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Classical Greece
2011-10-10T23:58:56Z
<p>Yupi666: /* Financing the league */</p>
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<div>{{Refimprove|date=September 2007}}<br />
[[File:Parthenon from south.jpg|thumb|270 px|The [[Parthenon]], in Athens, a temple to [[Athena]].]]<br />
{{History of Greece}}<br />
:''For the longer period of Greek development and influence of which this is a part see [[Ancient Greece]]''.<br />
<br />
'''Classical Greece''' was a 200 year period in Greek culture lasting from the 5th through 4th centuries BC. This classical period had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire and greatly influenced the foundation of Western civilizations. Much of modern Western [[politic]]s, artistic thought, such as architecture, scientific thought, [[literature]], and [[philosophy]] derives from this ancient society. In the context of the art, architecture, and culture of [[ancient Greece]], the '''Classical period''' corresponds to most of the 5th and 4th centuries BC (the most common dates being the fall of the last [[Athenian tyranny|Athenian tyrant]] in [[510 BC]] to the death of [[Alexander the Great]] in [[323 BC]]). The Classical period in this sense follows the [[Archaic Greece|Archaic period]] and is in turn succeeded by the [[Hellenistic period]].<br />
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== 5th century BC ==<br />
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From the perspective of [[Athenian]] culture in Classical Greece, the period generally referred to as the 5th century BC encroaches slightly on the 4th century BC. This century is essentially studied from the Athenian outlook because [[Athens]] has left us more narratives, plays, and other written works than the other [[Polis|ancient Greek states]]. In this context, one might consider that the first significant event of this century occurs in 510 BC, with the fall of the Athenian tyrant and Cleisthenes’ reforms. However, a broader view of the whole Greek world might place its beginning at the Ionian revolt of 500 BC, the event that provoked the Persian invasion of 492 BC. The Persians (called "Medes") were finally defeated in 490 BC. A second Persian attempt failed in 481-479 BC. The [[Delian League]] then formed, under Athenian hegemony and as Athens' instrument. Athens' excesses caused several revolts among the allied cities, all of which were put down by force, but Athenian dynamism finally awoke Sparta and brought about the [[Peloponnesian War]] in 431 BC. After both forces were spent, a brief peace came about; then the war resumed to Sparta's advantage. Athens was definitively defeated in 404 BC, and internal Athenian agitations mark the end of the 5th century BC in Greece.<br />
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Since the beginning, [[Sparta]] had been ruled by a "[[diarchy]]." This meant that [[Sparta]] had two kings serving concurrently throughout its entire history. The two kingships were both hereditary and were either from the [[Agiad Dynasty]] or the [[Eurypontid Dynasty]]. Allegedly, the hereditary lines of these two dynasties spring, respectively, from [[Eurysthenes]] and [[Procles]], twin descendants of [[Hercules]]. Eurysthenes and Procles were said to have conquered Sparta two generations after the [[Trojan War]].<br />
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=== Cleisthenes ===<br />
{{Main|Cleisthenes}}<br />
In 510 BC, Spartan troops helped the Athenians overthrow their king, the tyrant [[Hippias (son of Pisistratus)|Hippias]], son of [[Peisistratos (Athens)|Peisistratos]]. [[Cleomenes I]], king of Sparta, put in place a pro-Spartan oligarchy headed by [[Isagoras]]. But his rival [[Cleisthenes]], with the support of the middle class and aided by democrats, managed to take over. Cleomenes intervened in 508 and 506 BC, but could not stop Cleisthenes, now supported by the Athenians. Through his reforms, the people endowed their city with [[isonomic]] institutions (i.e. ones in which all have the same rights) and established [[ostracism]]. <br />
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The isonomic and isegoric<ref>isegoria: equality in freedom of speech</ref> democracy was first organized into about 130 [[deme|’’demes’’]], which became the foundational civic element. The 10,000 citizens exercised their power via the assembly (the ekklesia, in Greek) of which they all were part, headed by a council of 500 citizens chosen at random. <br />
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The city's administrative geography was reworked, the goal being to have mixed political groups—not federated by local interests linked to the sea, to the city, or to farming—whose decisions (declaration of war, etc.) would depend on their geographical situation. Also, the territory of the city was divided into thirty [[Trittys|’’trittyes’’]] as follows: <br />
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*ten trittyes in the coastal "Paralie"<br />
*ten trittyes in "Asty", the urban centre<br />
*ten trittyes in rural "Mesogia".<br />
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A tribe consisted of 3 trittyes, taken at random, one from each of the three groups. Each tribe therefore always acted in the interest of all 3 sectors.<br />
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This is this corpus of reforms that would in the end allow the emergence of a wider democracy in the 460s and 450s BC.<br />
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=== The Persian Wars ===<br />
{{main|Greco-Persian Wars}}<br />
<!---Translate [[:fr:Grèce classique au Ve siècle]] and integrate its material into here.---><br />
In [[Ionia]] (the modern Aegean coast of [[Turkey]]), the Greek cities, which included great centres such as [[Miletus]] and [[Halicarnassus]], were unable to maintain their independence and came under the rule of the [[Achaemenid Empire|Persian Empire]] in the mid 6th century BC. In 499 BC that region’s Greeks rose in the [[Ionian Revolt]], and Athens and some other Greek cities sent aid, but were quickly forced to back down after defeat in 494 BC at the [[battle of Lade]]. [[Asia Minor]] returned to Persian control.<br />
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[[File:Leonidas statue1b.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Statue of [[Leonidas|King Leonidas of Sparta]]]]<br />
In 492 BC, the [[Persian people|Persian]] general, [[Mardonius]] led a campaign through [[Thrace]] and [[Macedonia (ancient kingdom)|Macedonia]] and, while victorious, he was wounded and forced to retreat back into Asia Minor. In addition, the naval fleet of around 1,200 ships which accompanied Mardonius on the expedition was wrecked by a storm off the coast of [[Mount Athos]]. Later, the generals [[Artaphernes]] and [[Datis]] submitted the Aegean islands through a naval expedition. <br />
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In 490 BC, [[Darius I of Persia|Darius the Great]], having suppressed the Ionian cities, sent a fleet to punish the Greeks. 100,000 Persians (historians are uncertain about the number; it varies from 18,000 to 100,000) landed in [[Attica]] intending to take Athens, but were defeated at the [[Battle of Marathon]] by a Greek army of 9,000 Athenian hoplites and 1,000 Plateans led by the Athenian general [[Miltiades the Younger|Miltiades]]. The Persian fleet continued to Athens but, seeing it garrisoned, decided not to attempt an assault.<br />
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Ten years later, in 480 BC, Darius' successor [[Xerxes I of Persia|Xerxes I]] sent a much more powerful force of 300,000 by land, with 1,207 ships in support, across a double [[pontoon bridge]] over the [[Hellespont]]. This army took Thrace, before descending on Thessaly and Boetia, whilst the Persian navy skirted the coast and resupplied the ground troops. The Greek fleet, meanwhile, dashed to block Cape [[Artemision]]. After being delayed by [[Leonidas I]], the Spartan king of the Agiad Dynasty, at the Battle of [[Battle of Thermopylae|Thermopylae]] (a battle made famous by the 300 Spartans who faced the entire Persian Army), Xerxes advanced into Attica, where he captured and burned Athens. But the Athenians had evacuated the city by sea, and under the command of [[Themistocles]] defeated the Persian fleet at the [[Battle of Salamis]]. <br />
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In 483 BC, during the time of peace between the two Persian invasions, a vein of silver ore had been discovered in the Laurion (a small mountain range near Athens), and the hundreds of talents mined there had paid for the construction of 200 warships to combat [[Aegina|Aeginetan]] piracy. A year later, the Greeks, under the Spartan [[Pausanias (general)|Pausanius]], defeated the Persian army at [[Battle of Plataea|Plataea]]. Following the<br />
Battle of Plataea, the Persians began withdrawing from Greece and never attempted an invasion again. <br />
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The Athenian fleet then turned to chasing the Persians from the Aegean Sea, defeating their fleet decisively in the [[Battle of Mycale]]; then in 478 BC the fleet captured [[Byzantium]]. In the course of doing so Athens enrolled all the island states and some mainland ones into an alliance called the [[Delian League]], so named because its treasury was kept on the sacred island of [[Delos]]. The Spartans, although they had taken part in the war, withdrew into isolation afterwards, allowing Athens to establish unchallenged naval and commercial power.<br />
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=== The Peloponnesian War ===<br />
{{main|Peloponnesian War}}<br />
[[File:Alcibiades.jpg|thumb|250px|Alcibiades]]<br />
In 431 BC war broke out between [[Athens]] and [[Sparta]] and its allies. The war was not really a struggle between two city-states as it was a struggle between two coalitions, or leagues, of city-states.<ref>Donald Kagan, ''The Outbreak of the Peloponnesian War'' (Cornell University Press: Ithaca, New York, 1969) p. 9.</ref> These two leagues were the [[Delian League]] in which Athens was the leading member, and the Peloponnesian League, which was led by Sparta. <br />
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The [[Delian League]] grew out of the necessity of presenting a unified front of all Greek city-states against Persian aggression. In 481 BC, Greek city-states, including Sparta, met in the first of a series of "congresses" which had the goal of unifying all the Greek city-states against the danger of another Persian invasion.<ref>Donald Kagan, ''The Outbreak of the Peloponnesian War'', p. 31.</ref> This coalition of city-states formed in 481 BC became known as the "Hellenic League" and included Sparta. As noted above, the expected Persian invasion of Greece under King Xerxes occurred in September of 481 BC when the Athenian navy defeated the Persian navy. The Persian land forces were delayed in 480 BC, by a much smaller force of 300 Spartans, 400 Thebans and 700 men from [[Boeotian Thespiae]] at the [[Battle of Thermopylae]].<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'' (Charles Scribner's Sons: New York, 1966) pp. 244-248.</ref> The Persians finally left Greece in 479 BC following their defeat at Plataea.<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'', p. 249.</ref> <br />
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The [[Battle of Plataea]] in 479 BC was the final battle of Xerxes' invasion of Greece. After the Battle of Plataea, the Persians never again tried to invade Greece. With the disappearance of this external threat, cracks appeared in the united front of the Hellenic League.<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'', p. 254.</ref> In 477 BC, Athens became the recognised leader of a coalition of city-states which did not include Sparta. This coalition met and formalized their relationship at the holy city of Delos.<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'', p. 256.</ref> Thus, the League took the name "Delian League." The official purpose of this new League was to liberate Greek cities that were still under Persian control.<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'', p. 255.</ref> However, it became increasingly apparent that the Delian League was really a front for Athenian imperialism throughout the Aegean.<ref>Donald Kagan, ''The Outbreak of the Peloponnesian War'', p. 44.</ref> <br />
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A competing coalition of Greek city-states centered around Sparta arose and became more important as the external Persian threat subsided. This coalition became known as the Peloponnesian League. However, unlike the Hellenic League and the Delian League, the Spartan League was not a response to any external threat—Persian or otherwise. The Spartan League was unabashedly an instrument of Spartan policy aimed at the security of Lacedaemon (the prefecture on the Peloponnese Peninsula in which Sparta was located) and Spartan dominance over the [[Peloponnese]] Peninsula.<ref name=kagan10>Donald Kagan, ''The Outbreak of the Peloponnesian War'', p. 10.</ref> Sometimes the Spartan League is called the "Peloponnesian League." This term is ambiguous on two scores. The "Peloponnesian League" was not really a "league" at all. Nor was it really "Peloponnesian."<ref name=kagan10/> There was no equality at all between the members as might be implied by the term "league." Furthermore, most of its members were not from the Peloponnese, but rather were located outside the Peloponnese Peninsula.<ref name=kagan10/> Indeed, the terms "Spartan League" or "Peloponnesian League" are actually modern terms. Contemporaries actually used the term the "[[Lacedaemonians]] and their Allies" to describe the so-called league.<ref name=kagan10/> <br />
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The Spartan League had its origins in Sparta's conflict with another city on the Peloponnese Peninsula--[[Argos]]. In the 7th century BC, Argos dominated the Peloponnese Peninsula. Even in the period of time after 600 BC, the Argives attempted to control the northeastern part of the Peloponnese Peninsula. The rise of Sparta in the 6th century, naturally, brought Sparta in conflict with Argos. However, with the conquest of the Peloponnesian city-state of Tegea in 550 BC and the defeat of the Argives 546 BC, the Spartan's control began to reach well beyond the borders of Lacedaemon. <br />
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As these two coalitions grew, their separate interests kept coming into conflict. Under the influence of King [[Archidamus II]] (who ruled Sparta from 476 BC through 427 BC), Sparta, in the late summer or early autumn of 446 BC, concluded the [[Thirty Years Peace]] with Athens. This treaty took effect the next winter in 445 BC<ref>Donald Kagan, ''The Outbreak of the Peloponnesian War'', p. 128.</ref> Under the terms of this treaty, Greece was formally divided into two large power zones.<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'', p. 261.</ref> Sparta and Athens agreed to stay within their own power zone and not to interfere in the other's power zone. Despite the Thirty Years Peace, it was clear that eventual war was inevitable.<ref>Donald Kagan, ''The Outbreak of the Peloponnesian War'', pp. 2-3.</ref> As noted above, at all times during its history down to 221 BC, Sparta was a "diarchy" with two kings ruling the city-state concurrently. One line of hereditary kings were from the Eurypontid Dynasty while the other king was from the Agiad Dynansty. With the conclusion of the Thirty Years Peace treaty [[Archidamus II]], the Eurypontid King at the time, felt he had successfully prevented Sparta from entering into a war with its neighbors.<ref>Plutarch, ''The Age of Alexander: Nine Greek Lives'' (Penguin Books: New York, 1980) p. 25.</ref> However, the strong war party in Sparta soon won out and in 431 BC Archidamus was forced into going to war with the Delian League. However, in 427 BC, Archidamus II died and his son, Agis II succeeded to the Eurypontid throne of Sparta.<ref name=plutarch26>Plutarch, ''The Age of Alexander: Nine Greek Lives'', p. 26.</ref> <br />
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The immediate causes of the Peloponnesian War vary from account to account. However three causes are fairly consistent among the ancient historians, namely [[Thucydides]] and [[Plutarch]]. Prior to the war, Corinth and one of its colonies, [[Corcyra]] (modern-day [[Corfu]]), got into a dispute, in 435 BC, over the new Corcyran colony of [[Epidamnus]].<ref>Donald Kagan, ''The Outbreak of the Peloponnesian War'', pp. 206-216.</ref> War broke out between Corinth and Corcyra. Sparta refused to become involved in the conflict and urged an arbitrated settlement of the struggle.<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'', p. 278.</ref> In 433 BC, Corcyra, sought the assistance of Athens in the war on Corinth. Corinth was known to be a traditional enemy of Athens. However, to further encourage Athens to enter the conflict, Corcyra pointed out, to Athens, how useful a friendly relationship with Corcyra would be, given the strategic locations of Corcyra itself and the colony of Epidamnus on the east shore of the Adriatic Sea.<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The Outbreak of the Peloponnesian War'', p. 278.</ref> Furthermore, Corcyra promised that Athens would have the use of their (Corcyra's) navy, which was the third largest navy in Greece. This was too good of an offer for Athens to refuse. Accordingly, Athens signed a defensive alliance with Corcyra. <br />
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The next year, in 432 BC, Corinth and Athens argued over control of [[Potidaea]] (near modern-day [[Nea Potidaia]]), eventually leading to an Athenian siege of Potidaea.<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'', pp. 278-279.</ref> In 434-433 BC Athens issued the [[Megarian decree|"Megarian Decrees"]], a series of economic decrees that placed economic sanctions on the Megarian people.<ref>Donald Kagan, ''The Outbreak of the Peloponnesian War'', pp.252.</ref> Athens was accused by the Peloponnesian allies of violating the [[Thirty Years Peace]] through all of the aforementioned actions, and, accordingly, Sparta formally declared war on Athens.<br />
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Many historians consider these to be merely the immediate causes of the war. They would argue that the underlying cause was the growing resentment on the part of Sparta and its allies at the dominance of Athens over Greek affairs. The war lasted 27 years, partly because Athens (a naval power) and Sparta (a land-based military power) found it difficult to come to grips with each other.<br />
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Sparta's initial strategy was to invade [[Attica]], but the Athenians were able to retreat behind their walls. An outbreak of [[Plague of Athens|plague]] in the city during the siege caused heavy losses, including that of [[Pericles]]. At the same time the Athenian fleet landed troops in the Peloponnese, winning battles at [[Battle of Naupactus (429 BC)|Naupactus]] (429 BC) and [[Battle of Pylos|Pylos]] (425 BC). But these tactics could bring neither side a decisive victory. After several years of inconclusive campaigning, the moderate Athenian leader [[Nicias]] concluded the [[Peace of Nicias]] (421 BC).<br />
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In 418 BC, however, hostility between Sparta and the Athenian ally [[Argos]] led to a resumption of hostilities. [[Alcibiades]] was one of the most influential voices in persuading the Athenians to ally with Argos against the Spartans.<ref name=roebuck287>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'' (Charles Scribner's Sons: New York, 1966) p. 287.</ref> At the [[Battle of Mantinea (418 BC)|Mantinea]] Sparta defeated the combined armies of Athens and her allies. Accordingly, Argos and the rest of the Peloponnesus was brought back under the control of Sparta.<ref name=roebuck287/> The return of peace allowed Athens to be diverted from meddling in the affairs of the Peloponnesus and to concentrate on building up the empire and putting their finances in order. Soon trade recovered and tribute began, once again, rolling into Athens.<ref name=roebuck287/> A strong "peace party" arose which promoted avoidance of war and continued concentration on the economic growth of the Athenian Empire. Concentration on the Athenian Empire, however, brought Athens into conflict with another Greek state. <br />
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Ever since the formation of the Delian League in 477 BC, the island of Melos had refused to join the League. By refusing to join the Delian League, however, Melos reaped all the benefits of the League without bearing any of its burdens.<ref name=kagan148>Donald Kagan, ''The Peace of Nicias and the Sicilian Expedition'' Cornell University Press: New York, 1981) p. 148.</ref> In 425 BC, an Athenian army under Cleon attacked Melos, in order to force the island to join the Delian League. However, Melos fought off the attack and was able to maintain its neutrality.<ref name=kagan148/> Further conflict was inevitable and in the spring of 416 BC the mood of the people in Athens was inclined toward military adventure. The island of Melos provided an outlet for this energy and frustration for the military party. Furthermore there appeared to be no real opposition to this military expedition from the peace party. Enforcement of the economic obligations of the Delian League upon rebellious city-states and island was a means by which continuing trade and properity of Athens could be assured. Melos was alone among all the Cycladic Islands located in the southwest Aegean Sea had resisted joining the Delian League.<ref name=kagan148/> This continued rebellion provided a bad example to the rest of the members of the Delian League. <br />
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The debate between Athens and Melos over the issue of joining the Delian League is presented by Thucydides in his [[Melian Dialogue]].<ref>Thucydides, ''The Peloponnesian War: Book 5'' (Penguin Books: New York, 1980) pp. 400-408.</ref> The debate did not in the end resolve any of the differences between Melos and Athens and Melos was invaded in 416 BC, and soon occupied by Athens. This success on the part of Athens whetted the appetite of the people of Athens for further expansion of the Athenian Empire.<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'' p. 288.</ref> Accordingly, the people of Athens were ready for military action and tended to support the military party, led by [[Alcibiades]]. <br />
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Thus, in 415 BC, Alcibiades found support within the Athenian Assembly for his position when he urged that Athens launch a major expedition against [[Syracuse, Italy|Syracuse]], a Peloponnesian ally in [[Sicily]].<ref>Donald Kagan, ''The Peace of Nicias and the Sicilian Expedition'', p. 171.</ref> Segesta, a town in Sicily, had requested Athenian assistance in their war with the another Sicilian town—the town of Selinus. Although Nicias was a skeptic about the [[Sicilian Expedition]], he was appointed along with Alcibiades to lead the expedition.<ref>Donald Kagan, ''The Peace of Nicias and the Sicialian Expedition'', p. 169.</ref> <br />
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However, unlike the expedition against Melos, the citizens of Athens were deeply divided over the Alcibiades' proposal for an expedition to far off Sicily. The peace party was desperate to foil Alcibiades. Thus, in June of 415 BC, on the very eve of the departure of the Athenian fleet for Sicily, a band of vandals in Athens defaced the many statues of the god [[Hermes]], that were scattered throughout the city of Athens.<ref>Donald Kagan,''The Peace of Nicias and the Sicilian Expedition'', pp. 193-194.</ref> This action was blamed on Alcibiades and was seen as a bad omen for the coming campaign.<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The world of Ancient Times'', pp. 288-289.</ref> In all likelihood, the coordinated action against the statues of Hermes was the action of the peace party.<ref>Donald Kagan, ''The Peace of Nicias and the Sicilian Expedition'', pp. 207-209.</ref> Having lost the debate on the issue, the peace party was desperate to weaken Alcibiades' hold on the people of Athens. Successfully blaming Alcibiades for the action of the vandals would have weakened Alcibiades and the war party in Athens. Furthermore, it is unlikely that Alcibiades would have deliberately defaced the statues of Hermes on the very eve of his departure with the fleet. Such defacement could only have been interpreted as a bad omen for the expedition that he had long advocated. <br />
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Even before the fleet reached Sicily, word arrived to the fleet that Alcibiades was to be arrested and charged with sacrilege of the statues of Hermes. Due to these accusations against him, Alcibiades fled to Sparta before the expedition actually landed in Sicily.<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'', p. 289.</ref> When the fleet landed in Sicily and the battle was joined, the expedition was a complete disaster. The entire expeditionary force was lost and Nicias was captured and executed. This was one of the most crushing defeats in the history of Athens. <br />
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Meanwhile, Alcibiades betrayed Athens and became a chief advisor to the Spartans and began to counsel them on the best way to defeat his native land. Alcibiades persuaded the Spartans to begin building a real navy for the first time—large enough to challenge the Athenian superiority at sea. Additionally, Alcibiades persuaded the Spartans to ally themselves with their traditional foes—the Persians. As noted below, Alcibiades soon found himself in controversy in Sparta when he was accused of having seduced Timaea, the wife of Agis II, the Eurypontid king of Sparta.<ref name=plutarch26/> Accordingly, Alcibiades was required to flee from Sparta and seek the protection of the Persian Court. <br />
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Sparta had now built a fleet (with the financial help of the Persians) to challenge Athenian naval supremacy, and had found a new military leader in [[Lysander]], who attacked [[Abydos (Hellespont)|Abydos]] and seized the strategic initiative by occupying the [[Hellespont]], the source of Athens' grain imports.<ref>Donald Kagan, ''The Fall of the Athenian Empire'' (Cornell University Press: New York, 1987) p. 385.</ref> Threatened with starvation, Athens sent its last remaining fleet to confront Lysander, who decisively defeated them at [[battle of Aegospotami|Aegospotami]] (405 BC). The loss of her fleet threatened Athens with bankruptcy. In 404 BC Athens sued for peace, and Sparta dictated a predictably stern settlement: Athens lost her city walls, her fleet, and all of her overseas possessions. Lysander abolished the democracy and appointed in its place an oligarchy called the "[[Thirty Tyrants]]" to govern Athens. <br />
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Meanwhile, in Sparta, Timaea gave birth to a child. The child was given the name [[Leotychidas, son of Agis]] II, after the great grandfather of Agis II—King [[Leotychidas]] of Sparta. However, because of her alleged dalliance with Alcibiades, it was widely rumoured that the young Leotychidas was actually fathered by Alcibiades.<ref name=plutarch26/> Indeed, Agis II, himself, refused to acknowledge Leotychidas as his son until he relented in front of witnesses, on his death bed in 400 BC.<ref name=plutarch27>Plutarch, ''The Age of Alexander: Nine Greek Lives'', p. 27.</ref> <br />
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Upon the death of Agis II, Leotychidas attempted to claim the Eurypontid throne for himself. However, there was an outcry against this attempted succession. The outcry was led by the victorious navarch (admiral) Lysander, who was at the height of his influence in Sparta.<ref name=plutarch27/> Lysander argued that Leotychidas was a bastard and could not inherit the Eurypontid throne.<ref name=plutarch27/> Accordingly, Lysander backed the hereditory claim of Agesilaus, son of Agis by another wife, other than Timaea. Based on the support of Lysander, Agesilaus became the Eurypontid king as [[Agesilaus II]], expelled Leotychidas from the country, and took over all of Agis' estates and property.<br />
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== 4th century BC ==<br />
:''Related articles: [[Spartan hegemony]] and [[Theban hegemony]]''<br />
The end of the Peloponnesian War left [[Sparta]] the master of Greece, but the narrow outlook of the Spartan warrior elite did not suit them to this role.<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'', p. 305.</ref> Within a few years the democratic party regained power in Athens and in other cities. In 395 BC the Spartan rulers removed Lysander from office, and Sparta lost her naval supremacy. [[Athens]], [[Argos]], [[Thebes, Greece|Thebes]], and Corinth, the latter two former Spartan allies, challenged Sparta’s dominance in the [[Corinthian War]], which ended inconclusively in 387 BC. That same year Sparta shocked the Greeks by concluding the [[Treaty of Antalcidas]] with Persia. The agreement turned over the Greek cities of Ionia and Cyprus, reversing a hundred years of Greek victories against Persia. Sparta then tried to further weaken the power of Thebes, which led to a war in which Thebes formed an alliance with its old enemy Athens.<br />
