijing Games, noted Chinese filmmaker, Zhang Yimou, will lead a crew of high-profile consultants.

In the following 500 days, a lot of work still needs to be done. And so far, everything's on schedule for the world's biggest sporting event.

Editor:Liu Fang