The Beijing Olympics ended on Saturday, August 23, 2008. Ninety-one thousand spectators, more or less, poured into the National Stadium to witness the gala. The countdown to the closing ceremony started from 29, indicating the 29th Olympic Games. All the audience joined the countdown from ten, and correspondingly, displaying the numbers by firework explosions in the sky.
The celebration began with a flash of fireworks that formed a huge circle in the sky that symbolized the success of the games. The Beijing Games displayed China’s strength and vigor at her command and astonished the world with sporting distinction of the Chinese athletes.
The 16-day spectacular display of sporting talents failed to put an end to criticism of China’s human rights although the International Olympic Committee gave the organizers the thumb-up sign and said the games will leave a legacy for future generations. Likewise, IOC President Jacques Rogge who officially closed the Games at the ceremony, praised China for a flawless operation that had set the bar very high for 2012 host, London.
A grand party was held to say good-bye to Beijing
With reports from Olympic News Service & China Daily