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Then the Theban generals [[Epaminondas]] and [[Pelopidas]] won a decisive victory at [[Battle of Leuctra|Leuctra]] (371 BC). The result of this battle was the end of Spartan supremacy and the establishment of Theban dominance, but Athens herself recovered much of her former power because the supremacy of Thebes was short-lived. With the death of Epaminondas at [[Battle of Mantinea (362 BC)|Mantinea]] (362 BC) the city lost its greatest leader and his successors blundered into an ineffectual ten-year war with [[Phocis]]. In 346 BC the Thebans appealed to [[Philip II of Macedon]] to help them against the Phocians, thus drawing Macedon into Greek affairs for the first time.<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'', pp. 319-320</ref><br />
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The Peloponnesian War was a radical turning point for the Greek world. Before 403 BC, the situation was more defined, with Athens and its allies (a zone of domination and stability, with a number of island cities benefiting from Athens’ maritime protection), and other states outside this Athenian Empire. The sources denounce this Athenian supremacy (or [[Hegemony#Hegemonies in history|hegemony]]) as smothering and disadvantageous.<ref>These sources include Xenophon's continuation of Thucydides’ work in his "Hellenica", which provided a continuous narrative of Greek history up to 362 BC but has defects, such as bias towards Sparta, with whose king Agesilas Xenophon lived for a while. We also have Plutarch, a 2nd century Boeotian, whose Life of Pelopidas gives a Theban version of events and Diodorus Siculus. This is also the era where the epigraphy develops, a source of the highest importance for this period, both for Athens and for a number of continental Greece city that also issued decrees.</ref><br />
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After 403 BC, things became more complicated, with a number of cities trying to create similar empires over others, all of which proved short-lived. The first of these turnarounds was managed by Athens as early as 390 BC, allowing it to re-establish itself as a major power without regaining its former glory.<br />
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=== The Fall of Sparta ===<br />
This empire was powerful but short-lived. In 405 BC, the Spartans were masters of all - of Athens’ allies and of Athens itself - and their power was undivided. By the end of the century, they could not even defend their own city. As noted above, in 400 BC, Agesilaus became king of Sparta.<ref>Plutarch, ''The Age of Alexander'', p. 28.</ref><br />
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==== Foundation of a Spartan empire ====<br />
The subject of how to reorganize the Athenian Empire as part of the Spartan Empire provoked much heated debate among Sparta's full citizens. The admiral [[Lysander]] felt that the Spartans should rebuild the Athenian empire in such a way that Sparta profited from it. Lysander tended to be too proud to take advice from others.<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'' (Charles Scribner's Sons: New York, 1966) p. 305.</ref> Prior to this, Spartan law forbade the use of all precious metals by private citizens, with transactions being carried out with cumbersome iron ingots (which generally discouraged their accumulation) and all precious metals obtained by the city becoming state property. Without the Spartans' support, Lysander's innovations came into effect and brought a great deal of profit for him - on Samos, for example, festivals known as Lysandreia were organized in his honor. He was recalled to Sparta, and once there did not attend to any important matters.<br />
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Sparta refused to see Lysander or his successors dominate. Not wanting to establish a hegemony, they decided after 403 BC not to support the directives that he had made. <br />
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Agesilaus came to power by accident at the start of the 4th century BC. This accidental accession meant that, unlike the other Spartan kings, he had the advantage of a Spartan education. The Spartans at this date discovered a conspiracy against the laws of the city conducted by [[Cinadon]] and as a result concluded there were too many dangerous worldly elements at work in the Spartan state. <br />
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In the Persian Court, Alcibiades now betrayed both: helping Sparta build a navy commensurate with the Athenian navy. Alcibiades advised that a victory of Sparta over Athens was not in the best interest of the Persian Empire. Rather, long and continuous warfare between Sparta and Athens would weaken both city-states and allow the Persians to easily dominate the Helles (Greek) peninsula. <br />
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Among the war party in Athens, a belief arose that the catastrophic defeat of the military expedition to Sicily in 415 BC through 413 BC could have been avoided if Alcibiades had been allowed to lead the expedition. Thus, despite his treacherous flight to Sparta and collaboration with Sparta and, later, with the Persian Court, there arose a demand among the war party that Alcibiades be allowed to return to Athens without being arrested. Alcibiades negotiated with his supporters on the Athenian controlled island of [[Samos]]. Alcibiades felt that "radical democracy" was his worst enemy. Accordingly, he asked his supporters to initiate a coup to establish an oligarchy in Athens. If the coup were successful Alcibiades promised to return to Athens. In 411 BC, a successful oligarchic coup was mounted in Athens which became known as "the 400." However, a parallel attempt by the 400 to overthrow democracy in Samos failed. Alcibiades was immediately made an admiral (navarch) in the Athenian navy. Later, due to democratic pressures, the 400 was replaced by a broader oligarchy called "the 5000." Alcibiades did not immediately return to Athens. In early 410 BC, Alcibiades led an Atheneian fleet of eighteen [[triremes]] (ships) against the Persian-financed Spartan fleet at Abydos near the Hellespont. The Battle of Abydos had actually begun before the arrival of Alcibiades and had been inclining slightly toward the Athenians. However, with the arrival of Alcibiades, the Athenian victory over the Spartans became a rout. Only the approach of nightfall and the movement of Persian troops to the coast where the Spartans had beached their ships, saved the Spartan navy from total destruction. <br />
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Following the advice that Alcibiades had provided the Persian Court, the Persian Empire had been playing Sparta and Athens off against each other. However, as weak as the Spartan navy was after the Battle of Abydos, the Persian navy sought to prove direct assistance to the Spartans. Thus following the Battle of Abydos, Alcibiades pursued and met the combined Spartan and Persian fleets at the Battle of Cyzicus later in the spring of 410 BC. Alcibiades and the Athenian navy won a significant victory against the combined navies. <br />
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Agesilaus, the Eurypontid King of Sparta, employed a political dynamic that played on a feeling of pan-Hellenic sentiment and launched a successful campaign against the Persian empire.<ref name=roebuck306>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'', p. 306.</ref> Once again, the Persian empire played both sides against each other. With access to Persian gold, the Persian Court supported Sparta in the rebuilding of their navy and supported the Athenians, who used Persian subsidies to rebuild their long walls (destroyed in 404 BC) as well as to reconstruct their fleet and win a number of victories. <br />
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For most of the first years of his reign, Agesilaus had been engaged in a war against Persia in the Aegean Sea and in Asia Minor.<ref>Plutarch, ''The Age of Alexander: Nine Greek Lives'', pp. 33 to 38.</ref> In 394 BC, the Spartan authorities decided to force Agesilaus to return to mainland Greece. Sparta had been attacked by Thebes and other allied Greek city-states.<ref>Plutarch, ''The Age of Alexander: Nine Greek Lives'', p. 39.</ref> While Agesilaus had a large part of the Spartan Army was in Asia Minor, the Spartan forces protecting the homeland had been attacked by a coalition of forces from Thebes, Corinth, Athens and Argos. At the Battle of [[Haliartus]] the Spartans had been defeated by the Thebean forces. Worse yet, Lysander, Sparta's chief military leader had been killed at Haliartus.<ref>Plutarch, ''The Age of Alexander: Nine Greek Lives'', p. 45.</ref> This was the start of what became known as the "Corinthian War." Upon hearing of the Spartan loss at Haliartus and of the death of Lysander, Agesilaus headed out of Asia Minor, back across the Hellspont, across Thrace and back towards Greece. At the [[Battle of Coronea (394 BC)|Battle of Coronea]], Agesilaus and his Spartan Army were defeated by Thebes. For six more years, Sparta fought the allied city-states of Thebes, Corinth, Athens and Argos in the Corinthian War (395 BC to 387 BC).<ref name=roebuck306/> During the war, Corinth drew support from a coalition of traditional Spartan enemies—Argos, Athens and Thebes.<ref name=roebuck307>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'', p. 307.</ref> However, the war descended into guerrilla tactics and Sparta decided that it could not fight on two fronts and so chose to ally with Persia.<ref name=roebuck307/> The long Corinthian War finally ended with the [[Peace of Antalcidas]] or the [[King's Peace]], in which the "Great King" of Persia, [[Artaxerxes II]], pronounced a "treaty" of peace between the various city-states of Greece which broke up all "leagues" of city-states on Greek mainland and in the islands of the [[Aegean Sea.]] Although this was looked upon as "independence" for some city-states, the effect of the unilateral "treaty" was highly favorable to the interests of the Persian Empire.<br />
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The Corinthian War revealed a significant dynamic that was occurring in Greece. While Athens and Sparta fought each other to exhaustion, Thebes was rising to a position of dominance among the various Greek city-states.<br />
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==== The peace of Antalcidas ====<br />
In 387 BC, an edict was promulgated by the Persian king, preserving the Greek cities of Asia Minor and Cyprus as well as the independence of the Greek Aegean cities, except for Lymnos, Imbros and Skyros, which were given over to Athens.<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'', pp. 307-308.</ref> It dissolved existing alliances and federations and forbade the formation of new ones. This is an ultimatum that benefited Athens only to the extent that Athens held onto three islands. While the "Great King," Artaxerxes, was the guarantor of the peace, Sparta was to act as Persia's agent in enforcing the Peace.<ref name=roebuck308>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'', p. 308.</ref> To the Persians this document is known as the "[[King's Peace]]." To the Greeks, this document is known as the [[Peace of Antalcidas]], after the Spartan diplomat, [[Antalcidas]], who was sent to Persia to negotiate a treaty for Sparta. Sparta had been worried about the developing closer ties between Athens and Persia. Accordingly, Altalcidas was sent to Persia to get whatever agreement he could from the "Great King". Accordingly, the "Peace of Antalcidas is not a negotiated peace at all. Rather it is a surrender to the interests of Persia, drafted entirely along its interests.<ref name=roebuck308/><br />
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==== Spartan interventionism ====<br />
On the other hand, this peace had unexpected consequences. In accordance with it, the [[Boeotian League]] or Boeotian confederacy was dissolved in 386 BC.<ref name=roebuck311>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'', p. 311.</ref> This confederacy was dominated by Thebes, a city hostile to the Spartan hegemony. Sparta carried out large-scale operations and peripheral interventions in Epirus and in the north of Greece, resulting in the capture of the fortress of Thebes, the Cadmea, after an expedition in [[Chalkidiki|the Chalcidice]] and the capture of Olynthos. It was a Theban politician who suggested to the Spartan general Phoibidas that Sparta should seize Thebes itself. This act was sharply condemned, though Sparta eagerly ratified this unilateral move by Phoibidas. The Spartan attack was successful and Thebes was placed under Spartan control.<ref>Plutarch, ''The Age of Alexander: Nine Greek Lives'', p. 81.</ref><br />
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==== Clash with Thebes ====<br />
In 378 BC, the reaction to Spartan control over Thebes was broken by a popular uprising within Thebes. Elsewhere in Greece, the reaction against Spartan hegemony began when, Sphodrias, another Spartan general, tried to carry out a surprise attack on the [[Piraeus]].<ref name=plutarch82>Plutarch, ''The Age of Alexander: Nine Greek Lives'', p. 82.</ref> Although the gates of Piraeus were no longer fortified, Sphodrias was driven off before the Piraeus. Back in Sparta, Sphodrias was put on trial for the failed attack, but was acquitted by the Spartan court. Nonetheless, the attempted attack triggered an alliance between Athens and Thebes.<ref name=plutarch82/> Sparta would now have to fight them both together. Athens was trying to recover from their defeat in the Peloponnesian War at the hands of Sparta's "navarch" (admiral), Lysander in the disaster of 404 BC. The rising spirit of rebellion against Sparta also fueled Thebes' attempt to restore the former Boeotian confederacy.<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'', pp. 308-309.</ref> In [[Boeotia]], Thebian leaders, Pelopidas and [[Epaminondas]], reorganized the Thebian army and began to free the towns of Boeotia from their Spartan garrisons, one by one, and incorporated these towns into the revived Boeotian League.<ref name=roebuck308/> Pelopidas won a great victory for Thebes over a much larger Spartan force in the [[Battle of Tegyra]] in 375 BC.<ref>Plutarch, ''The Age of Alexander: Nine Greek Lives'', p. 83.</ref> <br />
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Thebian authority grew so spectacularly in such a short time that Athens came to mistrust the growing Theban power. Athens began to consolidate its position again through the formation of a second Athenian League.<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'', p. 309.</ref> Attention was drawn to growing power of Thebes, when it began interfering in the political affairs of its neighbor, [[Phocis]] and, particularly, after Thebes razed the city of [[Platea]] in 375 BC Platea had been a long-term ally of Athens.<ref name=roebuck310>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'', p. 310.</ref> The destruction of Platea caused Athens to negotiate an alliance with Sparta against Thebes, in that same year of 375 BC.<ref name=roebuck310/> In 371, the Thebian army, led by Epaminondas, inflicted a bloody defeat on Spartan forces at [[Battle of Leuctra]]. Sparta lost a large part of its army and 400 of its 2,000 citizen-troops. The Battle of Leuctra was a watershed in Greek history.<ref name=roebuck310/> Epaminondas' victory over the Sparta forces at Leuctra ended a long history of Spartan military prestige and dominance over Greece and the period of Spartan hegemony was over. However, Spartan hegemony was not replaced by Thebian, but rather Athenian hegemony.<br />
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==== The rise of Athens ====<br />
===== Return to the 5th century BC =====<br />
The Athenians forbade themselves any return to the situation in the 5th century. In Aristotle's decree, Athens claimed its goal was to prevent Spartan hegemony, with the Spartans clearly denounced as "warmongers". Athens’ hegemony was no longer a centralized system but an alliance in which the allies had a voice. The Athenians did not sit on the council of the allies, nor was this council headed by an Athenian. It met regularly and served as a political and military counterweight to Athens. This new league was a quite moderate and much looser organisation.<br />
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===== Financing the league =====<br />
It was important to erase the bad memories of the former league. Its financial system was not adopted, with no [[tribute]] being paid. Instead, ''syntaxeis'' were used, irregular contributions as and when Athens and its allies needed troops, collected for a precise reason and spent as quickly as possible. These contributions were not taken to Athens—unlike the 5th century BC system, there was no central [[exchequer]] for the league—but to the Athenian generals themselves. <br />
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The Athenians had to make their own contribution to the alliance, the ''eisphora''. They reformed how this tax was paid, creating a system in advance, the ''Proseiphora'', in which the richest individuals had to pay the whole sum of the tax then be reimbursed by other contributors. This system was quickly assimilated into a [[liturgy#Etymology|liturgy]].<br />
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===== Athenian hegemony halted =====<br />
This league responded to a real and present need. On the ground, however, the situation within the league proved to have changed little from that of the 5th century BC, with Athenian generals doing what they wanted and able to extort funds from the league. Alliance with Athens again looked unattractive and the allies complained.<br />
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The main reasons for the eventual failure were structural. This alliance was only valued out of fear of Sparta, which evaporated after Sparta's fall in 371 BC, losing the alliance its sole raison d'etre. The Athenians no longer had the means to fulfil their ambitions, and found it difficult merely to finance their own navy, let alone that of an entire alliance, and so could not properly defend their allies. Thus, the tyrant of Pherae was able to destroy a number of cities with impunity. From 360, Athens lost its reputation for invincibility and a number of allies (such as [[Byzantium]] and [[Naxos Island|Naxos]] in 364) decided to secede. <br />
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In 357 BC the revolt against the league spread, and between 357 and 355, Athens had to face war against its allies, a war whose issue was marked by a decisive intervention by the king of Persia in the form of an ultimatum to Athens, demanding that Athens recognise its allies' independence under penalty of Persia's sending 200 [[trireme]]s against Athens. Athens had to renounce the war and leave the confederacy to weaken itself more and more. The Athenians had failed in all their plans and were unable to propose a durable alliance.<br />
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==== Theban hegemony - tentative and with no future ====<br />
===== 5th century BC Boeotian confederacy (447 – 386) =====<br />
This was not Thebes’ first attempt at hegemony. It had been the most important city of Boeotia and the centre of the previous Boeotian confederacy of 447, resurrected since 386. <br />
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That confederacy is well known to us from a papyrus found at [[Oxyrhyncus]] and known as "The Anonyme of Thebes". Thebes headed it and set up a system under which charges were divided up between the different cities of the confederacy. Citizenship was defined according to wealth, and Thebes counted 11,000 active citizens. <br />
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It was divided up into 11 districts, each providing a federal magistrate called a "Boeotarch", a certain number of council members, 1,000 hoplites and 100 horsemen. From the 5th century BC the alliance could field an infantry force of 11,000 men, in addition to an elite corps and a light infantry numbering 10,000; but its real power derived from its cavalry force of 1,100, commanded by a federal magistrate independent of local commanders. It also had a small fleet which played a part in the Peloponnesian War by providing 25 triremes for the Spartans. At the end of the conflict, the fleet consisted of 50 triremes and was commanded by a "navarch".<br />
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All this constituted a significant enough force that the Spartans were happy to see the Boeotian confederacy dissolved by the king's peace. This dissolution, however, did not last, and in the 370s there was nothing to stop the Thebans (who had lost the Cadmea to Sparta in 382 BC) from reforming this confederacy.<br />
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===== Theban reconstruction =====<br />
Pelopidas and Epaminondas endowed Thebes with democratic institutions similar to those of Athens, the Thebans revived the title of "Boetarch" lost in the Persian king's peace and - with victory at Leuctra and the destruction of Spartan power - the pair achieved their stated objective of renewing the confederacy. Epaminondas rid the Peloponnesus of pro-Spartan oligarchies, replacing them with pro-Theban democracies, constructed cities, and rebuilt a number of those destroyed by Sparta. He equally supported the reconstruction of the city of [[Messene]] thanks to an invasion of Laconia that also allowed him to liberate the [[helot]]s and give them Messene as a capital.<br />
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He decided in the end to constitute small confederacies all round the Peloponnessus, forming an Arcadian confederacy (The king's peace had destroyed a previous Arcadian confederacy and put Messene under Spartan control.)<br />
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===== Confrontation between Athens and Thebes =====<br />
The strength of the Boeotian League explains Athens’ problems with her allies in the second Athenian League. Epaminondas succeeded in convincing his countrymen to build a fleet of 100 triremes to pressure cities into leaving the Athenian league and joining a Boeotian maritime league. Epaminondas and Pelopidas also reformed the army of Thebes to introduce new and more effective means of fighting. Thus, the Thebian army was able to carry the day against the coalition of other Greek states at the [[battle of Leuctra]] in 371 BC and the [[Battle of Mantinea (362 BC)|battle of Mantinea]] in 362 BC. <br />
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Sparta also remained an important power in the face of Thebian strength. However, some of the cities allied with Sparta turned against her, because of Thebes. In 367 BC, both Sparta and Athens sent delegates to Artaxerxes II, the Great King of Persia. These delegates sought to have the Artaxerxes, once again, declare Greek independence and a unilateral common peace, just as he had done in twenty years earlier in 387 BC. That unilateral peace treaty, commonly called the "[[King's Peace]]", or the "[[Peace of Antalcidas]]", breaking all bonds between the various city-states of Greece.<ref name=roebuck311/> As noted above, this had meant the destruction of the Boeotian League in 387 BC. Sparta and Athens now hoped the same thing would happen with a new declaration of a similar "Kings Peace" by the Great King of the Persian Empire. Thebes sent Pelopidas to argue against this attempt at a new unilateral "peace treaty" guaranteed by the Persian Empire.<ref>Plutarch, ''The Age of Alexander: Nine Greek Lives'', p. 97.</ref> Now however, twenty years later in 367 BC, the Great King was convinced by Pelopidas and the Thebian diplomats that Thebes, and the Boeotian League, would be the best agent of Persian interests in Greece. Accordingly, the Great King did not issue a new "King's Peace."<ref name=roebuck311/> Thus, in order to deal with Thebes, Athens and Sparta were thrown back on their own resources. Thebes, meanwhile, expanded their influence beyond the bounds of Boeotia. In 364 BC, the Thebeans defeated the army of Alexander of Pherae in the [[Battle of Cynoscephalae]], located in southeastern Thessaly in northern Greece. Pelopidas led this Thebian Army to Cynoscephalae. However, during the battle, Pelopides was killed.<ref>Plutarch, ''The Age of Alexander: Nine Greek Lives'', p. 99.</ref> <br />
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The confederal framework of Sparta's relationship with her allies was really an artificial one, since it attempted to bring together cities that had never been able to agree on much at all in the past. Such was the case with the cities of [[Tegea]] and [[Mantinea]], which re-allied in the [[Arcardian confederacy]]. The Mantineans received the support of the Athenians and the Tegeans that of the Thebans. In 362 BC Thebian general, Epaminondas, led a Thebian army against a coalition of Athenian, Spartan, Elisian, Mantinean and Achean forces. Battle was joined at Mantinea.<ref name=roebuck311/> The Thebans prevailed, but this triumph was short-lived, for Epaminondas died in the battle, stating that "I bequeath to Thebes two daughters, the victory of Leuctra and the victory at Mantinea". <br />
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Despite the victory at [[Mantinea]], in the end, the Thebans abandoned their policy of intervention in the Peloponnesus. This event is looked upon as a watershed in Greek history. Thus, [[Xenophon]] concludes his history of the Greek world at this point, in 362 BC. The end of this period was even more confused than its beginning. Greece had failed and, according to Xenophon, the history of the Greek world was no longer intelligible. <br />
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The idea of hegemony disappeared. From 362 BC onward, there was no longer a single city that could exert hegemonic power in Greece. The Spartans were greatly weakened; the Athenians were in no condition to operate their navy, and after 365 no longer had any allies; Thebes could only exert an ephemeral dominance, and had the means to defeat Sparta and Athens but not to be a major power in Asia Minor. <br />
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Other forces also intervened, such as the Persian king, who was appointed himself as arbitrator between the Greek cities, with the tacit agreement of the cities themselves. This situation reinforced the conflicts and there was a proliferation of civil wars, with the confederal framework a repeated trigger for wars. One war led to another, each longer and more bloody, and the cycle could not be broken. Hostilities even took place during winter for the first time, with the 370 invasion of Laconia.<br />
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=== Rise of Macedon ===<br />
Thebes sought to maintain its position until finally eclipsed by the rising power of [[Macedon]] in 346 BC. The energetic leadership within Macedon began in 359 BC when [[Phillip of Macedonia]] was made regent for his nephew, [[Amyntas IV of Macedon|Amyntas]]. Within a short time, Phillip was acclaimed king as, Phillip II of Macedonia, in his own right with succession of the throne established on his own heirs.<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'' (Charles Scribner's Sons: New York, 1966) p. 317.</ref> <br />
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Under [[Philip II of Macedon|Philip II]], (359–336 BC), Macedon expanded into the territory of the [[Paeonians]], [[Thracians]], and [[Illyrians]].<ref name="Carl Roebuck p. 317">Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'', p. 317.</ref> In 357 BC, Phillip conquered the Thracian port city of [[Amphipolis]]. Conquering this city allowed Phillip to subjugate all of Thrace. Athens fought to prevent the Macedonians from conquering Thrace. A year later in 356 BC, the Macedonians attacked and conquered the Athenian controlled port city of [[Pydna]]. This brought the Macedonian threat to Athens closer to home to the Athenians. Demosthenes became a leading Athenian statesman, during this time by his opposition to the Macedonians. With the start of the [[Phocian War]] in 356 BC, Demosthenes became increasingly active in encouraging Athens to fight vigorously against Phillip's expansionistic aims.<ref>Plutarch, ''The Age of Alexander: Nine Greek Lives'', p. 198.</ref> The Macedonians became more politically involved with the south-central city-states of Greece, but also retained more archaic aspects harking back to the palace culture, first at Aegae (modern Vergina) then at [[Pella]], resembling [[Mycenaean Greece|Mycenaean]] culture more than that of the Classical city-states. Militarily, Phillip recognized the new phalanx style of fighting that had been employed by Epaminondas and Phielopidas in Thebes. Accordingly, he incorporated this new system into the Macedonian army. Phillip II also brought a Thebian military tutor to Macedon to instruct the future Alexander the Great in the Thebian method of fighting.<ref>Harold Lamb, ''Alexander of Macedon'' (Pinnacle Books: New York, 1946) p. 9.</ref> <br />
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Philip's son [[Alexander the Great]] born in [[Pella]], Macedonia ([[356 BC|356]]–[[323 BC]]). Phillip II brought [[Aristotle]] to Pella to teach the young Alexander.<ref>Harold Lamb, ''Alexander of Macedon'', p. 30.</ref> Aristotle looked to the east. He felt that all that was important in the world was in the east. Aristotle had little interest in anything that lay to the west of Greece. Aristotle's view of the world became Alexander's view.<ref>Harold Lamb, ''Alexander of Macedon'', p. 46.</ref> During his lifetime, Phillip II consolidated his rule over Macedonia. This, was done by 359 BC and Phillip began to look toward expanding Macedonia's influence abroad. The dream of restoring Greece to its grandeur by liberating all Greek lands from Persian dominion, was alive even in this early stage. This dream even included conquering Persia itself.<ref>Harold Lamb, ''Alexander of Macedon'', p. 76.</ref> <br />
