The China Millennium Monument in Beijing was the stage for the One-year Countdown Ceremony to the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. Over 5000 spectators joined the environment filled with colorful flags and bright lights.

The Ceremony was attended by several Chinese Government officials, Beijing 2008 Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (BOCOG) Executive Committee members, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Sir Philip Craven and IPC CEO Xavier Gonzalez.

The president of Americas Paralympic Committee (APC), Mr. Andrew Parsons, also attended the ceremony. The IPC presented invitation letters to National and Regional Paralympic Committees to attend the Games next year.

Most of the Ceremony was in Chinese with English simultaneous translation. From the Ceremony, it was possible to see that Beijing and China are ready to receive the Paralympic Games with open arms. This was shown with the official song of the one-year countdown for the Olympic Games, “We are Ready”, performed by the world famous movie star Jackie Chan.

Another highlight was the announcement of the route for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Torch Relay, with the slogan “Light the passion, Share the dream”. Everything was broadcasted live from the very beginning  until its end, and people from around the world were able to watch it.

For more information on the Ceremony and the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games please visit:  www.beijing2008.org