Source: CCTV.com

08-14-2008 15:23

To host the Olympic Games has been a century-old dream for the Chinese nation, and the shared aspiration of all Chinese people. In the process of Beijing bidding for and hosting the Olympic Games, two gentlemen came to the fore. They are Juan Antonio Samaranch and He Zhenliang.

Mr. Juan Antonio Samaranch is Honorary President for Life of the International Olympic Committee. He made a huge contribution to bringing China back into the Olympic family, and he was a strong supporter of Beijing’s two bids to host the Olympic Games. Chinese people will never forget the emotional moment on July 13, 2001, when Mr. Samaranch announced that Beijing would be the host city of the 2008 Olympic Games. Today, he is regarded as an old friend of the Chinese people.

Mr. He Zhenliang is Honorary President of the Chinese Olympic Committee, and a member of the International Olympic Committee. He has devoted virtually his whole life to the Olympic movement and the principles it stands for, and served as a bridge linking China and the rest of the world in the area of sports. His outstanding work has earned him the popular title, China’s Mr. Olympics.

Join us on Up-Close, to hear the behind-the-scenes stories about the contributions made by Juan Antonio Samaranch and He Zhenliang to the Beijing Olympic Games, and about their 30-years friendship.

 

Editor:Liu Fang