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In 358 BC, Phillip allied with Epirus in their campaign against Illyria. In 357 BC Phillip II turned his attention on the [[Strymon River]] valley, and came into direct conflict with Athens. [[Amphipolis]], a city located at the mouth of the Strymon River to the east of Macedonia was a major Athenian trading port. Thus, when Phillip attacked and captured [[Amphipolis]] in 357 BC, Athens declared war on Macedonia. The next year, in 356 BC, Phillip conquered [[Pydna]]. In 352 BC, the great Athenian orator and political leader of the "war party", [[Demosthenes]] gave many speeches against the Macedonian threat, declaring Phillip II as Athen's greatest enemy. Leader of the Athenian "peace party," was [[Phocion]], who wished to avoid a confrotation that, Phocion felt, would be catastrophic for Athens. Despite Phocion's attempts to retrain the war party, Athens remained at war with Macedonia for years following the original declaration of war.<ref>Plutarch, ''The Age of Alexander: Nine Greek Lives'', p. 231.</ref> Negotiations between Athens and Phillip II started only in 346 BC.<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'', p. 319.</ref> The Athenians successfully halted Phillip's invasion of Attica at Thermopylae that same year in 352 BC. However, Phillip defeated the [[Phocians]] at the [[Battle of the Crocus Field]]. The conflict between Macedonia and all the city-states of Greece came to a head in 338 BC,<ref>Harold Lamb, ''Alexander of Macedon'', p. 65.</ref> at the [[Battle of Chaeronea (338 BC)|Battle of Chaeronea]]. <br />
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Besides Alexander's mother, Phillip took another wife by the name of [[Cleopatra Eurydice]].<ref>Harold Lamb, ''Alexander of Macedon'', p. 55.</ref> Cleopatra had a daughter, Europa, and a son, [[Caranus (son of Philip II)|Caranus]]. Caranus posed a threat to the succession of Alexander.<ref>Harold Lamb, ''Alexander of Macedon'', p. 83.</ref> Cleopatra Eurydice was a Macedonian and, thus, Caranus, was all Macedonian in blood. Olympias, Alexander's mother on the other hand was from Epirus and, thus, Alexander was regarded as being only half-Macedonian. (Cleopatra Eurydice should not be confused with [[Cleopatra of Macedon]] who was Alexander's full-sister and thus daughter of Phillip and Olympias.) <br />
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Phillip II was assassinated at the wedding of his daughter Cleopatra of Macedon with King [[Alexander I of Epirus]] in 336 BC<ref>Harold Lamb, ''Alexander of Macedon'', p. 82.</ref> Alexander, immediately, claimed the throne of Macedonia by eliminating all the other claimant's to the throne, including his cousin Amytas and Caranus, Cleopatra Eurydice's son.<ref>Harold Lamb, ''Alexander of Macedon'', p. 86.</ref> Alexander was only twenty (20) years of age when he assumed the throne.<ref>Arrian, ''The Campaigns of Alexander'' (Penguin books: New York, 1979) p. 41-42.</ref> <br />
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Upon assumption of the throne, Alexander continued to carry out the plans of his father to conquer all of Greece. He did this by both military might and persuasion. After his victory over Thebes, Alexander traveled to Athens to meet the public itself. Despite [[Demosthenes]]' speeches against the Macedonian threat on behalf of the war party of Athens, the public in Athens was still very much divided between a "peace party" and Demosthene's "war party." However the arrival of Alexander charmed the Athenian public.<ref>Harold Lamb, ''Alexander of Macedon'', p. 96.</ref> The peace party was strengthened and then a peace between Athens and Macedonia was agreed.<ref>Arrian, ''The Campaigns of Alexander'', p. 64.</ref> This allowed Alexander to move on his and Greeks long-held dream of conquest in the east, with a unified and secure Greek state at his back. <br />
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In 334 BC, Alexander with about 30,000 infantry soldiers and 5,000 cavalry crossed the Hellspont into Asia. He never returned.<ref>Arrian, ''The Campaigns of Alexander'', p. 65.</ref> Alexander managed to briefly extend Macedonian power not only over the central Greek city-states, but also to the [[Achaemenid Empire|Persian empire]], including [[Egypt]] and lands as far east as the fringes of [[India]].<ref name="Carl Roebuck p. 317"/> He managed to spread Greek culture throughout the known world.<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'', p. 349.</ref> Alexander the Great died in 323 BC in Babylon during his Asian campaign of conquest.<ref>Arrian, ''The Campaigns of Alexander'', p. 395.</ref> <br />
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The Classical period conventionally ends at the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC and the fragmentation of his empire, divided among the [[Diadochi]],<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'', p. 362.</ref> which, in the minds of most scholars, marks the beginning of the [[Hellenistic period]].<br />
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=== Legacy of Classical Greece ===<br />
Though somewhat eclipsed by technology today, the sense of a legacy was strongly felt by post-Renaissance European elite, who saw themselves as the spiritual heirs of Greece. As late as 1939 [[Will Durant]] could write "excepting machinery, there is hardly anything secular in our culture that does not come from Greece," and conversely "there is nothing in Greek civilization that doesn't illuminate our own".<ref>Durant, ''The Life of Greece'' (''The Story of Civilization'', Part II) (New York: Simon & Shuster) 1939: Introduction, pp vii and viii.</ref><br />
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== See also ==<br />
*[[Classical antiquity]]<br />
*[[Classics]]<br />
*[[Art in ancient Greece]]<br />
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== References ==<br />
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{{Ancient Greece topics|state=collapsed}}<br />
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[[Category:4th century BC]]<br />
[[Category:5th century BC]]<br />
[[Category:Classical Greece| ]]<br />
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[[ar:عصر كلاسيكي]]<br />
[[el:Κλασική εποχή]]<br />
[[es:Grecia clásica]]<br />
[[eu:Grezia klasikoa]]<br />
[[fr:Époque classique]]<br />
[[gl:Grecia Clásica]]<br />
[[ko:그리스 고전기]]<br />
[[hi:प्राचीन यूनानी सभ्यता]]<br />
[[he:יוון הקלאסית]]<br />
[[kk:Грек классикалық мәдениеті]]<br />
[[lb:Klasseschen Zäitalter]]<br />
[[lt:Klasikinė Graikija]]<br />
[[nl:Klassieke periode (geschiedenis)]]<br />
[[no:Klassisk tid]]<br />
[[pl:Okres klasyczny (starożytna Grecja)]]<br />
[[ru:Классическая Греция]]<br />
[[sh:Klasična Grčka]]<br />
[[sv:Klassisk grekisk konst]]<br />
[[tl:Klasikong Gresya]]<br />
[[uk:Класична Греція]]<br />
[[vi:Hy Lạp cổ điển]]<br />
[[zh:古典希臘時期]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Minera_San_Xavier&diff=454947664
Minera San Xavier
2011-10-10T22:46:07Z
<p>Yupi666: removed the reference to FAO because the sentence is founded on the referred articles and there is no basis for attributing those sayings to them, and there was no explanation of who they are</p>
<hr />
<div>{{POV|date=March 2008}}<br />
{{Infobox_Company<br />
|company_name=Minera San Xavier<br />
|company_logo=<br />
|company_type=Subsidiary of [[Metallica Resources]] Inc.<br />
|foundation=1886 ([[Cerro de San Pedro]], [[San Luis Potosí]], [[México]])<br />
|location=[[Cerro de San Pedro]], San Luis Potosí, [[México]]<br />
|slogan=Generango el Desarrollo (Generating Development)<br />
|revenue=<br />
|industry=[[Mining]]<br />
|products =Golg, Silver.<br />
|homepage=[http://msx.com.mx/]<br />
}}<br />
'''Minera San Xavier''' is the subsidiary of Canadian company New Gold Inc. and operates a gold and silver mine near [[Cerro de San Pedro]], a municipality of [[San Luis Potosí]] just 12 kilometers away from the capital city of the state. The city of San Luis Potosi was founded after gold was discovered in the hills near Cerro de San Pedro in the 15th century.<br />
<br />
The company has defied legal resolutions against its operation<ref>{{cite web|Angeles Cruz Martinez|title= Semarnat y Sedena deben explicar su participación con Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[La Jornada]]|date=2005-02-27|url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2005/02/27/036n1soc.php}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|Mines & Communities Website|title= Mexico: Court Decision Stops San Luis de Potosí Gold Project|publisher= Mines & Communities Website|date=2004-02-27|url=http://www.minesandcommunities.org/Action/press483.htm}}</ref> by arranging economically with the Mexican ecological authority, SEMARNAT, pushing them to disregard ecological research done by some independent institutions and to instead accept most other independent as well as company-funded and government required studies. Continuous internal and external monitoring of mining activities has not produced any evidence of contamination to date.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Cerro de San Pedro]]<br />
*[[San Luis Potosí]]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<div class="references-small"><br />
<references/><br />
</div class="references-small"><br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
*[http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704 Halifax Initiative's Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources]<br />
*[http://www.minesandcommunities.org/Action/press483.htm Court decision revokes Minera San Xavier's permits]<br />
*[http://www.msx.com.mx/ Official website] {{es icon}}<br />
*[http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm Technical paper by prestiguious university researchers, detailing the ecological impact] {{es icon}}<br />
*[http://www.angelfire.com/rebellion2/antimsx/ website for the FAO, Frente amplo opositor; Broad Opposition Front against Minera San Xavier] {{es icon}}<br />
*[http://newgold.com/Theme/NewGold/files/documents_investors/091210%20NGD%20FACT%20SHEET_FINAL.pdf New Gold/Minera San Xavier Fact Sheet]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Environmental disasters]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Yupi666&diff=408735656
User:Yupi666
2011-01-19T05:53:25Z
<p>Yupi666: /* My Image and diagrams contributions */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:yupi666.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Picture of myself<br />
<div style="float: left; border:solid {{{1|#faad00}}} 1px; margin: 1px;"><br />
{| cellspacing="0" style="width: 238px; background: {{{2|#fccd88}}};"<br />
| style="width: 45px; height: 45px; background: {{{1|#fccd88}}}; text-align: center; font-size: {{{5|{{{id-s|14}}}}}}pt; color: {{{id-fc|black}}};" | '''{{{3|[[Image:Lotus-buddha.svg|40px]]}}}'''<br />
| style="font-size: {{{info-s|8}}}pt; padding: 4pt; line-height: 1.25em; color: {{{info-fc|black}}};" | {{{4|This user is a '''[[Buddhist]]'''.}}}<br />
|}</div><br />
{{user graphic-designer}}<br />
{{Userbox-2<br />
|border-c = #000000<br />
|border-s = 1<br />
|id1-c = #fcd116<br />
|id1-s = 8<br />
|id1-fc = #000<br />
|id1 = [[Image:Red flag II.svg|57px]]<br />
|info-c = #fcd116<br />
|info-s = 7<br />
|info-fc = #000000<br />
|info = <center>'''This user wants to [[Progressive taxation|<font color= #000000 >TAX THE RICH</font>]] to provide [[Welfare state|<font color= #000000>health care, education and welfare</font>]] for everyone.'''</center><br />
|id2-c = #DE0000<br />
|id2-s = 16<br />
|id2-fc = #000000<br />
|id2 = $ £<br />¥ €<br />
}}<br />
{{User:Disavian/Userboxes/Environmentalist}}<br />
{{Userbox-2<br />
|border-c = #92000A<br />
|border-s = 1<br />
|id1-c = #708090<br />
|id1 = [[Image:A Tomato.jpg|50px]]<br />
|info-c = #708090<br />
|info-s = 8<br />
|info-fc = #000000<br />
|info = <center>'''This user wants to eat [[Tomacco|<font color = #92000A >Tomacco</font>]]''' </center><br />
|id2-s = 8<br />
|id2-c = #708090<br />
|id2 = [[WP:UA|<font color = #92000A >WP:UA</font>]]<br />
}}<br />
{{User:Scepia/Go}}<br />
]]<br />
<br />
==What I do at Wikipedia==<br />
<br />
I'm here to help develop webpages in which i have either a special interest or particular knowledge about, exploiting my geographical and cultural situation<br />
<br />
But very mailnly I hope to contribute with Images and Diagrams, which my training and experience in graphic design have permited me to make<br />
<br />
==Personal History, schooling and career==<br />
<br />
Real Name: Luis Javier Rodriguez Lopez<br />
Born in Mexico, 1982<br />
<br />
Studied a Licenciatura (Major) in [[marketing]] at the UCEM<br />
Have attended many courses in both marketing, [[art]] and [[design]]<br />
<br />
My career has been mainly in the field of graphic design and advertising<br />
<br />
==Why do I contribute at the english and not the spanish wikipedia==<br />
<br />
Because like it or not English is a languje studied and understood throgout most of the world, specially in middle to high social classes which are the ones with better access to the internet and thus is understandable by the majority of people on the web, besides Wikipedia English is the most complete of the wikipedias in the languges i manage<br />
<br />
==My interests==<br />
<br />
Im particularily interested in the following topics<br />
<br />
*[[Marketing]]<br />
*[[Design]]<br />
*[[Modern art|Modern]] and [[Contemporary Art]]<br />
*[[Bebop]] and [[Hard bop]] Jazz<br />
*Contemporary, [[Indie music]]<br />
*[[Progressive Metal]]<br />
<br />
But in a more general manner I'm interested in almost everything, so if you've got an Illustration or a Diagram youy neeed for any article, contact me<br />
<br />
==My Image and diagrams contributions==<br />
<br />
If you think there is a mistake in one of them or you would like me to help you with something in particular contact me<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
<br />
Image:Archimedes bridge.jpg|[[Archimedes bridge]]<br />
Image:Solid_liquid_gas.jpg|A diagram of how the configuration of molecules/atoms differs for the solid, [[liquid]], and gas phases<br />
Image:Buoyancy corr.svg|determinants of [[Buoyancy]]<br />
Image:deadlift_illustration.jpg|[[Deadlift]]<br />
Image:menu_cost.jpg|diagram of the [[Menu cost]] phenomena<br />
Image:wage_labour.jpg|Graph of Labor Market in respect to [[minimum wage]]<br />
File:Communication_emisor.jpg|One of the models of [[communication]]<br />
Image:Encoding_communication.jpg|Another model for [[communication]]<br />
Image:Immersed_tube_type_a.svg|One of the types of [[immersed tube]]<br />
Image:Immersed_tube_type_b.svg|Another type of [[immersed tube]]<br />
Image:Golgotha cross-section.svg|Diagram of the [[Calvary]]<br />
Image:ajef_logo.jpg|Coat of arms of the [[A.J.E.F.]] organization<br />
<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==My Article and translation contributions==<br />
<br />
{|align="right" width="160px" style="background-color: transparent;"<br />
|-<br />
|<div><br />
{{boxboxtop| }}<br />
{{Proofreader|es|Spanish}}<br />
{{Template:User mexico2}}<br />
</div></div><br />
{{boxboxbottom}}<br />
</div><br />
|}<br />
<br />
*Created [[A.J.E.F]]<br />
*Created [[Minera San Xavier]]<br />
<br />
*turned [[You, the Living]] from a stub to an article<br />
*turned [[El Búfalo de la Noche (film)|El Búfalo de la Noche]] from a stub to an article<br />
<br />
==My shortcuts==<br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Wikipedia_requested_diagram_images<br /><br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Most_wanted_articles<br /><br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Requested_articles<br /><br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Reward_board<br /><br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Bounty_board<br /><br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Featured_picture_candidates<br /><br />
<br />
==Contact==<br />
[[Image:yupi666_logo.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Logo]]<br />
<br />
Visit my online graphic portfolio<br />
http://www.coroflot.com/ljrodriguez<br />
<br />
Visit my pictures<br />
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ljrodriguez/<br />
<br />
My solo music project<br />
http://www.myspace.com/yupisixsixsix<br />
<br />
My myspace<br />
http://www.myspace.com/yupi666<br />
<br />
My last.fm username is the same as here<br />
<br />
E.mail me at my user name @gmail.com<br />
<br />
<br />
{{userpage}}</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk:CMBJ&diff=232318517
User talk:CMBJ
2008-08-16T14:44:20Z
<p>Yupi666: </p>
<hr />
<div>Feel free to drop me a line. <span style="background:black;color:white">&nbsp;&nbsp;'''''—&nbsp;'''''[[User:CMBJ|<span style="background:black;color:white">'''''C&nbsp;M&nbsp;B&nbsp;J'''''</span>]]&nbsp;&nbsp;</span> 07:25, 6 July 2007 (UTC)<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
== Your Comment on the Episode Review Page ==<br />
<br />
I moved your comment to the talk page, as it wasn't really a discussion on the KotH's notability. I invite you to comment there. If you feel that it should be on the actual review page, you may revert it, but I felt it was more a discussion on the process itself. Thanks. [[User:I|<font face="vivaldi"><big>I</big></font>]]&nbsp;&nbsp;<font face="Times New Roman"><sup>[[User talk:I|<font color="000033">(said)</font>]] [[Special:Contributions/I|<font color="000033">(did)</font>]]</sup></font> 00:39, 6 July 2007 (UTC)<br />
<br />
(Edit Conflict)Hey CMBJ, I've seen your recent edits to the television episode article review project and I certainly understand how you feel. My pet project ''Futurama'' will likely come up for review in the next week or so and like you I feel the way the project has been handled so far has been less than stellar. That being said, I don't think they're targeting KOTH, it just happened to be one at the top of the list when they got started. Some episodes of other shows have already been reviewed if you look in the archive at the top (The Big O, Hannah Montana and Thats So Raven). If you check the discussion on the talk page the reason for bringing up the rest of the KOTH articles so soon was to go ahead and finish out one group before starting on another, not because it was any worse than any other show. I'd be happy to help you try to bring some episodes up to the guideline (once I've seen how the Futurama review goes) just let me know if I can help, I'd recommend starting with any that received more than the usual coverage in outside sources or received awards. [[User:Stardust8212|Star]][[User talk:Stardust8212|dust]][[Special:Contributions/Stardust8212|8212]] 00:50, 6 July 2007 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Hey CMBJ, I just wanted to say that I happened to be the one that tagged the KOTH articles. I really wasn't just targeting KOTH, I just came upon one of the episodes at one point and tagged it, and since most have infoboxes that link to other episodes I normally would follow them and ended up tagging most. I did stop at some point since the review process wasn't working (though I did tag the rest later, but I'm not sure what's going on with the review right now so I'm not sure what will happen to those), so all of the KOTH episodes on there right now were what I tagged at the same time. At the time, all of the episodes from other series that had been tagged had their full episode lists tagged at the same time (see [[List of Hannah Montana episodes|these]] and also Futurama I think), so I just followed for completeness. I think, if this whole review is what's going to be happening, then each series should be evaluated at the same time instead of people having to come back each day to say what they think of each new episode on there (the episodes should still be evaluated individually anyway that it is happening). I didn't only target KOTH, as I added the tag to one other (almost) full series of episodes before the tag was deleted. I just wanted to leave you this note to tell you what happened and that the review isn't really just targeting KOTH (like others are telling you also). [[User:Phydend|Phydend]] 01:34, 6 July 2007 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::I appreciate you coming to let me know. It sounds like a legitimate coincidence, but the way that the reviews are being conducted seem to easily convey a misconception to those less familiar with the project. I had already previously dismissed my concerns about these articles, but it doesn't seem that I am the only one that felt wary; as there had been others opposed to merging/deleting them, and I even received two messages here on my talk page regarding the topic. I apologize for being a thorn in anyones side, but we must all do what we can to make Wikipedia the best place possible. <span style="background:black;color:white">&nbsp;&nbsp;'''''—&nbsp;'''''[[User:CMBJ|<span style="background:black;color:white">'''''C&nbsp;M&nbsp;B&nbsp;J'''''</span>]]&nbsp;&nbsp;</span> 07:22, 6 July 2007 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==RfC for Angie==<br />
Currently an RfC is taking place involving {{user|Angie Y.}}, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Requests_for_comment/Angie_Y. here]. Your opinions are welcome. [[User:Seraphim Whipp|<font color="FF69B4">Seraphim</font>]] [[User_talk:Seraphim Whipp|<sup><font color="FF0000">Whipp</font></sup>]] 17:23, 6 July 2007 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Thanks for the heads up. <span style="background:black;color:white">&nbsp;&nbsp;'''''—&nbsp;'''''[[User:CMBJ|<span style="background:black;color:white">'''''C&nbsp;M&nbsp;B&nbsp;J'''''</span>]]&nbsp;&nbsp;</span> 09:04, 30 July 2007 (UTC)<br />
==AfD nomination of Jim Neuhaus==<br />
[[Image:Nuvola apps important.svg|left|48px|]]An editor has nominated [[Jim Neuhaus]], an article on which you have worked or that you created, for [[Wikipedia:Deletion process|deletion]]. We appreciate your contributions, but the nominator doesn't believe that the article satisfies Wikipedia's criteria for inclusion and has explained why in his/her nomination (see also "[[WP:NOT|What Wikipedia is not]]"). <br />
<br />
Your opinions on whether the article meets inclusion criteria and what should be done with the article are welcome; please participate in the discussion by adding your comments at {{#if:Jim Neuhaus | [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Jim Neuhaus]] | [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Jim Neuhaus]] }} and please be sure to [[WP:SIG|sign your comments]] with four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>). <br />
<br />
You may also edit the article during the discussion to improve it but should not remove the [[WP:AfD|articles for deletion]] template from the top of the article; such removal will not end the deletion debate. Thank you.<!-- Template:AFDNote --> [[User:BJBot|BJBot]] ([[User talk:BJBot|talk]]) 17:44, 28 January 2008 (UTC)<br />
<br />
<br />
==Missing image [[:Image:Autograf, Martin Luther, Nordisk familjebok.png]]==<br />
[[Image:Information_icon.svg|left]]Hello, this is a message from [[User:CSDWarnBot|an automated bot]]. A tag has been placed on [[:Image:Autograf, Martin Luther, Nordisk familjebok.png]], by {{#ifeq:{{{nom}}}|1|[[User:{{{nominator}}}|{{{nominator}}}]]&nbsp;([[User talk:{{{nominator}}}|talk]]&nbsp;'''·''' [[Special:Contributions/{{{nominator}}}|contribs]]),}} another Wikipedia user, requesting that it be [[Wikipedia:Speedy deletions|speedily deleted]] from Wikipedia. The tag claims that it should be speedily deleted because [[:Image:Autograf, Martin Luther, Nordisk familjebok.png]] is an image page for a missing or corrupt image or an empty image description page for a Commons-hosted image.<br><br>To contest the tagging and request that administrators wait before possibly deleting [[:Image:Autograf, Martin Luther, Nordisk familjebok.png]], please affix the template <nowiki>{{hangon}}</nowiki> to the page, and put a note on its talk page. If the article has already been deleted, see the advice and instructions at [[WP:WMD]]. Feel free to contact the [[User:CSDWarnBot|bot operator]] if you have any questions about this or any problems with this bot, bearing in mind that '''this bot is only informing you of the nomination for speedy deletion; it does not perform any nominations or deletions itself. To see the user who deleted the page, click [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Log&page={{urlencode:Image:Autograf, Martin Luther, Nordisk familjebok.png}} here]''' [[User:CSDWarnBot|CSDWarnBot]] ([[User talk:CSDWarnBot|talk]]) 09:30, 26 February 2008 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== [[CMBJ/Contribs]] ==<br />
<br />
I just moved the above to your user space at [[User:CMBJ/Contribs]] - I guessed you intended it to go in your user space!&nbsp;–&nbsp;[[User:Ukexpat|ukexpat]] ([[User talk:Ukexpat|talk]]) 18:42, 7 April 2008 (UTC)<br />
:Thanks. I saw that you had moved it almost immediately after. <span style="background:black;color:white">&nbsp;&nbsp;'''''—&nbsp;'''''[[User:CMBJ|<span style="background:black;color:white">'''''C&nbsp;M&nbsp;B&nbsp;J'''''</span>]]&nbsp;&nbsp;</span> 18:45, 7 April 2008 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== RE:212.107.116.240 ==<br />
<br />
Hi, I looked over the contribs and do see vandalism appearing all over the place. However, the vandalism comes in too sporadically to consider giving this IP a block/soft block. Blocks are meant to be preventive and not punitive. If this IP's vandalism starts come in more heavily consider warning them with the appropriate {{tlx|uw-vandalism1}}-{{tlx|uw-vandalism4}} series and reporting them to [[WP:AIV]] if they vandalize after a fourth warning is given. Usually we block IPs based on 4+ vandal edits in the past 48 hours or a rather heavy period of vandalism within the past week and up the durations of the blocks based on the IP's block log. Hope all this info answers some of your concerns :).[[User:Persian Poet Gal|<font face="comic sans ms"><font color="purple"><i><b>¤~Persian Poet Gal</b></i></font></font>]] <font color="purple">[[User talk:Persian Poet Gal|<sup>(talk)</sup>]]</font> 15:01, 18 April 2008 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==Answer to your question==<br />
The answer to all your admin requests is right here: [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Reactions_to_the_2008_Sichuan_earthquake&oldid=213781059]. Kind of obvious...but I guess you assumed to early. --[[User:Haha169|haha169]] ([[User talk:Haha169|talk]]) 05:05, 21 May 2008 (UTC)<br />
:You answered. Good. --[[User:Haha169|haha169]] ([[User talk:Haha169|talk]]) 05:06, 21 May 2008 (UTC)<br />
::I was unaware that an admin had already restored the article's history. Thanks for pointing that out. <span style="background:black;color:white">&nbsp;&nbsp;'''''—&nbsp;'''''[[User:CMBJ|<span style="background:black;color:white">'''''C&nbsp;M&nbsp;B&nbsp;J'''''</span>]]&nbsp;&nbsp;</span> 05:07, 21 May 2008 (UTC)<br />
:::No problem. Sometimes, the easiest way just may lead to the answer. --[[User:Haha169|haha169]] ([[User talk:Haha169|talk]]) 05:31, 21 May 2008 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Barnstar ==<br />
<br />
Hi, CMBJ. You deserve a barnstar. [[User:Axl|Axl]] ([[User talk:Axl|talk]]) 17:20, 28 May 2008 (UTC)<br />
<br />
{| style="border: 1px solid gray; background-color: #fdffe7;"<br />
|rowspan="2" valign="top" | [[Image:Globe-barnstar2.png|75px]]<br />
|rowspan="2" |<br />
|style="font-size: x-large; padding: 0; vertical-align: bottom; height: 1.1em;" | '''The Geography Barnstar'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align: top; border-top: 1px solid gray;" | To CMBJ, for contributions to geographical location articles. [[User:Axl|Axl]] ([[User talk:Axl|talk]]) 17:20, 28 May 2008 (UTC)<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Wendy's and citations ==<br />
<br />
The tag you applied is inappropriate because it tags the whole article as needing citations. Since the article is already cited in many parts, please tag the sections or specific facts you feel need citations with either a <nowiki>{{CN}}</nowiki> or <nowiki>{{unreferencedsection}}</nowiki>. --[[User:Jerem43|Jeremy]] (<small> [[User Talk:Jerem43|Blah blah...]]</small>) 00:47, 25 June 2008 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==Disputed fair use rationale for Image:Memristor.jpg==<br />
Thank you for uploading '''[[:Image:Memristor.jpg]]'''. However, there is a concern that the rationale provided for using this image under "fair use" may not meet the criteria required by [[Wikipedia:Non-free content]]. This can be corrected by going to the image description page and add or clarify the reason why the image qualifies for fair use. Adding and completing one of the templates available from [[Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline]] is an easy way to ensure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy. Please be aware that a fair use rationale is not the same as an [[Wikipedia:Image copyright tags/Non-free|image copyright tag]]; descriptions for images used under the fair use policy require both a copyright tag and a fair use rationale.<br />
<br />
If it is determined that the image does not qualify under fair use, it might be deleted by an adminstrator within a few days in accordance with our [[Wikipedia:Criteria for speedy deletion#Images/media|criteria for speedy deletion]]. If you have any questions, please ask them at the [[Wikipedia:Media copyright questions|media copyright questions page]]. Thank you.<!-- Template:No fair --> [[User:Megapixie|Megapixie]] ([[User talk:Megapixie|talk]]) 06:44, 14 July 2008 (UTC)<br />
:Thank you for contacting me. I have attempted to address the concerns at [[Image talk:Memristor.jpg]]. <span style="background:black;color:white">&nbsp;&nbsp;'''''—&nbsp;'''''[[User:CMBJ|<span style="background:black;color:white">'''''C&nbsp;M&nbsp;B&nbsp;J'''''</span>]]&nbsp;&nbsp;</span> 03:59, 15 July 2008 (UTC)<br />
