"This is basically perfect," "The services and efficiency here are really unbelievable," the Olympic Village "can almost be described as perfect." Many foreign athletes made such remarks in awe; starting with the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, they have been able to experience Beijing, a city full of vitality.
Over seven years, the host country of the Olympics has borrowed the knowledge of its citizens and gathered the strength of the people to present a brand new Beijing to friends from all across the world. Now, the water in Beijing is clear, the sky is blue, the roads are free of traffic jams, the streets are clean, and this ancient city shines with youth.
The glory of the Olympics has brought progress to Beijing. The "brand new Beijing" does not consist merely of outward changes, but internal improvements. From modifications to industry and upgrades in service systems to environmental improvements, every small change and bit of progress in the city of Beijing have been fueled by reforms in urban management, the result of an ancient city moving dynamically toward modern urban civilization.
The glory of the Olympics has brought about improvements in the manners of the citizenry. "Enthusiasm for the Olympics can be compared to the sweltering hot weather in Beijing," "No one imagined that this city of 17 million residents could hold such a major sporting event." These comments were made by foreign media assessing the Chinese people's passionate participation in the Olympics. It is true; there has never been a country whose people have immersed themselves in the Olympics with such fervor. 100,000 Olympic event volunteers, 400,000 city volunteers, 1 million social volunteers, 2 million cheering squad volunteers, and many more Chinese outside of Beijing are working hard to protect the environment, eagerly serve others, and enforce small details like stopping at red lights and giving up seats for the elderly on public transportation.
The glory of the Olympics has brought the joy of sports to average Chinese by emphasizing individual participation. Today, as media focus is on the changing Chinese population, the foreign media's understanding of the Chinese people has changed from suspicion to praise. This is not merely because they are convinced by the Chinese, but because of the Olympic ideals of equality and participation in the victory of the spirit.
On August 10, Giselle Davis, Director of Communications of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), said concerning the 840 million Chinese who watched the opening ceremony on TV, "These ratings are really unbelievable." The record-breaking ratings showed the great amount of passion the Chinese people have for the Olympics. The hearts of the Chinese people are revealed through their smiles because they hope all of society can share the joy of sports through the openness of the Olympics.
The glory of the Olympics gathers the world together. According to statistics, over four billion viewers around the world watched the Olympics opening ceremony. Never before has an event united so many countries and peoples. More political leaders than ever before in Olympic history are gathering in Beijing. In the name of the Olympics, the world has become more harmonious.
IOC Chairman Rogge said that the Olympics would make China a better place. This is true. This year's Olympic Games, like none before, are not only an honor for China, but are an honor for the Olympics as a whole. Through this opportunity to host the Olympics, China is showing the world the progress it is making and the richness of its culture, and at the same time it is displaying deep acknowledgement of the Olympic spirit of peace and cooperation. This spirit is especially needed in this time of heavy crises and high pressure in the international community.
The Olympic flame has been lit. Come, let us share this moment of the glory of mankind.
By People's Daily Online
