Hosting the Olympic Games has been a long cherished hope and aspiration of all the Chinese people around the world, and it is a solemn commitment we have made to the international community. In the seven years of preparing for the Olympic Games, with the help of the international community, the International Olympic Committee in particular, with the support of the Chinese people all over the world, and through the concerted efforts of the people in Beijing, we can now declare with full confidence that all the preparatory work for the 29th Summer Olympic Games has been accomplished. We will honor our commitment to the world that the Beijing Olympic Games will be of unique characteristics and of high quality.

The Beijing Olympic Games will be a spectacular sports event, which will exert the widest influence around the world. Over 10,000 athletes from different countries and regions, over 30,000 reporters as well as more than 400,000 foreign visitors will gather in Beijing as around four billion TV viewers will witness and share the event with us.

The hundred year old dream of the Chinese people for the Olympic Games has finally materialized. When the opening of the 2008 Olympic Games is declared, we will open our arms and welcome friends from all corners of the world. For the realization of our common Olympic ideals and a glorious new chapter in Olympic history let us hold our hands together.

--Liu Qi

President of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad

After more than seven years of hard work and anticipation, we're finally here--at the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing! It has been an honor and a privilege for me to share in the journey of the Chinese people as you prepare to welcome the world. I hope sports fans have a chance to participate in the Games in some way; by working or volunteering at the Games or simply by being an enthusiastic supporter.

Obviously the most important group of all at any Olympic Games is the athletes, because they're the reason we're here. They have a lot to look forward to. The sports facilities and services at Beijing 2008 are possibly the best ever provided at an Olympic Games. An estimated four billion viewers and spectators will watch 10,500 athletes representing more than 200 nations. These are sure to be one of the most spectacular Olympic Games of the modern era.

One day I hope you will tell your grandchildren that while so often in life mankind focuses on its differences, you were witness to a celebration of the hopes we have in common. I hope you tell them you saw that a shared love of sport, created lasting friendships, inspired excellence and deepened respect for other peoples and cultures.

Beijing is a worthy venue, and I know the Chinese people will be fantastic hosts.

Good luck Beijing!

--Jacques Rogge

President of the International Olympic Committee

I firmly believe that thanks to the commitment and passion of the Beijing Organizing Committee and the Chinese people, the 2008 Games will illustrate what the Olympic Games are all about: a universal meeting of people from throughout the world, with the same goal and the same enthusiasm.

--Juan Antonio Samaranch

Honorary President of the International Olympic Committee

As Chairman of the IOC Coordination Commission for the last seven years, I have witnessed the commitment, dedication, passion and enthusiasm of our Chinese friends. They, and the Chinese people, who are so excited about welcoming the world to their country, and, of course, the world's athletes, for whom the Olympic Games are staged first and foremost, deserve success and a great event this summer.

--Hein Verbruggen

Chairman of Coordination Commission of IOC

The Olympic Games are all about friendship and harmony. I look forward to many more smiles over the coming weeks as we celebrate all that is good in sport. Good luck to all I know. China will stage a truly great Olympics.

--John Coates

President of Australian Olympic Committee, IOC member

On Monday 18 August the Chinese people will focus with particular intensity on the Athletics programme, as the competitors line-up for the first round of the Olympic 110m Hurdles competition. Yet regardless of who wins the men's sprint hurdles title and the other 46 athletics gold medals in Beijing this August, we can be sure that further Olympic legends will emerge to join the likes of Paavo Nurmi, Jesse Owens and more.

--Lamine Diack

President of the International Association of Athletics Federations

All the ingredients are in place for a memorable edition of the Olympic Games in Beijing. The Chinese authorities and the Chinese people can be proud of their success. In this special year for FINA--in which we celebrate our Centenary--I am sure that these Olympics will be milestones in our history.

--Mustapha Larfaoui

President of Federation Internationale de Natation

(Compiled from the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Official Newspaper)