::I still feel there are problems with us using this image and have taken it to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Possibly_unfree_images#July_17 PUI] [[User:Megapixie|Megapixie]] ([[User talk:Megapixie|talk]]) 22:03, 17 July 2008 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==2008 Olympics attack on American nationals (2nd nomination)==<br />
I have re-nominated this article for deletion. Please provide your input to [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/2008 Olympics attack on American nationals (2nd nomination)|the discussion]]. --[[User talk:Elliskev|Elliskev]] 17:23, 10 August 2008 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Chinese dissidents ==<br />
<br />
Thank you for the needed cleanup on both the Olympics and the controversies articles [[User:Yupi666|Yupi666]] ([[User talk:Yupi666|talk]]) 14:44, 16 August 2008 (UTC)</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Zeng_Jinyan&diff=232222922
Zeng Jinyan
2008-08-16T01:21:07Z
<p>Yupi666: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Orphan|date=January 2008}}<br />
<br />
'''Zeng Jinyan''' (Chinese: 曾金燕; born October 9, 1983), is a Chinese blogger and human rights activist. The wife of AIDS and environmental activist [[Hu Jia (activist)|Hu Jia]], Zeng became famous for a blog she had maintained throughout the disappearance of her husband, which was believed to be the working of China's secret police.<ref>[http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/29-03-2006/78007-China-0/ "Chinese AIDS activist missing for six weeks returns home," Pravda, March 29, 2006]</ref> Zeng was put under house arrest in August 2006 and the blog that details her life under constant surveillance and police harassment has been subsequently blocked in China. Zeng continued to update her blog until July 27 2008, before her disappearance. <br />
<br />
Zeng Jinyan and Hu Jia made a 31-minute documentary, "Prisoners of Freedom City," of their seven-month [[house arrest]] from August 2006 to March 2007. The couple was placed under house arrest again, two months later on May 18 2007 for harming state security. <ref>[http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/05/21/china15979.htm/ "Activist Couple Accoused of Endangering State Security", Human Rights Watch, May 21, 2007]</ref> Zeng Jinyan is dubbed "[[Tiananmen]] 2.0." and selected as [[Time 100|TIME Magazine's 100]] People Who Shape Our World in 2007 as a hero and a pioneer.<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100/article/0,28804,1595326_1615754_1616169,00.html/ "Zeng Jinyan - The TIME 100," TIME Magazine, May 14, 2007]</ref><br />
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One day before the opening ceremony of the [[2008 Summer Olympics]] in Beijing, Zeng Jinyan was forcibly dissapeared<ref>[http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/29-03-2006/78007-China-0/ "Chinese rights activist Zeng Jinyan disappears" International Herald Tribune, August 9, 2008]</ref> along with her baby daughter and is suspected to be mistreated by the Chinese police state.<br />
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==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
*[http://www.zengjinyan.org/ Zeng Jinyan's blog (in Chinese)]<br />
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q_rcsoWFRk/ Clip of documentary, "Prisoners of Freedom City" on YouTube]<br />
*The full documentary, "Prisoners of Freedom City" on the WITNESS Hub - [http://hub.witness.org/en/node/3867 Part 1], [http://hub.witness.org/en/node/3864 Part 2] & [http://hub.witness.org/en/node/3861 Part 3]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Chinese activists]]<br />
[[Category:Living people]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2008_Summer_Olympics&diff=232220801
2008 Summer Olympics
2008-08-16T01:09:25Z
<p>Yupi666: /* Concerns and controversies */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{pp-semi-vandalism|small=yes}}<br />
{{Current sport|olympics=Yes}}<br />
{{redirect|Beijing 2008|the video game|Beijing 2008 (video game)}}<br />
{{Olympics infobox|2008|Summer|<br />
| Logo = Beijing 2008 Olympics logo.svg<br />
| Size = 150<br />
| Name = Official logo of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games<br />
| Optional caption = 同一个世界 同一个梦想 ('''''One World, One Dream''''')<br />The "[[Dancing Beijing]]" emblem, depicting<br /> a [[Seal (Chinese)|Chinese seal]] inscribed with the <br />character "Jīng" (京, from the name of the <br />host city) in the form of a dancing figure.<br />
| Motto = 同一個世界 同一個夢想 ([[traditional Chinese]])<br />
| Motto = '''''One World, One Dream''''' ([[English]])<br />
| Nations participating = 204 NOCs [[#Participating NOCs|(See below)]]<br />
| Athletes participating = 11,028<ref name="athletes_number">{{cite press release|title=NOC entry forms received|publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]]|date=2008-08-01 |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/official/preparation/n214496035.shtml|accessdate=2008-08-08|quote=(...) confirmed the qualification of 11,028 athletes, including 363 supplement athletes holding a P card.}}</ref><br />
| Officially opened by = [[President of the People's Republic of China|President]] [[Hu Jintao]]<br />
| Athlete's Oath = [[Zhang Yining]]<br />
| Judge's Oath = [[Huang Liping]]<br />
| Olympic Torch = [[Li Ning]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
{{contains Chinese text}}<br />
The '''2008 Summer Olympic Games''', officially known as the '''Games of the XXIX Olympiad''', is a major [[international]] [[multi-sport event]] which is being held in [[Beijing]], [[People's Republic of China]], from [[August 8]] (except [[Football at the 2008 Summer Olympics|football]], which started on [[August 6]]) to [[August 24]], [[2008]], and will be followed by the [[2008 Summer Paralympics]], from [[September 6]] to [[September 17]]. A total of 10,500 athletes are expected to compete in 302 events in 28 sports, one event more than was on the schedule of the [[2004 Summer Olympics|2004 games]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/full_story_uk.asp?id=1805 |title=6th Coordination Commission Visit To Begin Tomorrow |publisher=International Olympic Committee |accessdate=2006-05-20}}</ref> The 2008 Beijing Olympics will also mark the third time that Olympic events will have been held in the territories of two different [[National Olympic Committee]]s (NOC), as the equestrian events are being held in [[Hong Kong]].<br />
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The [[Olympic games]] [[2008 Summer Olympics bids|were awarded]] to Beijing after an [[exhaustive ballot]] of the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC) on [[July 13]], [[2001]]. The official logo of the games, titled "[[Dancing Beijing]]," features a stylised calligraphic character ''jīng'' (京, meaning ''capital''), referring to the host city. The mascots of Beijing 2008 are the five [[Fuwa]] <ref>{{cite web|url=http://watch-olympics-online.co.cc/about.php |title=Fuwa Fact Sheet |accessdate=2008-05-14}}</ref>, each representing both a colour of the [[Olympic symbols#Flag|Olympic rings]] and a symbol of Chinese culture. The Olympic slogan, ''One World, One Dream'', calls upon the world to unite in the Olympic spirit. Several new NOCs have also been recognised by the IOC.<br />
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The [[Government of the People's Republic of China|Chinese government]] has promoted the games to highlight China's emergence on the world stage and has invested heavily in new facilities and transportation systems.<ref>{{cite news|title=China's coming out party |publisher=Toronto Star |month=August | year=2007 |url =http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Olympics/article/242172}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=2008-The Year of China? |publisher=BusinessCenter.TV |date=2007-08-07 |url= http://www.webcastr.com/videos/travel_leisure/2008-the-year-of-china.html|accessdate=2008-01-02}}</ref> A total of 37 venues will be used to host the events including 12 newly constructed venues. Earlier in 2007, former IOC president [[Juan Antonio Samaranch]] had said that he believes that the Beijing games will be "the best in Olympic history,"<ref name="Samaranch">{{cite news |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/culture/festivals/exhibition/n214101234.shtml |title=Beijing 2008 will be best-ever Games: Samaranch |date=[[2007-06-25]] |accessdate=2007-06-25 |publisher=BOCOG}}</ref> and current president [[Jacques Rogge]] asserts that the IOC has "absolutely no regrets" in choosing Beijing to host the 2008 games.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nbcolympics.com/blogs/blog=alanabrahamsonsblog/postid=163687.html |title="Absolutely no regrets" in coming to China, IOC president says |publisher=NBC |date=[[2008-08-02]] |accessdate=2008-08-02 |author=Abrahamson, Alan}}</ref> The choice of China as a host country has been a subject of criticism by American politicians and [[NGOs]] concerned about China's [[Human rights in the People's Republic of China|human rights]] record.<ref>Ian Traynor and Jonathan Watts: ''[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/mar/29/germany.olympicgames2008 Merkel says she will not attend opening of Beijing Olympics.]'' Guardian on-line. March 29 2008</ref><ref>Amnesty International: ''[http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/ASA17/075/2008/en/1f55daf2-37c8-11dd-9ec6-1d6085451ee8/asa170752008eng.pdf China: The two faces of the Beijing Olympics.]'' 1 June 2008.</ref><br />
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==Bid==<br />
{| class="wikitable" align="right"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" | 2008 Summer Olympics bidding results<br />
|-<br />
! City<br />
! NOC<br />
| bgcolor="silver" |'''Round 1'''<br />
| bgcolor="silver" |'''Round 2'''<br />
|-<br />
| [[Beijing]] || {{flagicon|China}} [[People's Republic of China|China]] || align="center"| '''44''' || align="center"| '''56'''<br />
|-<br />
| [[Toronto]]|| {{flagicon|Canada}} [[Canada]] || align="center"| 20 || align="center"| 22<br />
|-<br />
| [[Paris]] || {{flagicon|France}} [[France]] || align="center"| 15 || align="center"| 18<br />
|-<br />
| [[Istanbul]] || {{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Turkey]] || align="center"| 17 || align="center"| 9<br />
|-<br />
| [[Osaka]] || {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Japan]] || align="center"| 6 || align="center"| —<br />
|}<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics bids|Beijing 2008 Olympic bid}}<br />
Beijing was elected the host city on [[July 13]], [[2001]], during the 112th [[International Olympic Committee|IOC]] Session in [[Moscow]], beating [[Toronto]], [[Paris]], [[Istanbul]], and [[Osaka]]. Prior to the session, five other cities ([[Bangkok]], [[Cairo]], [[Havana]], [[Kuala Lumpur]], and [[Seville]]) submitted bids to the IOC but failed to make the short list in 2000. After the first round of voting, Beijing held a significant lead over the other four candidates. Osaka received only six votes and was eliminated. In the second round, Beijing was supported by an [[absolute majority]] of voters, eliminating the need for subsequent rounds.<ref name="Election">{{cite web|url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/election_uk.asp |title = Beijing 2008: Election |publisher = International Olympic Committee |accessdate = 2006-12-18}}</ref><br />
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After winning the bid, [[Li Lanqing]], the vice premier of China, declared "The winning of the 2008 Olympic bid is an example of the international recognition of China's social stability, economic progress and the healthy life of the Chinese people." Previously, Beijing had [[2000 Summer Olympics bids|lost a close bid]] to [[Sydney]] for the chance to host the [[2000 Summer Olympics]].<br />
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==Development and preparation==<br />
===Venues===<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics venues| Olympic Green}}<br />
By May 2007, construction of all 31 Beijing-based Olympic Games venues had begun.<ref name="Under construction">{{cite news |publisher=BOCOG |date=2007-05-11 |accessdate=2007-05-11 |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/01/32/article214073201.shtml |title=All Beijing-based Olympic venues under construction}}</ref> The [[Chinese language|Chinese]] government has also invested in the renovation and construction of six venues outside Beijing as well as 59 training centres. Its largest [[Architecture|architectural]] pieces are the [[Beijing National Stadium]], [[Beijing National Indoor Stadium]], [[Beijing National Aquatics Centre]], [[Olympic Green Convention Centre]], [[Olympic Green]], and [[Beijing Wukesong Culture & Sports Center]]. Almost 85% of the [[construction]] budget for the six main venues is funded by [[United States dollar|US$]]2.1 billion ([[Renminbi|RMB¥]]17.4 billion) in corporate bids and tenders. Investments are expected from corporations seeking ownership rights after the 2008 Summer Olympics. Some venues will be owned and governed by the ''State General Administration of Sports'', which will use them after the Olympics as facilities for all future national sports teams and events. The 2008 Beijing Olympics are officially the most expensive games in history with a total of $40.9 billion spent between 2001 and 2007 on infrastructure, energy, transportation and water supply projects.<ref>[http://www.2008beijingolimpics.com/the-olympics/the-beijing-olympics-the-most-expensive-games-in-history/ The Most Expensive Games In History], Beijing 2008. Retrieved on August 5, 2008.</ref><br />
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Some events are being held outside Beijing, namely [[Football at the Summer Olympics|football]] in [[Qinhuangdao]], [[Shanghai]], [[Shenyang]], and [[Tianjin]]; [[Sailing at the 2008 Summer Olympics|sailing]] in [[Qingdao]]; and, because of "uncertainties of equine diseases and major difficulties in establishing a disease-free zone", [[Equestrian at the Summer Olympics|equestrian]] in [[Hong Kong]].<ref>[http://en.beijing2008.com/46/67/column211716746.shtml Olympic Venues], Beijing 2008. Retrieved on May 15, 2006.</ref><br />
<br />
====Beijing National Stadium====<br />
{{main|Beijing National Stadium}}<br />
[[Image:Bird's Nest stadium, May 2008.jpg|thumb|right|350px|The Beijing National Stadium.]]<br />
The centrepiece of the 2008 Summer Olympics is the Beijing National Stadium, nicknamed the '''Bird's Nest''' because of its nest-like skeletal structure.<ref name="391 days left">{{cite news |url=http://olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2244 |title=The Olympic Games en route for Beijing |publisher=International Olympic Committee |date=2007-07-13 |accessdate=2007-07-16}}</ref> Construction of the venue began on [[December 24]], [[2003]]. The [[Guangdong Olympic Stadium]] was originally planned, constructed, and completed in 2001 for the games, but a decision was made to construct a new stadium in Beijing.{{Clarifyme|date=May 2008}}<ref>[http://www.architectureweek.com/2002/0501/design_1-1.html ArchitectureWeek - Design - China's Banner Stadium - 2002.0501<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Government officials engaged architects worldwide in a design competition. A [[Switzerland|Swiss]] firm, [[Herzog & de Meuron]] Architekten AG, collaborated with China Architecture Design & Research Group to win the competition. The stadium features a lattice-like concrete skeleton forming the stadium bowl and will have a seating capacity of over 90,000 people during the Olympics. Architects originally described the overall design as resembling a bird nest with an immense ocular—an opening with a [[retractable roof]] over the stadium. However, in 2004, the idea of retractable roof was abandoned for economic and safety reasons. The Beijing National Stadium will be the site of the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the athletics events and soccer finals. The stadium's designer [[Ai Weiwei]] has since withdrawn his support for China's Olympic games, saying "he wants nothing to do with them anymore".<ref>{{Clarifyme|date=May 2008}}{{cite news |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-CdWcszb_8|title=Stadium designer blasts China Olympics|publisher=Aljazeera|date=2007-08-12 |accessdate=2007-07-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/08/13/china.olympics.reut/?iref=mpstoryview|title= Chinese architect slams Olympic 'pretend smile'|accessdate=2007-08-16 |publisher= Reuters}}</ref><br />
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Most recently, the [[Beijing Olympic Village]] opened on [[July 16]], [[2008]] and to the public on [[July 26]], [[2008]].<br />
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===Transport===<br />
[[Image:Beijing 2008 olympic venues.png|thumb|right|250px|A map of the Olympic venues in Beijing. Several expressways [[Beltway|encircle]] the center of the city, providing for quick transportation around the city and between venues.]]<br />
In preparation for the huge rush during the games, [[Beijing Subway|Beijing's subway]] system underwent a major expansion which increased its capacity to more than twice its previous size. The previous system was composed of 4 lines and 64 stations. An additional 7 lines and more than 80 new stations were constructed, including a direct link to [[Beijing Capital International Airport]]. In the airport itself, 11 unmanned trains, each transporting a maximum of 83 passengers, will expedite the movement of people throughout the new terminal building.<ref name="Airport trains">{{cite news |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/olympiccities/beijing/n214096864.shtml |title=Un-manned trains to operate at new airport terminal building |date=[[2007-06-13]] |publisher=[[BOCOG]] |accessdate=2007-06-17}}</ref> Most of them are scheduled to operate from [[June 30]], [[2008]], one month before the start of the games. In 2007 January, the [[BOCOG]] announced that the Metro cars will be fitted with video screens showing the latest news and events during the games. Additionally, cellphone signals would be made available, so that people can use their communication devices in the metro stations or underground.<ref name="Video screen">{{cite news |url = http://en.beijing2008.cn/31/45/article214014531.shtml |title = Official: passengers can watch the Games in Beijing metro |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |date = [[2007-01-31]] |accessdate = 2006-02-15}}</ref> On August 1, [[Beijing South Railway Station]] was reopened after two years of construction. The 120-km long [[Beijing–Tianjin Intercity Rail]] opened on the same day that connects the new railway station with Olympic co-host city Tianjin with world's [[Land speed record for railed vehicles|fastest]] scheduled train service at 350&nbsp;km/h.<ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/olympics/article4442873.ece China inaugurates 220mph fastest rail service in world in time for Olympics]</ref><br />
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According to the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China, a new five-level [[Emergency population warning|emergency alert system]] for [[extreme weather]] and security threats will be implemented in the airport. This system is designed to ensure smooth and safe transportation for the estimated 3 million domestic and overseas visitors who will flock to Beijing for the games in 2008 August.<ref name="Airport security system">{{cite news |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/dynamics/headlines/n214101265.shtml |title=Beijing airport to launch emergency alert mechanism for Olympics |date=[[2007-06-25]] |accessdate=2007-06-25 |publisher=[[BOCOG]]}}</ref><br />
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On the ground, Beijing is set to designate 38 official public transit routes that will link the Olympic venues. During the games, 2,500 large-size [[bus]]es and 4,500 [[minibus]]es will be operated by a total of 8,000 drivers to transport people across various venues. Prior to the games, public transport will be optimised in order to reduce the existing 110 overlapping routes.<ref name="Transportation">{{cite news |url = http://en.beijing2008.cn/05/25/article214012505.shtml |title = 38 public transit routes to the Olympic venues |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |date = [[2007-01-22]] |accessdate = 2007-01-29}}</ref><br />
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Athletes, Olympic guests and media will be moved around the city in a fleet of 5,000 Volkswagen "low-emission, low-consumption" vehicles.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.ausmotive.com/2008/08/02/volkswagen-claims-green-medal-at-2008-olympic-games-in-beijing.html|title=Volkswagen claims ‘Green’ medal at 2008 Olympic Games | author= AUSmotive.com | date=2008-08-02 | accessdate=2008-08-02 | language= }}</ref><br />
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[[Beijing]] will be implementing a temporary [[road space rationing]] based on plate numbers during the Games in order to significantly improve air quality in the city.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/world/asia/15china.html?hp|title=Traffic Beijing Stops Construction for Olympics | author= Andrew Jacobs | date=2008-04-14 | publisher= New York Times | accessdate=2008-04-14 | language= }}</ref> Under the traffic plan made public on [[June 20]], [[2008]], the rationing will be enforced for two months, between July 20 to September 20, as the Olympics will begin on August 8, and then will be followed by the 2008 [[Paralympics]], from September 6 until 17.<ref name="Examiner08">{{cite news| url=http://www.examiner.com/a-1451114~Beijing_sets_restrictions_on_cars_during_Olympics.html |title=Beijing sets restrictions on cars during Olympics | author= Stephen Wade | date=2008-06-20 | publisher=National Examiner | accessdate=2008-06-23 | language= }}</ref>{{Dead link|date=August 2008}} The restrictions will be in placed on alternate days depending on the plates ending in odd or even numbers. This measure is expected to take 45% of the 3.3 million car fleet off the streets. In addition, 300,000 heavy polluting vehicles will be banned from July 1, and the plan also prohibits access to most vehicles coming from outside Beijing. The boosted public transport network is expected to absorb this additional demand, estimated in more than 4 million extra passengers per day.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/23/2282484.htm?site=olympics/2008 |title=Beijing to launch Olympic 'odd-even' car ban | author= Reuters | date=2008-06-23 | publisher=ABC news | accessdate=2008-06-23 | language= }}</ref><ref name="Examiner08"/><br />
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===Marketing===<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics marketing}}<br />
The 2008 Summer Olympics emblem is known as [[Dancing Beijing]] ({{zh-s|舞动的北京}}). The emblem combines a traditional Chinese red seal and a representation of the [[Chinese calligraphy|calligraphic]] [[Chinese character|character]] ''jīng'' ([[wikt:京|京]], "national capital", also the second character of Beijing's Chinese name) with athletic features. The open arms of the calligraphic word symbolises the invitation of China to the world to share in its culture. IOC president [[Jacques Rogge]] was very happy with the emblem, saying, "Your new emblem immediately conveys the awesome beauty and power of China which are embodied in your heritage and your people."<ref name="Message">{{cite news |url = http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200308/03/eng20030803_121618.shtml |title = Rogge's Message for Beijing Olympics Emblem Unveiling |publisher = People's Daily Online |date = 2003-08-03 |accessdate = 2006-12-19}}</ref><br />
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The slogan for the 2008 Olympics is "''One World, One Dream''" ({{zh-stp|s=同一个世界 同一个梦想|t=同一個世界 同一個夢想|p=Tóng Yíge Shìjiè Tóng Yíge Mèngxiǎng}}.)<ref name="Slogan">{{cite news|title='One World One Dream' selected as the Theme Slogan for Beijing 2008 Olympic Games |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/75/66/article211996675.shtml |date=[[2005-12-25]] |publisher=[[BOCOG]] |accessdate=2007-05-05}}</ref> The slogan calls upon the whole world to join in the Olympic spirit and build a better future for humanity. It was chosen from over 210,000 entries submitted from around the world.<ref name="391 days left" /><br />
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===Broadcasting===<br />
These games will be the first to be produced and broadcast entirely in [[High-definition television|high definition television]], and will likely garner upwards of 4 billion viewers.<ref name="HDTV">{{cite news |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/2008/2007-07/06/content_911825.htm |title=Seeing clearly: Panasonic ushers in first HDTV Game |publisher = China Daily |date=[[2007-07-06]] |accessdate=2008-03-24}}</ref> In their bid for the Olympic games in 2001, Beijing confirmed to the Olympic Evaluation Commission "that there will be no restrictions on media reporting and movement of journalists up to and including the Olympic Games,"<ref>[http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_299.pdf Report] of the IOC Evaluation Commission for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in 2008, pg.73</ref> but according to a report in ''[[The New York Times]]'', "[[Beijing 2008 Olympic bid|these promises]] have been contradicted by strict visa rules, lengthy application processes and worries about censorship."<ref name="Networks Fight"/><br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics Broadcasting}}<br />
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===Online coverage===<br />
<br />
The 2008 Olympics marks the debut of online and on-demand video, roughly 200 hours of coverage per day for the duration of the games. "Exclusive broadcast rights holders in large markets in Europe, North America and Australia have plans to show thousands of hours online." Furthermore, for the first time "live online video rights in some markets for the Olympics have been separately negotiated, not part of the overall 'broadcast rights,'"; these new media of the [[digital economy]] are growing "nine times faster than the rest of the advertising market."<ref>http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/07/09/oly.media/index.html</ref><br />
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Globally, however, the 2008 Olympics is subject to extensive copyright restriction &ndash;which amounts to territorial restrictions&ndash; whilst still being covered extensively online within various exclusive copyright [[autarky|autarkies]]. Thus despite the international nature of the event and the global reach of the [[Internet]], the coverage world wide of assorted nation-states and television networks is not readily accessible; there is no global or [[supranational]] media coverage as such. The [[international]] [[European Broadcasting Union]] (EBU), for example, provides live coverage and highlights of all arenas only for certain of its own territories<ref>http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/olympics/geoerror/geoerror.html</ref> on their website eurovisionsports.tv.<ref>[http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/olympics/ Beijing Live], Beijing 2008. Retrieved on August 9, 2008.</ref> Many national broadcasters likewise restrict online events to their domestic audiences.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/cycling/7552544.stm</ref> <br />
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Despite the contractual obligations of the [[digital economy]], some of the same technologies used to circumvent the [[Great Firewall of China]] (such as [[Internet_censorship_in_China#Efforts_at_breaking_through|UltraSurf]]) can be used to subvert the Olympic media autarkies on the Internet as well.<br />
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[[YouTube]] has removed a video of a regional German network's ([[Norddeutscher Rundfunk|NDR]]) coverage of the opening ceremonies as "This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by a third party.<ref>http://community.livejournal.com/olympicgames08/28771.html</ref><ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1nmR8Ndj7g</ref>; a video from Australia's [[Seven Network]] has been removed "for violation of terms of service." Furthermore, the General National Copyright Administration of China has announced that "individual (''sic'') and websites will face fines as high as 100,000 yuan for uploading recordings of Olympic Games video to the internet,"<ref>http://www.danwei.org/2008_beijing_olympic_games/china_copywrites_the_olympics.php</ref> part of an extensive campaign to protect the pertinent intellectual property rights.<ref>http://olympics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/16/for-olympics-china-ramps-up-copyright-infringement-campaign/</ref><ref>http://news.xinhuanet.com/newmedia/2008-06/13/content_8359170.htm</ref><ref>http://english.ipr.gov.cn/ipr/en/info/Article.jsp?a_no=142611&col_no=926&dir=200711</ref><br />
<br />
==Torch relay==<br />
[[Image:Official 2008 Summer Olympics Torch in Vilnius.jpg|right|thumb|2008 Olympic Torch]]<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics torch relay|2008 Summer Olympics torch relay route}}<br />
The design of the [[Olympic Torch]] is based on traditional scrolls and uses a traditional Chinese design known as the "Propitious Clouds" (祥云). The torch is designed to remain lit in 65 kph (40 mph) winds, temperatures of up to -40°C and in rain of up to 50 mm (2 in) per hour.<br />
<br />
The relay, with the theme '''Journey of Harmony''', lasted 130 days and carried the torch {{convert|137000|km|mi|abbr=on}}—the longest distance of any Olympic torch relay since the tradition began at the [[1936 Berlin Games]].<ref name="IOC torch">{{cite news |date=[[2007-04-26]] |title=Beijing 2008: BOCOG Announces Olympic Torch Relay Route |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2147 |publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]] |accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/09/world/09torch.html?_r=1&ex=1365393600&en=2c75ea71d3f9215b&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin|title=Officials Expect Olympic Torch to Continue on Route}}</ref> The torch relay was called a "public relations disaster" for China by ''The Times''<ref name="Public Relations Disaster">{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/olympics/article3811649.ece |title=Britain sends mandarins to China on subtle mission |date=[[2008-04-25]] |accessdate=2007-04-27 |publisher=The Times}}</ref>, with protests of [[Human rights in the People's Republic of China|China's human rights record]], particularly about [[2008 Tibetan unrest|Tibet]].<br />
[[Image:Beijing 2008 Torch Relay Route.png|left|250px|thumb|Route of the 2008 Olympic Torch Relay]]<br />
<br />
The relay began [[March 24]], [[2008]], in [[Olympia, Greece]]. From there, it traveled across Greece to [[Panathinaiko Stadium]] in [[Athens]], and then to Beijing, arriving on [[March 31]]. From Beijing, the torch followed a route passing through every continent except Antarctica. The torch visited cities on the [[Silk Road]], symbolizing ancient links between China and the rest of the world. A total of 21,880 torchbearers have been selected from around the world by various organizations and entities.<ref name="BOCOG relay">{{cite news |publisher=[[BOCOG]] |url=http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/news/headlines/n214042288.shtml |title=Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay Planned Route and Torch Design unveiled |date=[[2007-04-26]] |accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref><br />
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The international portion of the relay was problematic. The month-long world tour saw wide-scale protests to China's human rights abuses and recent crackdown in Tibet. After trouble in London saw several attempts to put out the flame, the flame was extinguished in Paris the following day.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article3697392.ece| title=Tibet protests force organisers to snuff out Olympic flame in Paris| date=[[2008-04-07]]| publisher=[[The Times]]| last=Bremner| first=Charles}}</ref> The American leg in San Francisco on [[9 April]] was altered without prior warning to avoid such scenes, although there were still demonstrations along the original route.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7339380.stm?| title= Confusion strikes US torch relay| date=[[2008-04-09]]| publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> The relay was further delayed and simplified after the [[2008 Sichuan earthquake]] affecting western China.<br />
<br />
The flame was [[2008 Summer Olympics summit of Mt. Everest|carried to the top of Mount Everest]]<ref name="BOCOG relay" /> on a 108 km (67 mi) long "highway" scaling the Tibetan side of the mountain especially built for the relay. The $19.7 million blacktop project spanned from [[Tingri County]] of [[Xigazê Prefecture]] to the [[Everest Base Camp]].<ref name="Everest road">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200706200340.htm |title=China to build highway on Mt Everest for 2008 Olympics |date=[[2007-06-20]] |accessdate=2007-06-25 |publisher=The Hindu}}</ref> In 2008 March, China banned mountaineers from climbing its side of Mount Everest and later persuaded the Nepalese government to close their side as well, officially citing environmental concerns.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/climbers-banned-from-everest-as-china-seeks-to-stop-protests-on-summit-796782.html|title=Climbers banned from Everest as China seeks to stop protests on summit|date=[[2008-03-17]] |accessdate=2008-03-23 |publisher=The Independent}}</ref> It also reflected concerns by the Chinese government that [[Tibet]] activists may try to disrupt its plans to carry the Olympic torch up the world's tallest peak.<ref name="cnn13mar08">{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/12/china.everest.ap/index.html |title=China closes its side of Everest to climbers |date=[[2008-03-12]] |accessdate=2008-03-13 |publisher=CNN}}</ref><br />
<br />
The originally proposed route would have seen the torch carried through [[Taipei]] after leaving [[Vietnam]] and before heading for Hong Kong. Taiwan authorities, however, objected to this proposal, claiming that this route would make the portion of the relay in Taiwan appear to be part of the torch's domestic journey through China, rather than a leg on the international route.<ref name="Taiwan relay">{{cite news |publisher=Taiwan Journal |title=Taiwan rejects 'domestic' Olympic torch route |url=http://taiwanjournal.nat.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=24170&CtNode=122 |date=[[2007-05-04]] |accessdate=2007-08-15}}</ref> This dispute as well as demands that the [[flag of the Republic of China]] and the [[National Anthem of the Republic of China]] be banned along the route<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7005984.stm BBC NEWS Asia-Pacific | Olympic torch will bypass Taiwan]</ref> led the Taiwan authorities to reject the proposal that it be part of the relay route, and the two sides of the Taiwan Strait subsequently blamed each other for injecting politics into the event.<ref name="China torch Taipei">{{cite news |publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Canada Sports]] |title=China blames Taiwan for scuttling Olympic torch relay through Taipei, labels 'vile precedent'|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=ap-china-torchrelay&prov=ap&type=lgns |date=[[2007-09-21]] |accessdate=2007-09-24}}</ref><br />
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==The Games==<br />
{{Further|[[2008 Summer Olympics highlights]], [[2008 Summer Olympics medal count|medal count]], and [[2008 Summer Olympics medal winners|medal winners]]}}<br />
===Opening ceremony===<br />
[[Image:BeijingOlimpicGames2008-08-08.jpg|thumb|right|A scene from the opening ceremony.]]<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremony}}<br />
The opening ceremony was held at the [[Beijing National Stadium]]. It began at 8:00 pm [[China Standard Time]] ([[UTC+8]]) on [[8 August]] [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tickets.beijing2008.cn/browse?category=8224&major_category=8224&game_type=olympic|title=Tickets Information - The official ticketing website of the BEIJING 2008 Olympic Games}}</ref><ref>[http://www.travelchinaguide.com/news/show.asp?nid=138 "Beijing Confirms the Opening Ceremony Time for 2008 Olympics"], Travel China Guide. Retrieved on [[August 2]], [[2008]]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/ceremonies/n214508163.shtml|title=Opening Ceremony plan released|date=2008-08-06|publisher=Official website|accessdate=2008-08-08}}</ref> The [[8 (number)#As a lucky or unlucky number|number 8]] is associated with prosperity and confidence in [[Numbers in Chinese culture|Chinese culture]].<ref name="Eight">{{cite web |url=http://afgen.com/china8.html |title=The Number Eight And The Chinese |accessdate=2007-04-22}}</ref> The ceremony was co-directed by Chinese filmmaker [[Zhang Yimou]] and Chinese choreographer [[Zhang Jigang]].<ref>http://en.beijing2008.cn/culture/ceremonies/n214143744.shtml</ref> It featured a cast of over 15,000 performers, and was dubbed beforehand as "the most spectacular Olympics Opening Ceremony ever produced".<ref>[http://www.thrfeed.com/2008/07/olympics-openin.html Olympics opening ceremony to have 15,000 performers -- The Live Feed <!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><br />
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A rich assembly of ancient Chinese art and culture dominated the ceremony. It opened with the beating of [[Fou]] drums for the countdown. Subsequently, a giant [[scroll]] was unveiled and became the show's centerpiece. The official song of the 2008 Olympics was performed by Britain's [[Sarah Brightman]] and China's [[Liu Huan]], and was titled ''[[You and Me (theme song)|You and Me]]''.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUST29313420080807 FACTBOX: Fears, foul-ups and triumphs at past Olympic openings<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Former Chinese [[gymnastics|gymnast]] [[Li Ning]] ignited the [[cauldron]].<br />
<br />
The entry parade of the competing athletes differed in order from previous Olympic ceremonies, as the national teams did not enter in order by the host nation's alphabet. Since Chinese does not have an alphabet, teams entered the stadium in order (lowest first) of the number of strokes in their [[Simplified Chinese character]] transcriptions. As a result, Australia (normally one of the first teams to enter the stadium) became one of the final teams to arrive, as the first character of the Chinese name of Australia (澳大利亚) has 16 strokes. The Olympic traditions of Greece entering first and the host nation (China) entering last were still observed. <br />
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A review of the opening ceremony from around the world called it "spectacular and devoid of politics"<ref>[http://www.thrfeed.com/2008/08/olympics-review.html Olympics opening ceremony reviews -- The Live Feed <!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> though it was later revealed that the televised fireworks were enhanced with computer animation. Another cosmetic enhancement in China's quest for a perfect Summer Games was using a cute girl to lip-sync over the singing voice of a girl with "chubby face and crooked baby teeth" during the opening ceremony song [[Ode to the Motherland]].<ref>[http://www.wopular.com/node/980390 Olympic opening uses girl's voice, not face]</ref><br />
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More than 100 sovereigns, heads of state and heads of government as well as 170 Ministers of Sport will be attending the Beijing Olympic Games.<ref>[http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2698 IOC President to meet with world leaders]</ref><br />
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=== Closing ceremony ===<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics closing ceremony}}<br />
The 2008 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony will conclude the Beijing Games on [[August 24]], [[2008]]. It is scheduled to begin at 8:00pm [[China Standard Time]] ([[UTC+8]]), and to take place at the [[Beijing National Stadium]].<br />
<br />
[[British]] singer [[Leona Lewis]] is scheduled to perform at the closing ceremony, representing the change from Beijing to [[London]].<ref>Knight, Tom. [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/2303411/London-rap-troupe-fly-flag-at-Beijing-Olympics.html London rap troupe fly flag at Beijing Olympics] ''The Telegraph''. 16 June, 2008. Accessed 24 July, 2008.</ref> The Ceremony will also include the handover of the games from Beijing to [[London]]. [[Guo Jinlong]], the [[Mayor of Beijing]] will hand over the [[Olympic symbols#Flag|Olympic flag]] to the Mayor of London [[Boris Johnson]], and there will be a performance by the [[London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games]] (LOCOG).<br />
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===Participating NOCs===<br />
[[Image:2008 Olympic games countries.svg|thumb|250px|Participating nations]]<br />
Following the Opening Ceremony on [[August 8]], [[2008]], all but one (Brunei) of the current 205 [[National Olympic Committee]]s (NOCs)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/organisation/noc/index_uk.asp |title=National Olympic Committees |publisher=International Olympic Committee |accessdate=2008-03-11}}</ref> will participate. [[China at the 2008 Summer Olympics|China]] and the [[United States at the 2008 Summer Olympics|United States]] have the largest teams, with 639 and 596<ref name="USOC Delegation">[http://teamusa.org/news/article/2744 2008 United States Olympic Team Entered Into XXVIV Olympic Games in Beijing, China], USOC, July 24, 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.asianweek.com/2008/08/08/asian-americans-going-for-the-gold-in/ "Asian Americans Going for the Gold in…"]. [[AsianWeek]]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[08-11]].</ref>competitors respectively. Several countries are represented at the games by a single athlete.<br />
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Three countries participated for their first time in history: The [[Marshall Islands]], [[Montenegro]] and [[Tuvalu]].<br />
<br />
[[South Africa]]n swimmer [[Natalie du Toit]], five time gold medalist at the [[2004 Summer Paralympics|Athens Paralympics in 2004]], has qualified to compete at the Beijing Olympics, thus making history by becoming the first [[amputee]] to qualify for the Olympic Games since [[Olivér Halassy]] in 1936.<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/05/04/sbswim104.xml "Dreams carry Natalie Du Toit to Beijing"], ''The Telegraph'', May 4, 2008</ref><ref>[http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/swimming/news/story?id=3379722 "Du Toit, who lost leg in scooter accident, will swim in Beijing Games"], Reuters, May 3, 2008</ref> [[Natalia Partyka]] (who was born without a right forearm) will compete in Table Tennis for Poland.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.london2012.com/blog/2008/06/18/natalia-paralympic-and-olympic-athlete.php |title=Natalia: Paralympic AND Olympic athlete |accessdate=2008-07-15}}</ref><br />
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[[Image:Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg|150px|thumb|border|right|TPE]]<br />
As in the previous games since 1984, athletes from the [[Republic of China]] ([[Taiwan]]) are competing at the Olympics as "[[Chinese Taipei]]" (TPE) <ref>[http://en.olympic.cn/china_oly/history/2004-03-27/121827.html "Reinstatement in the Olympic Movement"], Chinese Olympic Committee, March 27, 2004</ref> under the "Chinese Taipei Olympic flag" and using the [[National Banner Song]] as their official anthem. The participation of Taiwan had been in doubt due to disagreements over the designation of the team in the Chinese language, and concerns that Taiwan would march in the Opening Ceremony next to the Chinese Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong.<ref>[http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24123163-5013406,00.html "Taiwan clears Games hurdle"], ''[[The Australian]]'', August 4, 2008</ref> Supporters inside and outside of the venues will not be able to display the [[flag of the Republic of China]].<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/08/12/asia/AS-OLY-Taiwan-China.php "Taiwanese plan to skirt Olympics flag ban"], ''[[International Herald Tribune]] - Asia-Pacific'', August 12, 2008</ref><br />
{{clear}}<br />
<div align="center"><br />
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" style="width:100%"<br />
! List of Participating NOCs<br />
|-<br />
|<br />
Below is a list of all the participating NOCs (where available, the number of competitors per delegation is indicated in parentheses):<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics NOCs}}<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
====Participation changes====<br />
The [[Marshall Islands]] and [[Tuvalu]] gained National Olympic Committee status in 2006 and 2007 respectively, and are participating in the Games.<ref name="Tuvalu">{{cite news | title = Robert Meets IOC President| url = http://www.oceaniasport.com/tuvalu/| publisher =[[ONOC]] | date = [[2005-04-02]] | accessdate = 2006-12-17 }}</ref><ref name="New NOCs accepted">{{cite news |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2237 |title=Two new National Olympic Committees on board! |publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]] |date=[[2007-07-06]] |accessdate=2007-07-08}}</ref><br />
<br />
The states of [[Serbia]] and [[Montenegro]], which participated at the 2004 Games jointly as [[Serbia and Montenegro]], are now competing separately. The Montenegrin Olympic Committee was accepted as a new National Olympic Committee in 2007.<ref name="New NOCs accepted" /> IOC has promised to recognise the newly independent Republic of [[Kosovo]], but not in time for the nation to compete in the Olympics.<ref>{{cite news|title=IOC to recognise Kosovo |publisher=News24 |date=2008-02-17|url=http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/More_Sport/0,,2-9-32_2272369,00.html|accessdate=2008-02-17}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[North Korea]] and [[South Korea]] held meetings to discuss the possibility of sending a united team to the 2008 Olympics,<ref name="Korea1">{{cite news | title = Koreas 'to unify Olympics teams'| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4396170.stm| publisher =[[BBC]] | date = [[2006-05-14]] | accessdate = 2006-12-17 }}</ref><ref name="Korea2">{{cite news | title = Two Koreas Make Progress in Creation of Unified Team| url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=1893| publisher =[[International Olympic Committee]] | date = [[2006-09-05]] | accessdate = 2006-09-10 }}</ref> but the proposal failed, due to disagreements between the two NOCs on the proportion of athletes from the two countries within the team.<br />
<br />
On [[July 24]], [[2008]], the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC) banned [[Iraq at the 2008 Summer Olympics|Iraq]] from competing in the 2008 Olympic Summer Games due to "political interference by the government in sports."<ref>{{cite news | title = Iraq banned from Summer Olympics | publisher = [[CNN]] | date = 2008-07-24 | url = http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/07/24/iraq.olympics/index.html | accessdate = 2008-07-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Iraq banned from Beijing Olympics | publisher = [[BBC Sport]] | date = 2008-07-24 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympics/7523708.stm | accessdate = 2008-07-24}}</ref> On [[July 29]], the IOC reversed its decision and will allow the nation to compete after a pledge by Iraq to ensure "the independence of its national Olympics panel" by instituting fair elections before the end of November. Until then, Iraq's Olympic Organisation will be run by "an interim committee proposed by its national sports federations and approved by the IOC."<ref>[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/olympics/2008/07/29/bc.oly.iraq.olympicstops.ap/index.html?cnn=yes IOC lifts Iraq's Olympic suspension]</ref><br />
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[[Brunei|Brunei Darussalam]] were due to take part in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. However, they were disqualified on [[August 8]], having failed to register either of their athletes.<ref>{{cite news | title = Brunei Darussalam excluded from Beijing Olympic Games | publisher = [[Xinhua]] | date = 2008-08-08 | url = http://www.china.org.cn/olympics/news/2008-08/08/content_16167337.htm | accessdate = 2008-08-08}}</ref> The [[International Olympic Committee|IOC]] spokeswoman [[Emmanuelle Moreau]] said in a statement that "it is a great shame and very sad for the athletes who lose out because of the decision by their team not to register them. The IOC tried up until the last minute, midday Friday [[8 August]] [[2008]], the day of the official opening, to have them register, but to no avail."<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-Olympics/idUSPEK32791920080808 Brunei excluded from Beijing Games]</ref> Brunei's Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports submitted a Press release why Brunei decided not to participate in Beijing, stated that "one athlete competing in the shot putt event Mohd Yazid Yatimi Yusof (who) has undergone intensive training since March ... injured himself in June (right liotibial strain with mild lateral ministrial knee injury), when he was competing in the Pesta Sukan Kebangsaan (National Sports Festival)". The Brunei Darussalam Olympic Council (BNOC) issued a Press release stating that "it had to wait for approval from the Youth and Sports Department under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports as to whether Brunei Darussalam could be represented at the Olympic Games".<ref>[http://www.bt.com.bn/en/sport/2008/08/10/brunei_not_in_china_because]</ref> It is also noted that the withdrawal can lead Brunei to being sanctioned and appropriate action will be taken after the closing of the Olympics on August 24.<ref>[http://www.ranoadidas.com/?p=1576]</ref><br />
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[[Democratic Republic of Georgia|Georgia]] announced on August 9, 2008 that it is considering withdrawing from the Beijing Olympic Games due to [[2008 South Ossetia War|current military conflict in South Ossetia]]. Certain participating Georgian athletes have made known they want to leave the Olympics in order to fight with the Georgian army.<ref>[http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Olympics2008/0,,2-9-2370_2372929,00.html]</ref><br />
<br />
===Sports===<br />
[[Image:Swimming 2008.gif|thumb|110px|left|This pictogram depicts ''Swimming''.]]<br />
The program for the Beijing 2008 Games is quite similar to that of the [[2004 Summer Olympics|Athens Games]] held in 2004. The 2008 Olympics will see the return of 28 sports, and will hold 302 events (165 men’s events, 127 women’s events, and 10 mixed events), one event more in total than in Athens.<br />
<br />
Overall 9 new events will be held, which include 2 from the new [[Cycling at the Summer Olympics|cycling]] discipline of [[BMX at the Summer Olympics|BMX]]. Women will compete in the 3000 m [[steeplechase (athletics)|steeplechase]] for the first time. In addition, marathon swimming events for men and women, over the distance of 10 kilometres, will be added to the swimming discipline. Team events (men and women) in [[table tennis]] will replace the doubles events. In [[fencing]], women's team foil and women's team sabre will replace men's team foil and women's team [[epee]].<ref>The fencing programme will again include all six individual events and four team events, though the team events will be a different set than were held in 2004. The [[Fédération Internationale d'Escrime|International Fencing Federation's]] rules call for events not held in the previous Games to receive automatic selection and for at least one team event in each weapon to be held. Voting is conducted to determine the fourth event. In 2004, the three men's team events and the women's épée were held. Thus, in 2008, the women's foil and sabre events and men's épée were automatically selected. Men's sabre was chosen over foil by a 45–20 vote.</ref><ref name="FencingTeam">{{cite web |type=pdf |url=http://www.fie.ch/download/letters/2006/urgent/09/en/decisions%20ANG.pdf |title=List of decisions of the 2006 General Assembly |date=[[2006-04-08]] |publisher=[[Federation Internationale d'Escrime]] |accessdate=2007-04-22|format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=2008programme>{{cite news |url = http://olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=1797 |title = Beijing 2008: Games Programme Finalised |publisher = International Olympic Committee |date = [[2006-04-27]] |accessdate = 2006-05-10}}</ref><ref>[http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_1056.pdf Programme of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, Beijing 2008], International Olympic Committee. Retrieved on May 15, 2006.</ref><br />
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The [[Beijing Organizing Committee]] have released [[pictogram]]s of the 35 Olympic disciplines. This set of sport icons is named ''the beauty of seal characters'', due to each pictogram's likeness to Chinese [[seal script]].<ref name="pictograms">{{cite news |url = http://en.beijing2008.com/37/34/article212033437.shtml |title = Pictograms of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games unveiled |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |date = [[2006-08-07]] |accessdate = 2006-08-09}}</ref><br />
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The following are the sports to be contested at these Games. The number of events to be contested in each sport is indicated in parentheses.<br />
{{Col-begin}}<br />
{{Col-1-of-4}}<br />
* Aquatics<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Diving|2008 Summer|8}}<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Swimming|2008 Summer|34}}<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Synchronized swimming|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Water polo|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Archery|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Athletics|2008 Summer|47}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Badminton|2008 Summer|5}}<br />
{{Col-2-of-4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Baseball|2008 Summer|1}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Basketball|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Boxing|2008 Summer|11}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Canoeing|2008 Summer|16}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Cycling|2008 Summer|18}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Equestrian|2008 Summer|6}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Fencing|2008 Summer|10}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Field hockey|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
{{Col-3-of-4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Football|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Gymnastics|2008 Summer|18}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Handball|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Judo|2008 Summer|14}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Modern pentathlon|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Rowing|2008 Summer|14}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Sailing|2008 Summer|11}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Shooting|2008 Summer|15}}<br />
{{Col-4-of-4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Softball|2008 Summer|1}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Table tennis|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Taekwondo|2008 Summer|8}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Tennis|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Triathlon|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Volleyball|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Weightlifting|2008 Summer|15}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Wrestling|2008 Summer|18}}<br />
{{Col-end}}<br />
<br />
===Calendar===<br />
In the following calendar for the 2008 Olympic Games, each blue box represents an event competition, such as a qualification round, on that day. The yellow boxes represent days during which medal-awarding finals for a sport are held. Each bullet in these boxes is an event final, the number of bullets per box representing the number of finals that will be contested on that day.<ref name="Calendar">{{cite web|url = http://en.beijing2008.cn/cptvenues/schedule/ |title = Olympic Games Competition Schedule |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |accessdate = 2007-07-05 }}</ref><br />
<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics Calendar}}<br />
<br />
===Medal table===<br />
[[Image:Beijingolympicsmedals.jpg|thumb|right|The reverse side of the medals of the 2008 Summer Olympics: silver (left), gold (center), bronze (right)]]<br />
{{Main|2008 Summer Olympics medal table}}<br />
These are the top-ten positions so far:<br />
<br />
{| {{RankedMedalTable|class=wikitable sortable}}<br />
|- <br />
| 1 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|CHN|2008 Summer}} || 26 || 9 || 6 || 41<br />
|-<br />
| 2 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|USA|2008 Summer}} || 14 || 13 || 19 || 46<br />
|-<br />
| 3 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|GER|2008 Summer}} || 8 || 2 || 4 || 14<br />
|-<br />
| 4 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|KOR|2008 Summer}} || 6 || 9 || 3 || 18<br />
|-<br />
| 5 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|ITA|2008 Summer}} || 6 || 4 || 4 || 14<br />
|-<br />
| 6 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|JPN|2008 Summer}} || 6 || 4 || 3 || 13<br />
|-<br />
| 7 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|AUS|2008 Summer}} || 5 || 7 || 8 || 20<br />
|-<br />
| 8 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|RUS|2008 Summer}} || 3 || 8 || 8 || 19<br />
|-<br />
| 9 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|FRA|2008 Summer}} || 3 || 8 || 7 || 18<br />
|-<br />
| 10 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|GBR|2008 Summer}} || 3 || 2 || 3 || 8<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Concerns and controversies==<br />
[[Image:Human Rights Abuse Cannot Co-exist with Beijing Olympics.jpg|thumb|right|The banner reads: "Human Rights Abuse Cannot Co-exist with Beijing Olympics", picture taken during the opening of the [[Human Rights Torch Relay]] event]]<br />
{{main|Concerns over the 2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
A variety of concerns over the games have been expressed by various entities; including allegations that China violated its [[Beijing 2008 Olympic bid|pledge]] to allow open media access,<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/sports/olympics/09beijing.html?ref=olympics Two Concerns for Olympics - Air and Access - NYTimes.com]</ref> various alleged human rights violations,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3545274,00.html|title=Protestors Rally in Europe on Eve of China Olympics|date=2008-08-07 |publisher=Deutsche Welle|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=c06e4f24-ea77-467c-960e-abc94721e094|title=China's un-Olympic human rights record||publisher=Calgary Herald|date=2008-08-09|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iM4HoqRxdb5TWSCC16uQuHn2_q7g|title=Canadian protests over China's human-rights record continue prior to Games|date=2008-08-08 |publisher=Haaretz|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> [[air pollution]] in both the city of Beijing and in neighbouring areas,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-08/07/content_6912755.htm|title=Ji Xinpeng: Beijing welcomes you with its blue sky|accessdate=2008-08-08|work=China Daily|date=2008-08-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/world/20080727dy01.htm|title=Beijing failing to clear the air|date= 2008-07-27|publisher=The Daily Yomiuri|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> proposed [[Olympic boycotts|boycotts]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Kosyrev|first=Dmitry |url=http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20080806/115849259.html|title=Beijing Olympics as a diplomatic convention|accessdate=2008-08-09|work=RIA Novosti|date=2008-08-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1009630.html|first=Saul|last=Newman|title=Why Grandpa boycotted the Olympics|date= |publisher=Haaretz|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> warnings of the possibility that the Beijing Olympics could be targeted by terrorist groups,<ref>[http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080425.wolyminterpol0425/BNStory/International/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20080425.wolyminterpol0425 ''Interpol says Olympic terror attack 'real possibility'.'' The Globe and Mail. Accessed: April 25, 2008]</ref> foiled [[2008 Xinjiang attack|sabotage attempt]], potentially violent disruption from pro-Tibetan protesters,<ref name="interpol">[http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/25042008/3/interpol-chief-warns-olympic-terror-threat.html ''Interpol chief warns of Olympic terror threat''. Yahoo! Eurosport UK. Accessed: August 8, 2008]</ref> equivocal religious freedoms,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-08-10-voa26.cfm|title=Bush Olympic Visit Highlights Religion in China|date=2008-08-10|publisher=Voice of America|first=Mike|last=O'Sullivan}}</ref> the banning of ethnic Tibetans from working in Beijing for the duration of the games,<ref>[http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008087495_olystrict02.html ''Seattle Times'' article]</ref> criticisms of policies mandating the electronic surveillance of internationally owned hotels,<ref>[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gAkDaSkHWHboscdhQZwdRBt6hZnw AFP: China plans to spy on Olympic hotel guests: US senator]</ref><ref>[http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-olyspy30-2008jul30,0,5823677.story Sen. Brownback says China monitoring Internet access in hotels - Los Angeles Times]</ref><ref>[http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jiZadkVJSv7CQ7lHqBOIlkTqVmzgD927QP880 The Associated Press: Senator: China spying on Internet use in hotels]</ref> displacement of residents<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/19/AR2008021901612.html|title=China Defends Relocation Policy|first=Maureen|last=Fan|work=[[The Washington Post]]|publisher =[[The Washington Post Company]]|date=2008-02-20|accessdate=2008-08-09|coauthors=Jie, Zhang}}</ref>, the silencing of dissenting voices by means of torture<br />
<ref>[http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/29-03-2006/78007-China-0/ "Chinese rights activist Zeng Jinyan disappears" International Herald Tribune, August 9, 2008]</ref>, arrests<ref>[http://observers.france24.com/en/content/blogger_put_prison_criticising_olympic_games "Blogger put in prison for criticizing the Olympic Games" The Observers by France, August 15, 2008]</ref>, harassment<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100/article/0,28804,1595326_1615754_1616169,00.html/ "Zeng Jinyan - The TIME 100," TIME Magazine, May 14, 2007]</ref> and forcible disappearances and ticket adversities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/web/british-fraud-ran-beijing-ticket-scam/2008/08/06/1217702097417.html|title=British fraud ran Beijing ticket scam|date=2008-08-06|publisher=theage.com.au |accessdate=2008-07-12}}</ref> <br />
<br />
Additionally, [[International Tibet Independence Movement|pro-Tibetan independence]] proponents have exhibited disdain and protested the games,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7550802.stm |title=Protest attempt at Olympic event|date= |publisher=[[BBC News]]|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> [[human rights]] activists critical of China's role in the [[Darfur conflict]] have sought policy change,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7503428.stm? |title=China 'is fuelling war in Darfur' |date= |publisher=[[BBC News]] |accessdate=2008-07-12}}</ref> and Americans have voiced concerns regarding the persecution of some religious groups.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/440097402.html|title=4 Winds Allows Olympic Testimonies Underground -- China is Hypocritical in Treatment of Christians on the Streets|accessdate=2008-08-08|work=Christian Newswire|date=2008-08-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Colson|first=Chuck|url=http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080803/bush-china-and-the-olympics.htm|title=Bush, China, and the Olympics|accessdate=2008-08-08|work=The Christian Post|date=2008-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.epochtimes.com/n2/china/china-church-leader-olympics-2336.html|author=Qin Yue & Li Mingcai|title=Beijing Intensifies Suppression of House Churches Ahead of Olympics|date=2008-08-07|accessdate=2008-08-11|work=Sound of Hope Radio|publisher=Epoch Times}}</ref><ref name="cna">{{cite web|url=http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=13474|title=Chinese bishop explains reasons for participating in Olympic opening ceremonies|publisher=Catholic News Agency|accessdate=2008-08-10|date=2008-08-08}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{portalpar|Olympics|Olympic Rings.svg}}<br />
*[[2008 Summer Olympics highlights]]<br />
*[[2008 Summer Olympics medal table]]<br />
*[[2008 Summer Paralympics]]<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
{{reflist|3}}<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
{{Commons cat|2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
* [http://en.beijing2008.cn/ Official Website of the 2008 Summer Olympics]<br />
* [http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/index_uk.asp IOC Official 2008 Summer Olympics Website]<br />
* [http://results.beijing2008.cn/WRM/ENG/INF/GL/95A/GL0000000.shtml 2008 Olympics Medal Count]<br />
<br />
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{{start box}}<br />
{{succession box|title=''[[Summer Olympic Games]]'' <br> Host City|before=[[2004 Summer Olympics|Athens]]|after=[[2012 Summer Olympics|London]]|years=''XXIX Olympiad'' (2008)}}<br />
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{{Olympic Games}}<br />
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{{2008 Summer Olympics venues}}<br />
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[[Category:2008 Summer Olympics| ]]<br />
[[Category:Sports festivals in China]]<br />
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Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2008_Summer_Olympics&diff=232220545
2008 Summer Olympics
2008-08-16T01:08:07Z
<p>Yupi666: /* Concerns and controversies */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{pp-semi-vandalism|small=yes}}<br />
{{Current sport|olympics=Yes}}<br />
{{redirect|Beijing 2008|the video game|Beijing 2008 (video game)}}<br />
{{Olympics infobox|2008|Summer|<br />
| Logo = Beijing 2008 Olympics logo.svg<br />
| Size = 150<br />
| Name = Official logo of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games<br />
| Optional caption = 同一个世界 同一个梦想 ('''''One World, One Dream''''')<br />The "[[Dancing Beijing]]" emblem, depicting<br /> a [[Seal (Chinese)|Chinese seal]] inscribed with the <br />character "Jīng" (京, from the name of the <br />host city) in the form of a dancing figure.<br />
| Motto = 同一個世界 同一個夢想 ([[traditional Chinese]])<br />
| Motto = '''''One World, One Dream''''' ([[English]])<br />
| Nations participating = 204 NOCs [[#Participating NOCs|(See below)]]<br />
| Athletes participating = 11,028<ref name="athletes_number">{{cite press release|title=NOC entry forms received|publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]]|date=2008-08-01 |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/official/preparation/n214496035.shtml|accessdate=2008-08-08|quote=(...) confirmed the qualification of 11,028 athletes, including 363 supplement athletes holding a P card.}}</ref><br />
| Officially opened by = [[President of the People's Republic of China|President]] [[Hu Jintao]]<br />
| Athlete's Oath = [[Zhang Yining]]<br />
| Judge's Oath = [[Huang Liping]]<br />
| Olympic Torch = [[Li Ning]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
{{contains Chinese text}}<br />
The '''2008 Summer Olympic Games''', officially known as the '''Games of the XXIX Olympiad''', is a major [[international]] [[multi-sport event]] which is being held in [[Beijing]], [[People's Republic of China]], from [[August 8]] (except [[Football at the 2008 Summer Olympics|football]], which started on [[August 6]]) to [[August 24]], [[2008]], and will be followed by the [[2008 Summer Paralympics]], from [[September 6]] to [[September 17]]. A total of 10,500 athletes are expected to compete in 302 events in 28 sports, one event more than was on the schedule of the [[2004 Summer Olympics|2004 games]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/full_story_uk.asp?id=1805 |title=6th Coordination Commission Visit To Begin Tomorrow |publisher=International Olympic Committee |accessdate=2006-05-20}}</ref> The 2008 Beijing Olympics will also mark the third time that Olympic events will have been held in the territories of two different [[National Olympic Committee]]s (NOC), as the equestrian events are being held in [[Hong Kong]].<br />
<br />
The [[Olympic games]] [[2008 Summer Olympics bids|were awarded]] to Beijing after an [[exhaustive ballot]] of the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC) on [[July 13]], [[2001]]. The official logo of the games, titled "[[Dancing Beijing]]," features a stylised calligraphic character ''jīng'' (京, meaning ''capital''), referring to the host city. The mascots of Beijing 2008 are the five [[Fuwa]] <ref>{{cite web|url=http://watch-olympics-online.co.cc/about.php |title=Fuwa Fact Sheet |accessdate=2008-05-14}}</ref>, each representing both a colour of the [[Olympic symbols#Flag|Olympic rings]] and a symbol of Chinese culture. The Olympic slogan, ''One World, One Dream'', calls upon the world to unite in the Olympic spirit. Several new NOCs have also been recognised by the IOC.<br />
<br />
The [[Government of the People's Republic of China|Chinese government]] has promoted the games to highlight China's emergence on the world stage and has invested heavily in new facilities and transportation systems.<ref>{{cite news|title=China's coming out party |publisher=Toronto Star |month=August | year=2007 |url =http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Olympics/article/242172}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=2008-The Year of China? |publisher=BusinessCenter.TV |date=2007-08-07 |url= http://www.webcastr.com/videos/travel_leisure/2008-the-year-of-china.html|accessdate=2008-01-02}}</ref> A total of 37 venues will be used to host the events including 12 newly constructed venues. Earlier in 2007, former IOC president [[Juan Antonio Samaranch]] had said that he believes that the Beijing games will be "the best in Olympic history,"<ref name="Samaranch">{{cite news |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/culture/festivals/exhibition/n214101234.shtml |title=Beijing 2008 will be best-ever Games: Samaranch |date=[[2007-06-25]] |accessdate=2007-06-25 |publisher=BOCOG}}</ref> and current president [[Jacques Rogge]] asserts that the IOC has "absolutely no regrets" in choosing Beijing to host the 2008 games.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nbcolympics.com/blogs/blog=alanabrahamsonsblog/postid=163687.html |title="Absolutely no regrets" in coming to China, IOC president says |publisher=NBC |date=[[2008-08-02]] |accessdate=2008-08-02 |author=Abrahamson, Alan}}</ref> The choice of China as a host country has been a subject of criticism by American politicians and [[NGOs]] concerned about China's [[Human rights in the People's Republic of China|human rights]] record.<ref>Ian Traynor and Jonathan Watts: ''[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/mar/29/germany.olympicgames2008 Merkel says she will not attend opening of Beijing Olympics.]'' Guardian on-line. March 29 2008</ref><ref>Amnesty International: ''[http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/ASA17/075/2008/en/1f55daf2-37c8-11dd-9ec6-1d6085451ee8/asa170752008eng.pdf China: The two faces of the Beijing Olympics.]'' 1 June 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
==Bid==<br />
{| class="wikitable" align="right"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" | 2008 Summer Olympics bidding results<br />
|-<br />
! City<br />
! NOC<br />
| bgcolor="silver" |'''Round 1'''<br />
| bgcolor="silver" |'''Round 2'''<br />
|-<br />
| [[Beijing]] || {{flagicon|China}} [[People's Republic of China|China]] || align="center"| '''44''' || align="center"| '''56'''<br />
|-<br />
| [[Toronto]]|| {{flagicon|Canada}} [[Canada]] || align="center"| 20 || align="center"| 22<br />
|-<br />
| [[Paris]] || {{flagicon|France}} [[France]] || align="center"| 15 || align="center"| 18<br />
|-<br />
| [[Istanbul]] || {{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Turkey]] || align="center"| 17 || align="center"| 9<br />
|-<br />
| [[Osaka]] || {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Japan]] || align="center"| 6 || align="center"| —<br />
|}<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics bids|Beijing 2008 Olympic bid}}<br />
Beijing was elected the host city on [[July 13]], [[2001]], during the 112th [[International Olympic Committee|IOC]] Session in [[Moscow]], beating [[Toronto]], [[Paris]], [[Istanbul]], and [[Osaka]]. Prior to the session, five other cities ([[Bangkok]], [[Cairo]], [[Havana]], [[Kuala Lumpur]], and [[Seville]]) submitted bids to the IOC but failed to make the short list in 2000. After the first round of voting, Beijing held a significant lead over the other four candidates. Osaka received only six votes and was eliminated. In the second round, Beijing was supported by an [[absolute majority]] of voters, eliminating the need for subsequent rounds.<ref name="Election">{{cite web|url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/election_uk.asp |title = Beijing 2008: Election |publisher = International Olympic Committee |accessdate = 2006-12-18}}</ref><br />
<br />
After winning the bid, [[Li Lanqing]], the vice premier of China, declared "The winning of the 2008 Olympic bid is an example of the international recognition of China's social stability, economic progress and the healthy life of the Chinese people." Previously, Beijing had [[2000 Summer Olympics bids|lost a close bid]] to [[Sydney]] for the chance to host the [[2000 Summer Olympics]].<br />
<br />
==Development and preparation==<br />
===Venues===<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics venues| Olympic Green}}<br />
By May 2007, construction of all 31 Beijing-based Olympic Games venues had begun.<ref name="Under construction">{{cite news |publisher=BOCOG |date=2007-05-11 |accessdate=2007-05-11 |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/01/32/article214073201.shtml |title=All Beijing-based Olympic venues under construction}}</ref> The [[Chinese language|Chinese]] government has also invested in the renovation and construction of six venues outside Beijing as well as 59 training centres. Its largest [[Architecture|architectural]] pieces are the [[Beijing National Stadium]], [[Beijing National Indoor Stadium]], [[Beijing National Aquatics Centre]], [[Olympic Green Convention Centre]], [[Olympic Green]], and [[Beijing Wukesong Culture & Sports Center]]. Almost 85% of the [[construction]] budget for the six main venues is funded by [[United States dollar|US$]]2.1 billion ([[Renminbi|RMB¥]]17.4 billion) in corporate bids and tenders. Investments are expected from corporations seeking ownership rights after the 2008 Summer Olympics. Some venues will be owned and governed by the ''State General Administration of Sports'', which will use them after the Olympics as facilities for all future national sports teams and events. The 2008 Beijing Olympics are officially the most expensive games in history with a total of $40.9 billion spent between 2001 and 2007 on infrastructure, energy, transportation and water supply projects.<ref>[http://www.2008beijingolimpics.com/the-olympics/the-beijing-olympics-the-most-expensive-games-in-history/ The Most Expensive Games In History], Beijing 2008. Retrieved on August 5, 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
Some events are being held outside Beijing, namely [[Football at the Summer Olympics|football]] in [[Qinhuangdao]], [[Shanghai]], [[Shenyang]], and [[Tianjin]]; [[Sailing at the 2008 Summer Olympics|sailing]] in [[Qingdao]]; and, because of "uncertainties of equine diseases and major difficulties in establishing a disease-free zone", [[Equestrian at the Summer Olympics|equestrian]] in [[Hong Kong]].<ref>[http://en.beijing2008.com/46/67/column211716746.shtml Olympic Venues], Beijing 2008. Retrieved on May 15, 2006.</ref><br />
<br />
====Beijing National Stadium====<br />
{{main|Beijing National Stadium}}<br />
[[Image:Bird's Nest stadium, May 2008.jpg|thumb|right|350px|The Beijing National Stadium.]]<br />
The centrepiece of the 2008 Summer Olympics is the Beijing National Stadium, nicknamed the '''Bird's Nest''' because of its nest-like skeletal structure.<ref name="391 days left">{{cite news |url=http://olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2244 |title=The Olympic Games en route for Beijing |publisher=International Olympic Committee |date=2007-07-13 |accessdate=2007-07-16}}</ref> Construction of the venue began on [[December 24]], [[2003]]. The [[Guangdong Olympic Stadium]] was originally planned, constructed, and completed in 2001 for the games, but a decision was made to construct a new stadium in Beijing.{{Clarifyme|date=May 2008}}<ref>[http://www.architectureweek.com/2002/0501/design_1-1.html ArchitectureWeek - Design - China's Banner Stadium - 2002.0501<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Government officials engaged architects worldwide in a design competition. A [[Switzerland|Swiss]] firm, [[Herzog & de Meuron]] Architekten AG, collaborated with China Architecture Design & Research Group to win the competition. The stadium features a lattice-like concrete skeleton forming the stadium bowl and will have a seating capacity of over 90,000 people during the Olympics. Architects originally described the overall design as resembling a bird nest with an immense ocular—an opening with a [[retractable roof]] over the stadium. However, in 2004, the idea of retractable roof was abandoned for economic and safety reasons. The Beijing National Stadium will be the site of the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the athletics events and soccer finals. The stadium's designer [[Ai Weiwei]] has since withdrawn his support for China's Olympic games, saying "he wants nothing to do with them anymore".<ref>{{Clarifyme|date=May 2008}}{{cite news |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-CdWcszb_8|title=Stadium designer blasts China Olympics|publisher=Aljazeera|date=2007-08-12 |accessdate=2007-07-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/08/13/china.olympics.reut/?iref=mpstoryview|title= Chinese architect slams Olympic 'pretend smile'|accessdate=2007-08-16 |publisher= Reuters}}</ref><br />
<br />
Most recently, the [[Beijing Olympic Village]] opened on [[July 16]], [[2008]] and to the public on [[July 26]], [[2008]].<br />
<br />
===Transport===<br />
[[Image:Beijing 2008 olympic venues.png|thumb|right|250px|A map of the Olympic venues in Beijing. Several expressways [[Beltway|encircle]] the center of the city, providing for quick transportation around the city and between venues.]]<br />
In preparation for the huge rush during the games, [[Beijing Subway|Beijing's subway]] system underwent a major expansion which increased its capacity to more than twice its previous size. The previous system was composed of 4 lines and 64 stations. An additional 7 lines and more than 80 new stations were constructed, including a direct link to [[Beijing Capital International Airport]]. In the airport itself, 11 unmanned trains, each transporting a maximum of 83 passengers, will expedite the movement of people throughout the new terminal building.<ref name="Airport trains">{{cite news |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/olympiccities/beijing/n214096864.shtml |title=Un-manned trains to operate at new airport terminal building |date=[[2007-06-13]] |publisher=[[BOCOG]] |accessdate=2007-06-17}}</ref> Most of them are scheduled to operate from [[June 30]], [[2008]], one month before the start of the games. In 2007 January, the [[BOCOG]] announced that the Metro cars will be fitted with video screens showing the latest news and events during the games. Additionally, cellphone signals would be made available, so that people can use their communication devices in the metro stations or underground.<ref name="Video screen">{{cite news |url = http://en.beijing2008.cn/31/45/article214014531.shtml |title = Official: passengers can watch the Games in Beijing metro |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |date = [[2007-01-31]] |accessdate = 2006-02-15}}</ref> On August 1, [[Beijing South Railway Station]] was reopened after two years of construction. The 120-km long [[Beijing–Tianjin Intercity Rail]] opened on the same day that connects the new railway station with Olympic co-host city Tianjin with world's [[Land speed record for railed vehicles|fastest]] scheduled train service at 350&nbsp;km/h.<ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/olympics/article4442873.ece China inaugurates 220mph fastest rail service in world in time for Olympics]</ref><br />
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According to the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China, a new five-level [[Emergency population warning|emergency alert system]] for [[extreme weather]] and security threats will be implemented in the airport. This system is designed to ensure smooth and safe transportation for the estimated 3 million domestic and overseas visitors who will flock to Beijing for the games in 2008 August.<ref name="Airport security system">{{cite news |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/dynamics/headlines/n214101265.shtml |title=Beijing airport to launch emergency alert mechanism for Olympics |date=[[2007-06-25]] |accessdate=2007-06-25 |publisher=[[BOCOG]]}}</ref><br />
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On the ground, Beijing is set to designate 38 official public transit routes that will link the Olympic venues. During the games, 2,500 large-size [[bus]]es and 4,500 [[minibus]]es will be operated by a total of 8,000 drivers to transport people across various venues. Prior to the games, public transport will be optimised in order to reduce the existing 110 overlapping routes.<ref name="Transportation">{{cite news |url = http://en.beijing2008.cn/05/25/article214012505.shtml |title = 38 public transit routes to the Olympic venues |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |date = [[2007-01-22]] |accessdate = 2007-01-29}}</ref><br />
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Athletes, Olympic guests and media will be moved around the city in a fleet of 5,000 Volkswagen "low-emission, low-consumption" vehicles.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.ausmotive.com/2008/08/02/volkswagen-claims-green-medal-at-2008-olympic-games-in-beijing.html|title=Volkswagen claims ‘Green’ medal at 2008 Olympic Games | author= AUSmotive.com | date=2008-08-02 | accessdate=2008-08-02 | language= }}</ref><br />
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[[Beijing]] will be implementing a temporary [[road space rationing]] based on plate numbers during the Games in order to significantly improve air quality in the city.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/world/asia/15china.html?hp|title=Traffic Beijing Stops Construction for Olympics | author= Andrew Jacobs | date=2008-04-14 | publisher= New York Times | accessdate=2008-04-14 | language= }}</ref> Under the traffic plan made public on [[June 20]], [[2008]], the rationing will be enforced for two months, between July 20 to September 20, as the Olympics will begin on August 8, and then will be followed by the 2008 [[Paralympics]], from September 6 until 17.<ref name="Examiner08">{{cite news| url=http://www.examiner.com/a-1451114~Beijing_sets_restrictions_on_cars_during_Olympics.html |title=Beijing sets restrictions on cars during Olympics | author= Stephen Wade | date=2008-06-20 | publisher=National Examiner | accessdate=2008-06-23 | language= }}</ref>{{Dead link|date=August 2008}} The restrictions will be in placed on alternate days depending on the plates ending in odd or even numbers. This measure is expected to take 45% of the 3.3 million car fleet off the streets. In addition, 300,000 heavy polluting vehicles will be banned from July 1, and the plan also prohibits access to most vehicles coming from outside Beijing. The boosted public transport network is expected to absorb this additional demand, estimated in more than 4 million extra passengers per day.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/23/2282484.htm?site=olympics/2008 |title=Beijing to launch Olympic 'odd-even' car ban | author= Reuters | date=2008-06-23 | publisher=ABC news | accessdate=2008-06-23 | language= }}</ref><ref name="Examiner08"/><br />
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===Marketing===<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics marketing}}<br />
The 2008 Summer Olympics emblem is known as [[Dancing Beijing]] ({{zh-s|舞动的北京}}). The emblem combines a traditional Chinese red seal and a representation of the [[Chinese calligraphy|calligraphic]] [[Chinese character|character]] ''jīng'' ([[wikt:京|京]], "national capital", also the second character of Beijing's Chinese name) with athletic features. The open arms of the calligraphic word symbolises the invitation of China to the world to share in its culture. IOC president [[Jacques Rogge]] was very happy with the emblem, saying, "Your new emblem immediately conveys the awesome beauty and power of China which are embodied in your heritage and your people."<ref name="Message">{{cite news |url = http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200308/03/eng20030803_121618.shtml |title = Rogge's Message for Beijing Olympics Emblem Unveiling |publisher = People's Daily Online |date = 2003-08-03 |accessdate = 2006-12-19}}</ref><br />
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The slogan for the 2008 Olympics is "''One World, One Dream''" ({{zh-stp|s=同一个世界 同一个梦想|t=同一個世界 同一個夢想|p=Tóng Yíge Shìjiè Tóng Yíge Mèngxiǎng}}.)<ref name="Slogan">{{cite news|title='One World One Dream' selected as the Theme Slogan for Beijing 2008 Olympic Games |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/75/66/article211996675.shtml |date=[[2005-12-25]] |publisher=[[BOCOG]] |accessdate=2007-05-05}}</ref> The slogan calls upon the whole world to join in the Olympic spirit and build a better future for humanity. It was chosen from over 210,000 entries submitted from around the world.<ref name="391 days left" /><br />
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===Broadcasting===<br />
These games will be the first to be produced and broadcast entirely in [[High-definition television|high definition television]], and will likely garner upwards of 4 billion viewers.<ref name="HDTV">{{cite news |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/2008/2007-07/06/content_911825.htm |title=Seeing clearly: Panasonic ushers in first HDTV Game |publisher = China Daily |date=[[2007-07-06]] |accessdate=2008-03-24}}</ref> In their bid for the Olympic games in 2001, Beijing confirmed to the Olympic Evaluation Commission "that there will be no restrictions on media reporting and movement of journalists up to and including the Olympic Games,"<ref>[http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_299.pdf Report] of the IOC Evaluation Commission for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in 2008, pg.73</ref> but according to a report in ''[[The New York Times]]'', "[[Beijing 2008 Olympic bid|these promises]] have been contradicted by strict visa rules, lengthy application processes and worries about censorship."<ref name="Networks Fight"/><br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics Broadcasting}}<br />
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===Online coverage===<br />
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The 2008 Olympics marks the debut of online and on-demand video, roughly 200 hours of coverage per day for the duration of the games. "Exclusive broadcast rights holders in large markets in Europe, North America and Australia have plans to show thousands of hours online." Furthermore, for the first time "live online video rights in some markets for the Olympics have been separately negotiated, not part of the overall 'broadcast rights,'"; these new media of the [[digital economy]] are growing "nine times faster than the rest of the advertising market."<ref>http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/07/09/oly.media/index.html</ref><br />
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Globally, however, the 2008 Olympics is subject to extensive copyright restriction &ndash;which amounts to territorial restrictions&ndash; whilst still being covered extensively online within various exclusive copyright [[autarky|autarkies]]. Thus despite the international nature of the event and the global reach of the [[Internet]], the coverage world wide of assorted nation-states and television networks is not readily accessible; there is no global or [[supranational]] media coverage as such. The [[international]] [[European Broadcasting Union]] (EBU), for example, provides live coverage and highlights of all arenas only for certain of its own territories<ref>http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/olympics/geoerror/geoerror.html</ref> on their website eurovisionsports.tv.<ref>[http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/olympics/ Beijing Live], Beijing 2008. Retrieved on August 9, 2008.</ref> Many national broadcasters likewise restrict online events to their domestic audiences.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/cycling/7552544.stm</ref> <br />
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Despite the contractual obligations of the [[digital economy]], some of the same technologies used to circumvent the [[Great Firewall of China]] (such as [[Internet_censorship_in_China#Efforts_at_breaking_through|UltraSurf]]) can be used to subvert the Olympic media autarkies on the Internet as well.<br />
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[[YouTube]] has removed a video of a regional German network's ([[Norddeutscher Rundfunk|NDR]]) coverage of the opening ceremonies as "This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by a third party.<ref>http://community.livejournal.com/olympicgames08/28771.html</ref><ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1nmR8Ndj7g</ref>; a video from Australia's [[Seven Network]] has been removed "for violation of terms of service." Furthermore, the General National Copyright Administration of China has announced that "individual (''sic'') and websites will face fines as high as 100,000 yuan for uploading recordings of Olympic Games video to the internet,"<ref>http://www.danwei.org/2008_beijing_olympic_games/china_copywrites_the_olympics.php</ref> part of an extensive campaign to protect the pertinent intellectual property rights.<ref>http://olympics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/16/for-olympics-china-ramps-up-copyright-infringement-campaign/</ref><ref>http://news.xinhuanet.com/newmedia/2008-06/13/content_8359170.htm</ref><ref>http://english.ipr.gov.cn/ipr/en/info/Article.jsp?a_no=142611&col_no=926&dir=200711</ref><br />
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==Torch relay==<br />
[[Image:Official 2008 Summer Olympics Torch in Vilnius.jpg|right|thumb|2008 Olympic Torch]]<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics torch relay|2008 Summer Olympics torch relay route}}<br />
The design of the [[Olympic Torch]] is based on traditional scrolls and uses a traditional Chinese design known as the "Propitious Clouds" (祥云). The torch is designed to remain lit in 65 kph (40 mph) winds, temperatures of up to -40°C and in rain of up to 50 mm (2 in) per hour.<br />
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The relay, with the theme '''Journey of Harmony''', lasted 130 days and carried the torch {{convert|137000|km|mi|abbr=on}}—the longest distance of any Olympic torch relay since the tradition began at the [[1936 Berlin Games]].<ref name="IOC torch">{{cite news |date=[[2007-04-26]] |title=Beijing 2008: BOCOG Announces Olympic Torch Relay Route |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2147 |publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]] |accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/09/world/09torch.html?_r=1&ex=1365393600&en=2c75ea71d3f9215b&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin|title=Officials Expect Olympic Torch to Continue on Route}}</ref> The torch relay was called a "public relations disaster" for China by ''The Times''<ref name="Public Relations Disaster">{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/olympics/article3811649.ece |title=Britain sends mandarins to China on subtle mission |date=[[2008-04-25]] |accessdate=2007-04-27 |publisher=The Times}}</ref>, with protests of [[Human rights in the People's Republic of China|China's human rights record]], particularly about [[2008 Tibetan unrest|Tibet]].<br />
[[Image:Beijing 2008 Torch Relay Route.png|left|250px|thumb|Route of the 2008 Olympic Torch Relay]]<br />
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The relay began [[March 24]], [[2008]], in [[Olympia, Greece]]. From there, it traveled across Greece to [[Panathinaiko Stadium]] in [[Athens]], and then to Beijing, arriving on [[March 31]]. From Beijing, the torch followed a route passing through every continent except Antarctica. The torch visited cities on the [[Silk Road]], symbolizing ancient links between China and the rest of the world. A total of 21,880 torchbearers have been selected from around the world by various organizations and entities.<ref name="BOCOG relay">{{cite news |publisher=[[BOCOG]] |url=http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/news/headlines/n214042288.shtml |title=Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay Planned Route and Torch Design unveiled |date=[[2007-04-26]] |accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref><br />
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The international portion of the relay was problematic. The month-long world tour saw wide-scale protests to China's human rights abuses and recent crackdown in Tibet. After trouble in London saw several attempts to put out the flame, the flame was extinguished in Paris the following day.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article3697392.ece| title=Tibet protests force organisers to snuff out Olympic flame in Paris| date=[[2008-04-07]]| publisher=[[The Times]]| last=Bremner| first=Charles}}</ref> The American leg in San Francisco on [[9 April]] was altered without prior warning to avoid such scenes, although there were still demonstrations along the original route.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7339380.stm?| title= Confusion strikes US torch relay| date=[[2008-04-09]]| publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> The relay was further delayed and simplified after the [[2008 Sichuan earthquake]] affecting western China.<br />
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The flame was [[2008 Summer Olympics summit of Mt. Everest|carried to the top of Mount Everest]]<ref name="BOCOG relay" /> on a 108 km (67 mi) long "highway" scaling the Tibetan side of the mountain especially built for the relay. The $19.7 million blacktop project spanned from [[Tingri County]] of [[Xigazê Prefecture]] to the [[Everest Base Camp]].<ref name="Everest road">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200706200340.htm |title=China to build highway on Mt Everest for 2008 Olympics |date=[[2007-06-20]] |accessdate=2007-06-25 |publisher=The Hindu}}</ref> In 2008 March, China banned mountaineers from climbing its side of Mount Everest and later persuaded the Nepalese government to close their side as well, officially citing environmental concerns.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/climbers-banned-from-everest-as-china-seeks-to-stop-protests-on-summit-796782.html|title=Climbers banned from Everest as China seeks to stop protests on summit|date=[[2008-03-17]] |accessdate=2008-03-23 |publisher=The Independent}}</ref> It also reflected concerns by the Chinese government that [[Tibet]] activists may try to disrupt its plans to carry the Olympic torch up the world's tallest peak.<ref name="cnn13mar08">{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/12/china.everest.ap/index.html |title=China closes its side of Everest to climbers |date=[[2008-03-12]] |accessdate=2008-03-13 |publisher=CNN}}</ref><br />
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The originally proposed route would have seen the torch carried through [[Taipei]] after leaving [[Vietnam]] and before heading for Hong Kong. Taiwan authorities, however, objected to this proposal, claiming that this route would make the portion of the relay in Taiwan appear to be part of the torch's domestic journey through China, rather than a leg on the international route.<ref name="Taiwan relay">{{cite news |publisher=Taiwan Journal |title=Taiwan rejects 'domestic' Olympic torch route |url=http://taiwanjournal.nat.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=24170&CtNode=122 |date=[[2007-05-04]] |accessdate=2007-08-15}}</ref> This dispute as well as demands that the [[flag of the Republic of China]] and the [[National Anthem of the Republic of China]] be banned along the route<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7005984.stm BBC NEWS Asia-Pacific | Olympic torch will bypass Taiwan]</ref> led the Taiwan authorities to reject the proposal that it be part of the relay route, and the two sides of the Taiwan Strait subsequently blamed each other for injecting politics into the event.<ref name="China torch Taipei">{{cite news |publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Canada Sports]] |title=China blames Taiwan for scuttling Olympic torch relay through Taipei, labels 'vile precedent'|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=ap-china-torchrelay&prov=ap&type=lgns |date=[[2007-09-21]] |accessdate=2007-09-24}}</ref><br />
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==The Games==<br />
{{Further|[[2008 Summer Olympics highlights]], [[2008 Summer Olympics medal count|medal count]], and [[2008 Summer Olympics medal winners|medal winners]]}}<br />
===Opening ceremony===<br />
[[Image:BeijingOlimpicGames2008-08-08.jpg|thumb|right|A scene from the opening ceremony.]]<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremony}}<br />
The opening ceremony was held at the [[Beijing National Stadium]]. It began at 8:00 pm [[China Standard Time]] ([[UTC+8]]) on [[8 August]] [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tickets.beijing2008.cn/browse?category=8224&major_category=8224&game_type=olympic|title=Tickets Information - The official ticketing website of the BEIJING 2008 Olympic Games}}</ref><ref>[http://www.travelchinaguide.com/news/show.asp?nid=138 "Beijing Confirms the Opening Ceremony Time for 2008 Olympics"], Travel China Guide. Retrieved on [[August 2]], [[2008]]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/ceremonies/n214508163.shtml|title=Opening Ceremony plan released|date=2008-08-06|publisher=Official website|accessdate=2008-08-08}}</ref> The [[8 (number)#As a lucky or unlucky number|number 8]] is associated with prosperity and confidence in [[Numbers in Chinese culture|Chinese culture]].<ref name="Eight">{{cite web |url=http://afgen.com/china8.html |title=The Number Eight And The Chinese |accessdate=2007-04-22}}</ref> The ceremony was co-directed by Chinese filmmaker [[Zhang Yimou]] and Chinese choreographer [[Zhang Jigang]].<ref>http://en.beijing2008.cn/culture/ceremonies/n214143744.shtml</ref> It featured a cast of over 15,000 performers, and was dubbed beforehand as "the most spectacular Olympics Opening Ceremony ever produced".<ref>[http://www.thrfeed.com/2008/07/olympics-openin.html Olympics opening ceremony to have 15,000 performers -- The Live Feed <!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><br />
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A rich assembly of ancient Chinese art and culture dominated the ceremony. It opened with the beating of [[Fou]] drums for the countdown. Subsequently, a giant [[scroll]] was unveiled and became the show's centerpiece. The official song of the 2008 Olympics was performed by Britain's [[Sarah Brightman]] and China's [[Liu Huan]], and was titled ''[[You and Me (theme song)|You and Me]]''.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUST29313420080807 FACTBOX: Fears, foul-ups and triumphs at past Olympic openings<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Former Chinese [[gymnastics|gymnast]] [[Li Ning]] ignited the [[cauldron]].<br />
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The entry parade of the competing athletes differed in order from previous Olympic ceremonies, as the national teams did not enter in order by the host nation's alphabet. Since Chinese does not have an alphabet, teams entered the stadium in order (lowest first) of the number of strokes in their [[Simplified Chinese character]] transcriptions. As a result, Australia (normally one of the first teams to enter the stadium) became one of the final teams to arrive, as the first character of the Chinese name of Australia (澳大利亚) has 16 strokes. The Olympic traditions of Greece entering first and the host nation (China) entering last were still observed. <br />
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A review of the opening ceremony from around the world called it "spectacular and devoid of politics"<ref>[http://www.thrfeed.com/2008/08/olympics-review.html Olympics opening ceremony reviews -- The Live Feed <!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> though it was later revealed that the televised fireworks were enhanced with computer animation. Another cosmetic enhancement in China's quest for a perfect Summer Games was using a cute girl to lip-sync over the singing voice of a girl with "chubby face and crooked baby teeth" during the opening ceremony song [[Ode to the Motherland]].<ref>[http://www.wopular.com/node/980390 Olympic opening uses girl's voice, not face]</ref><br />
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More than 100 sovereigns, heads of state and heads of government as well as 170 Ministers of Sport will be attending the Beijing Olympic Games.<ref>[http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2698 IOC President to meet with world leaders]</ref><br />
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=== Closing ceremony ===<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics closing ceremony}}<br />
The 2008 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony will conclude the Beijing Games on [[August 24]], [[2008]]. It is scheduled to begin at 8:00pm [[China Standard Time]] ([[UTC+8]]), and to take place at the [[Beijing National Stadium]].<br />
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[[British]] singer [[Leona Lewis]] is scheduled to perform at the closing ceremony, representing the change from Beijing to [[London]].<ref>Knight, Tom. [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/2303411/London-rap-troupe-fly-flag-at-Beijing-Olympics.html London rap troupe fly flag at Beijing Olympics] ''The Telegraph''. 16 June, 2008. Accessed 24 July, 2008.</ref> The Ceremony will also include the handover of the games from Beijing to [[London]]. [[Guo Jinlong]], the [[Mayor of Beijing]] will hand over the [[Olympic symbols#Flag|Olympic flag]] to the Mayor of London [[Boris Johnson]], and there will be a performance by the [[London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games]] (LOCOG).<br />
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===Participating NOCs===<br />
[[Image:2008 Olympic games countries.svg|thumb|250px|Participating nations]]<br />
Following the Opening Ceremony on [[August 8]], [[2008]], all but one (Brunei) of the current 205 [[National Olympic Committee]]s (NOCs)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/organisation/noc/index_uk.asp |title=National Olympic Committees |publisher=International Olympic Committee |accessdate=2008-03-11}}</ref> will participate. [[China at the 2008 Summer Olympics|China]] and the [[United States at the 2008 Summer Olympics|United States]] have the largest teams, with 639 and 596<ref name="USOC Delegation">[http://teamusa.org/news/article/2744 2008 United States Olympic Team Entered Into XXVIV Olympic Games in Beijing, China], USOC, July 24, 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.asianweek.com/2008/08/08/asian-americans-going-for-the-gold-in/ "Asian Americans Going for the Gold in…"]. [[AsianWeek]]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[08-11]].</ref>competitors respectively. Several countries are represented at the games by a single athlete.<br />
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Three countries participated for their first time in history: The [[Marshall Islands]], [[Montenegro]] and [[Tuvalu]].<br />
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[[South Africa]]n swimmer [[Natalie du Toit]], five time gold medalist at the [[2004 Summer Paralympics|Athens Paralympics in 2004]], has qualified to compete at the Beijing Olympics, thus making history by becoming the first [[amputee]] to qualify for the Olympic Games since [[Olivér Halassy]] in 1936.<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/05/04/sbswim104.xml "Dreams carry Natalie Du Toit to Beijing"], ''The Telegraph'', May 4, 2008</ref><ref>[http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/swimming/news/story?id=3379722 "Du Toit, who lost leg in scooter accident, will swim in Beijing Games"], Reuters, May 3, 2008</ref> [[Natalia Partyka]] (who was born without a right forearm) will compete in Table Tennis for Poland.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.london2012.com/blog/2008/06/18/natalia-paralympic-and-olympic-athlete.php |title=Natalia: Paralympic AND Olympic athlete |accessdate=2008-07-15}}</ref><br />
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[[Image:Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg|150px|thumb|border|right|TPE]]<br />
As in the previous games since 1984, athletes from the [[Republic of China]] ([[Taiwan]]) are competing at the Olympics as "[[Chinese Taipei]]" (TPE) <ref>[http://en.olympic.cn/china_oly/history/2004-03-27/121827.html "Reinstatement in the Olympic Movement"], Chinese Olympic Committee, March 27, 2004</ref> under the "Chinese Taipei Olympic flag" and using the [[National Banner Song]] as their official anthem. The participation of Taiwan had been in doubt due to disagreements over the designation of the team in the Chinese language, and concerns that Taiwan would march in the Opening Ceremony next to the Chinese Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong.<ref>[http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24123163-5013406,00.html "Taiwan clears Games hurdle"], ''[[The Australian]]'', August 4, 2008</ref> Supporters inside and outside of the venues will not be able to display the [[flag of the Republic of China]].<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/08/12/asia/AS-OLY-Taiwan-China.php "Taiwanese plan to skirt Olympics flag ban"], ''[[International Herald Tribune]] - Asia-Pacific'', August 12, 2008</ref><br />
{{clear}}<br />
<div align="center"><br />
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" style="width:100%"<br />
! List of Participating NOCs<br />
|-<br />
|<br />
Below is a list of all the participating NOCs (where available, the number of competitors per delegation is indicated in parentheses):<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics NOCs}}<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
====Participation changes====<br />
The [[Marshall Islands]] and [[Tuvalu]] gained National Olympic Committee status in 2006 and 2007 respectively, and are participating in the Games.<ref name="Tuvalu">{{cite news | title = Robert Meets IOC President| url = http://www.oceaniasport.com/tuvalu/| publisher =[[ONOC]] | date = [[2005-04-02]] | accessdate = 2006-12-17 }}</ref><ref name="New NOCs accepted">{{cite news |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2237 |title=Two new National Olympic Committees on board! |publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]] |date=[[2007-07-06]] |accessdate=2007-07-08}}</ref><br />
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The states of [[Serbia]] and [[Montenegro]], which participated at the 2004 Games jointly as [[Serbia and Montenegro]], are now competing separately. The Montenegrin Olympic Committee was accepted as a new National Olympic Committee in 2007.<ref name="New NOCs accepted" /> IOC has promised to recognise the newly independent Republic of [[Kosovo]], but not in time for the nation to compete in the Olympics.<ref>{{cite news|title=IOC to recognise Kosovo |publisher=News24 |date=2008-02-17|url=http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/More_Sport/0,,2-9-32_2272369,00.html|accessdate=2008-02-17}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[North Korea]] and [[South Korea]] held meetings to discuss the possibility of sending a united team to the 2008 Olympics,<ref name="Korea1">{{cite news | title = Koreas 'to unify Olympics teams'| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4396170.stm| publisher =[[BBC]] | date = [[2006-05-14]] | accessdate = 2006-12-17 }}</ref><ref name="Korea2">{{cite news | title = Two Koreas Make Progress in Creation of Unified Team| url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=1893| publisher =[[International Olympic Committee]] | date = [[2006-09-05]] | accessdate = 2006-09-10 }}</ref> but the proposal failed, due to disagreements between the two NOCs on the proportion of athletes from the two countries within the team.<br />
<br />
On [[July 24]], [[2008]], the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC) banned [[Iraq at the 2008 Summer Olympics|Iraq]] from competing in the 2008 Olympic Summer Games due to "political interference by the government in sports."<ref>{{cite news | title = Iraq banned from Summer Olympics | publisher = [[CNN]] | date = 2008-07-24 | url = http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/07/24/iraq.olympics/index.html | accessdate = 2008-07-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Iraq banned from Beijing Olympics | publisher = [[BBC Sport]] | date = 2008-07-24 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympics/7523708.stm | accessdate = 2008-07-24}}</ref> On [[July 29]], the IOC reversed its decision and will allow the nation to compete after a pledge by Iraq to ensure "the independence of its national Olympics panel" by instituting fair elections before the end of November. Until then, Iraq's Olympic Organisation will be run by "an interim committee proposed by its national sports federations and approved by the IOC."<ref>[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/olympics/2008/07/29/bc.oly.iraq.olympicstops.ap/index.html?cnn=yes IOC lifts Iraq's Olympic suspension]</ref><br />
<br />
[[Brunei|Brunei Darussalam]] were due to take part in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. However, they were disqualified on [[August 8]], having failed to register either of their athletes.<ref>{{cite news | title = Brunei Darussalam excluded from Beijing Olympic Games | publisher = [[Xinhua]] | date = 2008-08-08 | url = http://www.china.org.cn/olympics/news/2008-08/08/content_16167337.htm | accessdate = 2008-08-08}}</ref> The [[International Olympic Committee|IOC]] spokeswoman [[Emmanuelle Moreau]] said in a statement that "it is a great shame and very sad for the athletes who lose out because of the decision by their team not to register them. The IOC tried up until the last minute, midday Friday [[8 August]] [[2008]], the day of the official opening, to have them register, but to no avail."<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-Olympics/idUSPEK32791920080808 Brunei excluded from Beijing Games]</ref> Brunei's Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports submitted a Press release why Brunei decided not to participate in Beijing, stated that "one athlete competing in the shot putt event Mohd Yazid Yatimi Yusof (who) has undergone intensive training since March ... injured himself in June (right liotibial strain with mild lateral ministrial knee injury), when he was competing in the Pesta Sukan Kebangsaan (National Sports Festival)". The Brunei Darussalam Olympic Council (BNOC) issued a Press release stating that "it had to wait for approval from the Youth and Sports Department under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports as to whether Brunei Darussalam could be represented at the Olympic Games".<ref>[http://www.bt.com.bn/en/sport/2008/08/10/brunei_not_in_china_because]</ref> It is also noted that the withdrawal can lead Brunei to being sanctioned and appropriate action will be taken after the closing of the Olympics on August 24.<ref>[http://www.ranoadidas.com/?p=1576]</ref><br />
<br />
[[Democratic Republic of Georgia|Georgia]] announced on August 9, 2008 that it is considering withdrawing from the Beijing Olympic Games due to [[2008 South Ossetia War|current military conflict in South Ossetia]]. Certain participating Georgian athletes have made known they want to leave the Olympics in order to fight with the Georgian army.<ref>[http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Olympics2008/0,,2-9-2370_2372929,00.html]</ref><br />
<br />
===Sports===<br />
[[Image:Swimming 2008.gif|thumb|110px|left|This pictogram depicts ''Swimming''.]]<br />
The program for the Beijing 2008 Games is quite similar to that of the [[2004 Summer Olympics|Athens Games]] held in 2004. The 2008 Olympics will see the return of 28 sports, and will hold 302 events (165 men’s events, 127 women’s events, and 10 mixed events), one event more in total than in Athens.<br />
<br />
Overall 9 new events will be held, which include 2 from the new [[Cycling at the Summer Olympics|cycling]] discipline of [[BMX at the Summer Olympics|BMX]]. Women will compete in the 3000 m [[steeplechase (athletics)|steeplechase]] for the first time. In addition, marathon swimming events for men and women, over the distance of 10 kilometres, will be added to the swimming discipline. Team events (men and women) in [[table tennis]] will replace the doubles events. In [[fencing]], women's team foil and women's team sabre will replace men's team foil and women's team [[epee]].<ref>The fencing programme will again include all six individual events and four team events, though the team events will be a different set than were held in 2004. The [[Fédération Internationale d'Escrime|International Fencing Federation's]] rules call for events not held in the previous Games to receive automatic selection and for at least one team event in each weapon to be held. Voting is conducted to determine the fourth event. In 2004, the three men's team events and the women's épée were held. Thus, in 2008, the women's foil and sabre events and men's épée were automatically selected. Men's sabre was chosen over foil by a 45–20 vote.</ref><ref name="FencingTeam">{{cite web |type=pdf |url=http://www.fie.ch/download/letters/2006/urgent/09/en/decisions%20ANG.pdf |title=List of decisions of the 2006 General Assembly |date=[[2006-04-08]] |publisher=[[Federation Internationale d'Escrime]] |accessdate=2007-04-22|format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=2008programme>{{cite news |url = http://olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=1797 |title = Beijing 2008: Games Programme Finalised |publisher = International Olympic Committee |date = [[2006-04-27]] |accessdate = 2006-05-10}}</ref><ref>[http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_1056.pdf Programme of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, Beijing 2008], International Olympic Committee. Retrieved on May 15, 2006.</ref><br />
<br />
The [[Beijing Organizing Committee]] have released [[pictogram]]s of the 35 Olympic disciplines. This set of sport icons is named ''the beauty of seal characters'', due to each pictogram's likeness to Chinese [[seal script]].<ref name="pictograms">{{cite news |url = http://en.beijing2008.com/37/34/article212033437.shtml |title = Pictograms of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games unveiled |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |date = [[2006-08-07]] |accessdate = 2006-08-09}}</ref><br />
<br />
The following are the sports to be contested at these Games. The number of events to be contested in each sport is indicated in parentheses.<br />
{{Col-begin}}<br />
{{Col-1-of-4}}<br />
* Aquatics<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Diving|2008 Summer|8}}<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Swimming|2008 Summer|34}}<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Synchronized swimming|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Water polo|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Archery|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Athletics|2008 Summer|47}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Badminton|2008 Summer|5}}<br />
{{Col-2-of-4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Baseball|2008 Summer|1}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Basketball|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Boxing|2008 Summer|11}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Canoeing|2008 Summer|16}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Cycling|2008 Summer|18}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Equestrian|2008 Summer|6}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Fencing|2008 Summer|10}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Field hockey|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
{{Col-3-of-4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Football|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Gymnastics|2008 Summer|18}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Handball|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Judo|2008 Summer|14}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Modern pentathlon|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Rowing|2008 Summer|14}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Sailing|2008 Summer|11}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Shooting|2008 Summer|15}}<br />
{{Col-4-of-4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Softball|2008 Summer|1}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Table tennis|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Taekwondo|2008 Summer|8}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Tennis|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Triathlon|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Volleyball|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Weightlifting|2008 Summer|15}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Wrestling|2008 Summer|18}}<br />
{{Col-end}}<br />
<br />
===Calendar===<br />
In the following calendar for the 2008 Olympic Games, each blue box represents an event competition, such as a qualification round, on that day. The yellow boxes represent days during which medal-awarding finals for a sport are held. Each bullet in these boxes is an event final, the number of bullets per box representing the number of finals that will be contested on that day.<ref name="Calendar">{{cite web|url = http://en.beijing2008.cn/cptvenues/schedule/ |title = Olympic Games Competition Schedule |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |accessdate = 2007-07-05 }}</ref><br />
<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics Calendar}}<br />
<br />
===Medal table===<br />
[[Image:Beijingolympicsmedals.jpg|thumb|right|The reverse side of the medals of the 2008 Summer Olympics: silver (left), gold (center), bronze (right)]]<br />
{{Main|2008 Summer Olympics medal table}}<br />
These are the top-ten positions so far:<br />
<br />
{| {{RankedMedalTable|class=wikitable sortable}}<br />
|- <br />
| 1 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|CHN|2008 Summer}} || 26 || 9 || 6 || 41<br />
|-<br />
| 2 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|USA|2008 Summer}} || 14 || 13 || 19 || 46<br />
|-<br />
| 3 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|GER|2008 Summer}} || 8 || 2 || 4 || 14<br />
|-<br />
| 4 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|KOR|2008 Summer}} || 6 || 9 || 3 || 18<br />
|-<br />
| 5 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|ITA|2008 Summer}} || 6 || 4 || 4 || 14<br />
|-<br />
| 6 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|JPN|2008 Summer}} || 6 || 4 || 3 || 13<br />
|-<br />
| 7 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|AUS|2008 Summer}} || 5 || 7 || 8 || 20<br />
|-<br />
| 8 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|RUS|2008 Summer}} || 3 || 8 || 8 || 19<br />
|-<br />
| 9 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|FRA|2008 Summer}} || 3 || 8 || 7 || 18<br />
|-<br />
| 10 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|GBR|2008 Summer}} || 3 || 2 || 3 || 8<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Concerns and controversies==<br />
[[Image:Human Rights Abuse Cannot Co-exist with Beijing Olympics.jpg|thumb|right|The banner reads: "Human Rights Abuse Cannot Co-exist with Beijing Olympics", picture taken during the opening of the [[Human Rights Torch Relay]] event]]<br />
{{main|Concerns over the 2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
A variety of concerns over the games have been expressed by various entities; including allegations that China violated its [[Beijing 2008 Olympic bid|pledge]] to allow open media access,<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/sports/olympics/09beijing.html?ref=olympics Two Concerns for Olympics - Air and Access - NYTimes.com]</ref> various alleged human rights violations,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3545274,00.html|title=Protestors Rally in Europe on Eve of China Olympics|date=2008-08-07 |publisher=Deutsche Welle|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=c06e4f24-ea77-467c-960e-abc94721e094|title=China's un-Olympic human rights record||publisher=Calgary Herald|date=2008-08-09|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iM4HoqRxdb5TWSCC16uQuHn2_q7g|title=Canadian protests over China's human-rights record continue prior to Games|date=2008-08-08 |publisher=Haaretz|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> [[air pollution]] in both the city of Beijing and in neighbouring areas,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-08/07/content_6912755.htm|title=Ji Xinpeng: Beijing welcomes you with its blue sky|accessdate=2008-08-08|work=China Daily|date=2008-08-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/world/20080727dy01.htm|title=Beijing failing to clear the air|date= 2008-07-27|publisher=The Daily Yomiuri|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> proposed [[Olympic boycotts|boycotts]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Kosyrev|first=Dmitry |url=http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20080806/115849259.html|title=Beijing Olympics as a diplomatic convention|accessdate=2008-08-09|work=RIA Novosti|date=2008-08-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1009630.html|first=Saul|last=Newman|title=Why Grandpa boycotted the Olympics|date= |publisher=Haaretz|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> warnings of the possibility that the Beijing Olympics could be targeted by terrorist groups,<ref>[http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080425.wolyminterpol0425/BNStory/International/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20080425.wolyminterpol0425 ''Interpol says Olympic terror attack 'real possibility'.'' The Globe and Mail. Accessed: April 25, 2008]</ref> foiled [[2008 Xinjiang attack|sabotage attempt]], potentially violent disruption from pro-Tibetan protesters,<ref name="interpol">[http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/25042008/3/interpol-chief-warns-olympic-terror-threat.html ''Interpol chief warns of Olympic terror threat''. Yahoo! Eurosport UK. Accessed: August 8, 2008]</ref> equivocal religious freedoms,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-08-10-voa26.cfm|title=Bush Olympic Visit Highlights Religion in China|date=2008-08-10|publisher=Voice of America|first=Mike|last=O'Sullivan}}</ref> the banning of ethnic Tibetans from working in Beijing for the duration of the games,<ref>[http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008087495_olystrict02.html ''Seattle Times'' article]</ref> criticisms of policies mandating the electronic surveillance of internationally owned hotels,<ref>[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gAkDaSkHWHboscdhQZwdRBt6hZnw AFP: China plans to spy on Olympic hotel guests: US senator]</ref><ref>[http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-olyspy30-2008jul30,0,5823677.story Sen. Brownback says China monitoring Internet access in hotels - Los Angeles Times]</ref><ref>[http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jiZadkVJSv7CQ7lHqBOIlkTqVmzgD927QP880 The Associated Press: Senator: China spying on Internet use in hotels]</ref> displacement of residents<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/19/AR2008021901612.html|title=China Defends Relocation Policy|first=Maureen|last=Fan|work=[[The Washington Post]]|publisher =[[The Washington Post Company]]|date=2008-02-20|accessdate=2008-08-09|coauthors=Jie, Zhang}}</ref>, the silencing of dissenting voices by means of torture<br />
One day before the opening ceremony of the [[2008 Olympics in Beijing]], Zeng Jinyan was forcibly dissapeared<ref>[http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/29-03-2006/78007-China-0/ "Chinese rights activist Zeng Jinyan disappears" International Herald Tribune, August 9, 2008]</ref>, arrests<ref>[http://observers.france24.com/en/content/blogger_put_prison_criticising_olympic_games "Blogger put in prison for criticizing the Olympic Games" The Observers by France, August 15, 2008]</ref>, harassment<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100/article/0,28804,1595326_1615754_1616169,00.html/ "Zeng Jinyan - The TIME 100," TIME Magazine, May 14, 2007]</ref> and forcible disappearances and ticket adversities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/web/british-fraud-ran-beijing-ticket-scam/2008/08/06/1217702097417.html|title=British fraud ran Beijing ticket scam|date=2008-08-06|publisher=theage.com.au |accessdate=2008-07-12}}</ref> <br />
<br />
Additionally, [[International Tibet Independence Movement|pro-Tibetan independence]] proponents have exhibited disdain and protested the games,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7550802.stm |title=Protest attempt at Olympic event|date= |publisher=[[BBC News]]|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> [[human rights]] activists critical of China's role in the [[Darfur conflict]] have sought policy change,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7503428.stm? |title=China 'is fuelling war in Darfur' |date= |publisher=[[BBC News]] |accessdate=2008-07-12}}</ref> and Americans have voiced concerns regarding the persecution of some religious groups.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/440097402.html|title=4 Winds Allows Olympic Testimonies Underground -- China is Hypocritical in Treatment of Christians on the Streets|accessdate=2008-08-08|work=Christian Newswire|date=2008-08-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Colson|first=Chuck|url=http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080803/bush-china-and-the-olympics.htm|title=Bush, China, and the Olympics|accessdate=2008-08-08|work=The Christian Post|date=2008-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.epochtimes.com/n2/china/china-church-leader-olympics-2336.html|author=Qin Yue & Li Mingcai|title=Beijing Intensifies Suppression of House Churches Ahead of Olympics|date=2008-08-07|accessdate=2008-08-11|work=Sound of Hope Radio|publisher=Epoch Times}}</ref><ref name="cna">{{cite web|url=http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=13474|title=Chinese bishop explains reasons for participating in Olympic opening ceremonies|publisher=Catholic News Agency|accessdate=2008-08-10|date=2008-08-08}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{portalpar|Olympics|Olympic Rings.svg}}<br />
*[[2008 Summer Olympics highlights]]<br />
*[[2008 Summer Olympics medal table]]<br />
*[[2008 Summer Paralympics]]<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
{{reflist|3}}<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
{{Commons cat|2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
* [http://en.beijing2008.cn/ Official Website of the 2008 Summer Olympics]<br />
* [http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/index_uk.asp IOC Official 2008 Summer Olympics Website]<br />
* [http://results.beijing2008.cn/WRM/ENG/INF/GL/95A/GL0000000.shtml 2008 Olympics Medal Count]<br />
<br />
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{{Olympic Games}}<br />
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[[Category:2008 Summer Olympics| ]]<br />
[[Category:Sports festivals in China]]<br />
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Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Concerns_and_controversies_at_the_2008_Summer_Olympics&diff=232218720
Concerns and controversies at the 2008 Summer Olympics
2008-08-16T00:57:25Z
<p>Yupi666: </p>
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<div>{{Articleissues<br />
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}}<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
'''Concerns over the [[2008 Summer Olympics]]''' include the potential for protests from pro-[[Tibet]]an independence organizations such as [[Students for a Free Tibet]] as well as from [[human rights]] organizations such as [[Amnesty International]] critical of China's involvement in the [[Darfur conflict|crisis in Darfur]]. China has also been battling problems with [[air pollution]] both in the city of Beijing and in neighboring areas, which the [[Beijing Organizing Committee]] (BOCOG) says it hopes to remedy before the games. The head of [[Interpol]] warned China on April 25, 2008 that there is a real possibility that the Beijing Olympics will be targeted by terrorist groups, as well as potentially violent disruption from protestors.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7366627.stm | title = Beijing warned of 'terror threat' | date = 2008-04-25 | accessdate = 2008-04-25 | publisher = [[BBC]] | work = [[BBC News]]}}</ref><br />
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==Mass displacement==<br />
The [[Geneva]]-based group [[Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions]] has claimed that 1.5 million Beijing residents will be displaced from their homes for the Olympics event. Beijing's Olympic organizing committee and China's [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China|Foreign Ministry]] have put the number at 6,037.<ref>{{cite news | first = Nick | last = Mulvenney | url = http://www.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUSPEK36399820080219 | title = Beijing says 15,000 relocated for Games venues | date = 2008-02-19 | publisher = [[Reuters]] | accessdate = 2008-08-09}}</ref> Some sources say that as of May 2005, 300,000 residents have been evicted in preparation for the games and that police in Beijing placed many people under arrest for protesting against the evictions.<ref name="300k evicted">{{cite news | url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article526586.ece | title = Thousands of homes destroyed to make way for Olympic tourists | work = [[The Times]] | publisher = [[News International]] | date = 2005-05-26 | last = MacArtney | first = Jane | accessdate = 2006-05-14}}</ref> Other sources say that nearly 15,000 people have been relocated.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/19/AR2008021901612.html | title = China Defends Relocation Policy | first = Maureen | last = Fan | work = [[The Washington Post]] | publisher = [[The Washington Post Company]] | date = 2008-02-20 | accessdate = 2008-08-09 | coauthors = Jie, Zhang}}</ref><br />
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== Sabotage plot ==<br />
{{main|2008 Xinjiang attack}}<br />
On [[April 10]], [[2008]], China announced that they had foiled a [[sabotage]] plot against the games.<br />
According to the Chinese security ministry, [[East Turkestan independence movement|Uyghur separatists]] in the North-Western Province of [[Xinjiang]] planned to conduct suicide bomb attacks on Chinese cities and conduct kidnappings in Beijing in order to disrupt the Olympic Games. Uyghur activists claim that the Chinese fabricated these terror plots in order to prevent people in the region from voicing their grievances with the Chinese.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7340181.stm | title = China 'foils Olympic terror plot' | date = 2008-04-10 | accessdate = 2008-08-09 | publisher = [[BBC]] | work = [[BBC News]]}}</ref><br />
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Xinjiang province is historically mainly an Islamic region of China which is largely populated by [[Caucasian race|Caucasian]] [[Turkic peoples]], some who wish to make Xinjiang an independent state called [[East Turkestan]].<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/04/10/ST2008041001028.html?hpid=topnews | title = Olympic Chief Vows Free Speech Defense | first = Maureen | last = Fan | work = [[The Washington Post]] | publisher = [[The Washington Post Company]] | date = 2008-04-11 | accessdate = 2008-08-09 | coauthors = Cody, Edward}}</ref> China reported that they had arrested 35 suspects, as part of a ten day raid.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/04/10/olympic.plot/index.html | title = China says 35 arrested in Olympics bomb plot | work = [[CNN#Online|CNN.com]] | publisher = [[Turner Broadcasting System]] | date = 2008-04-10 | accessdate = 2008-08-09}}</ref> Increased security has been put into place for the Olympics, and security personnel have trained to counter different terrorist attack scenarios. Anti-aircraft missiles have also been installed over the Olympic stations in Beijing.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://olympics.scmp.com/Article.aspx?id=746&section=latestnews | title = Beijing deploys anti-aircraft missiles | last = Zhou | first = Martin | date = 2008-06-23 | work = [[South China Morning Post]] | publisher = [[SCMP Group]] | accessdate = 2008-07-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1029449/Gold-medal-security-China-installs-anti-aircraft-missile-launchers-Olympic-sites.html | title = Gold medal for security: China installs anti-aircraft missile launchers at all Olympic sites | work = [[Mail Online]] | publisher = [[Daily Mail and General Trust]] | date = 2008-06-25 | accessdate = 2008-08-09}}</ref> On 4 August, 2008, two attackers detonated [[hand grenades]] at a police post near the eastern city of [[Kashgar]] in the [[Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region]], China, killing 16 policemen.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7540138.stm | title = Chinese border assault kills 16 | date = 2008-08-04 | accessdate = 2008-08-09 | publisher = [[BBC]] | work = [[BBC News]]}}</ref><br />
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==Possible boycotts==<br />
Calls for sustained pressure and possible boycotts of the Olympics have come from former French presidential candidate [[François Bayrou]],<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L22161580.htm | title = Call for Olympic boycott stirs up pre-poll France| date = 2007-03-22 | first = Kerstin | last = Gehmlich | publisher = AlertNet | work = [[Reuters]]}}</ref> <br />
<!--- (Link to support statements is dead<br />
<br />
actor and [[UNICEF]] Goodwill Ambassador [[Mia Farrow]],<ref name="boycotters">[http://www.genocideintervention.net/about/press/coverage/index.php/archives/210 The 'Genocide Olympics'], The Wall Street Journal, [[2007-03-28]]. Retrieved on [[2007-03-28]].</ref> [[Genocide Intervention Network]] Representative [[Ronan Farrow]],<ref name="boycotters" /><br />
<br />
--><br />
author and Sudan scholar Eric Reeves<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article20210 | first = Eric | last = Reeves | title = On Darfur, China and the 2008 Olympic Games | publisher = [[Sudan Tribune]] | date = 2007-02-11 | accessdate = 2007-03-28}}</ref> and the ''[[The Washington Post]]'' editorial board.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/13/AR2006121302008.html | title = China and Darfur: The Genocide Olympics? | work = [[The Washington Post]] | publisher = [[The Washington Post Company]] | date = 2006-12-14 | accessdate = 2008-08-09}}</ref> Filmmaker [[Steven Spielberg]], founder of the [[Los Angeles]]' [[University of Southern California]]'s Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education, sent a letter to [[Hu Jintao]] on [[April 2]] [[2007]] to discuss and possibly end China's involvement in the conflict.<ref>{{cite news | author = [[Steven Spielberg]] | title = <br />
Steven Spielberg on Darfur/China situation | publisher = Spielbergfilms | date = [[2007-05-11]] | url = http://www.spielbergfilms.com/general/1398 | accessdate=2007-05-13}}</ref>{{Dead link|date=August 2008}} In February 2008, Spielberg announced he was stepping down from his role as an artistic advisor in protest of the Chinese government's refusal to pressure [[Sudan]] to stop the "continuing human suffering" in the Darfur region. He noted: "Sudan's government bears the bulk of the responsibility for these on-going crimes, but the international community, and particularly China, should be doing more."<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7242016.stm BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | Spielberg in Darfur snub to China<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Additionally, a group of 106 lawmakers in the United States have circulated a letter calling for the US to boycott the coming Olympics because of China's support of the Sudanese regime and the forced relocation<ref name="300k evicted" /> of 300,000 Chinese poor to make room for the games.<ref>[http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/SP319572.htm "China defends Darfur role, deflects Olympic warning"], [[Reuters]] AlertNet, 10 May 2007</ref> Congresswoman [[Maxine Waters]] introduced a similar resolution in early August 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/07/politics/politico/thecrypt/main3140647.shtml|title= Waters Wants To Boycott Beijing Olympics|accessdate=2007-08-08 |date= 2007-08-07|publisher= The Politico Crypt|author=Bresnahan, John}}</ref><br />
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The [[British Olympic Association]] (BOA) will require that before leaving for China, British Olympic team members sign an agreement, stating that they "are not to comment on any politically sensitive issues." However, BOA spokesman Graham Newsom stated that the BOA didn't intend to censor athletes, and referred to a rule in the International Olympic Committee charter which states, "No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sport.guardian.co.uk/breakingnews/feedstory/0,,-7298200,00.html|publisher=The Guardian|title=Olympics - UK athletes barred from political comments|date=[[February 10]], [[2008]]|accessdate-2008-02-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_122.pdf|title=Olympic Charter|publisher=International Olympic Committee|date=[[October 16]], [[2007]]|accessdate=2008-02-10}}</ref><br />
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In [[March 2008]], [[Taiwan]]ese President-elect [[Ma Ying-jeou]] stated that the [[Chinese Taipei]] Olympic Committee could boycott the Games "if China continues to suppress Tibetan people and if the situation in Tibet continues to worsen".<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2008/03/24/2197256.htm "Taiwan threatens Olympics boycott"], Australian Broadcasting Corporation, March 24, 2008</ref> <ref>[http://www.bangkokpost.com/sportsplus/sportsplus.php?id=126577 "Olympics 2008: Taiwan presidential candidate threatens to boycott Beijing Olympics"], ''Bangkok Post''</ref> However, Taiwan will be attending the Games.<br />
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On April 2, 2008, the Japanese government announced that its royal family will not participate in the opening ceremony, now that the violent crackdown in Tibet has been the focus of international concern. These issues led the government to decide to reject the request.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sankei.jp.msn.com/politics/policy/080402/plc0804020108000-n1.htm|title=Japanese royal family will not attend opening of Beijing Olympics|accessdate=2008-04-02 |date= 2008-04-02|publisher=Sankei Shimbun}}</ref><br />
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On [[April 5]], French newspaper ''[[Le Monde]]'' quoted a French minister as stating that the attendance of president [[Sarkozy]] at the opening ceremony is "conditional". Three conditions were set: "an end to violence against the population and the release of political prisoners, light to be shed on the events in Tibet and the opening of dialogue with the Dalai Lama."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gbv20Oxll_oabfy9mRNZDU1DPYHg|title=Paris sets conditions for Sarkozy to attend Olympics: report|publisher=Associated Press|date=[[2008-04-05]]|accessdate=2008-04-05}}</ref> However, Minister [[Rama Yade]] said that ''Le Monde'' misquoted her as listing conditions, and that the word "conditions" was never used. ''[[BBC News]]'' wrote that while Sarkozy was opposed to a full boycott, he would "not close the door to any possibility" as far as his own attendance is concerned.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7332543.stm|title=Sarkozy aide 'misquoted' on Games|publisher=BBC News|date=[[2008-04-05]]|accessdate=2008-04-05}}</ref> <br />
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Masahisa Tsujitani, a Japanese craftsman who makes shots used by many Olympic athletes, announced April 14 he refuses to allow his wares to be used at the 2008 Olympics to protest against China's treatment of protesters in Tibet. <ref>[http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-fg-boycott11apr11,1,5033988.story A Japanese craftsman's one-man Olympic boycott]</ref><br />
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== Protests==<br />
{{see also|2008 Tibetan unrest|2008 Summer Olympics torch relay#Political fallout}}<br />
<br />
While no state has indicated they will boycott the 2008 games, some groups are initiating independent campaigns to do so and other notable groups have called for protests. It has been reported that [[Chinese intelligence activity in other countries|Chinese intelligence services]] were collecting information on people and groups who may plot demonstrations during the Olympics.<ref name="monitoring">{{cite news | url = http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=9909 | title = Intelligence targets possible Olympics protesters | date = 2007-07-24 | work = [[Asia News Network|Asia News]] | publisher = [[Nation Multimedia Group]] | accessdate = 2008-08-09}}</ref> Groups in several countries have already staged protests during the Olympic torch relay including protesters in [[London]], [[Paris]], [[San Francisco, California|San Francisco]], and [[Istanbul]].<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/04/07/oly.torchrelay/index.html | title = Olympic torch hit by protests during Paris leg | work = [[CNN#Online|CNN.com]] | publisher = [[Turner Broadcasting System]] | date = 2008-04-07 | accessdate = 2008-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/04/03/europe/3turkey-torch.php | title = Anti-China protest targets Olympic torch ceremony | work = [[Associated Press]] | publisher = [[International Herald Tribune]] | date = 2008-04-03 | accessdate = 2008-08-09}}</ref> In addition to monitoring [[Non-governmental organization|NGO]]s that are concerned with domestic Chinese issues, the Chinese intelligence is also monitoring possible [[terrorism]]-related activities and [[anti-American]] demonstrations.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8QIF1E81&show_article=1 | title = China Sees Activists As Olympic Threat | work = [[Associated Press]] | first = Charles | last = Hutzler | publisher = [[Andrew Breitbart|Breitbart.com]] | date = 2008-07-23 | accessdate = 2008-08-09}}</ref><br />
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===Tibet===<br />
[[Image:Tibet Olympics.jpg|thumb|Pro-Tibet protests during the [[2008 Summer Olympics torch relay|Olympic Torch Relay]].]]<br />
[[International Tibet Independence Movement|Pro-Tibetan independence]] groups, such as [[Students for a Free Tibet]], have initiated a campaign to protest the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8QSCOR00&show_article=1 | title = Protests, Smog Cloud Olympics a Year Out | work = [[Associated Press]] | first = Stephan | last = Wade | publisher = [[Andrew Breitbart|Breitbart.com]] | date = 2008-08-07 | accessdate = 2008-08-09}}</ref> The group plans to protest for Tibetan independence and objects to the Chinese government's use of the [[Tibetan antelope]] (chiru) as one of its five [[Olympic mascot|mascot]]s.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.studentsforafreetibet.org/article.php?list=type&type=15 | title = Free Tibet 2008! - One World, One Dream: Free Tibet 2008 | accessdate = 2007-01-08 | publisher = [[Students for a Free Tibet]]}}</ref> The Tibetan People's Movement has also demanded representation of [[Tibet]] with its own national flag. [[Hollywood]] actor [[Richard Gere]] in his position as the chairman of the [[International Campaign for Tibet]] called for the boycott of the games to put pressure on [[China]] to make [[Tibet]] independent. There have also been plans by Tibetans to hold [[Tibetan Olympics 2008|their own version of the Olympics]] in May at the headquarters of Tibetan government-in-exile, because Tibet does not get representation.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/storypage.aspx?id=f35048f8-e21b-4858-88ad-1956f57372c7&ParentID=d0415f44-d6d6-47c6-b39f-9a84c8322530&MatchID1=4664&TeamID1=5&TeamID2=2&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1173&MatchID2=4673&TeamID3=4&TeamID4=8&MatchType2=1&SeriesID2=1177&PrimaryID=4664&Headline=Tibetan+Olympics+from+May+15-25 | title = Tibetan Olympics from May 15-25 | date = 2008-03-20 | accessdate = 2008-08-09 | work = [[Hindustan Times]] | publisher = [[HT Media Ltd|HT Media]]}}</ref><br />
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The [[freedom of the press|press freedom]] group [[Reporters Without Borders]] has advocated a boycott expressing concerns over violations of free speech and human rights in China. It hopes that international pressure and petition can effect the release of [[prisoners of conscience]], and hold China to [[Beijing 2008 Olympic bid|promises made to the IOC]], regarding improvements in [[human rights]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rsf.org/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=174 | title = Repression continues in China, one month before Olympic Games | accessdate = 2008-08-09 | publisher = [[Reporters Without Borders]]}}</ref> Reporters Without Borders journalists interrupted the speech of [[China]] organizing committee chief during the Olympic torch lighting ceremony in [[Greece]] [[March 24]] [[2008]].<ref>{{cite news | url = http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/03/24/torch.relay/index.html | title = Protests disrupt Olympic torch ceremony | work = [[CNN#Online|CNN.com]] | publisher = [[Turner Broadcasting System]] | date = 2008-03-25 | first = Anthee | last = Carassava | accessdate = 2008-08-09}}</ref> Three of them breached a cordon of 1,000 police at the ancient Olympia stadium and ran behind Liu Qi, head of the Beijing Games committee, as he made a speech. One protestor tried to snatch the microphone as another unrolled a black flag showing the Olympic rings as handcuffs. The trio, from a French human rights group, were dragged away by police.<ref name="the Sun 25mar08">{{cite news | work = [[The Sun]] | publisher = [[News International]] | title = Tibet's Olympic flame of fury | url = http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article956407.ece | date = 2007-03-25 | accessdate = 2008-03-25 | first = Lucy | last = Hagan}}</ref> Nearly 50 Tibetan exiles in India began a global torch relay [[March 25]] [[2008]] with a symbolic "Olympic" flame that ended in Tibet on [[August 8]] [[2008]], the day of the Summer Games' opening ceremonies in [[Beijing]].<ref>{{cite news | url = http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/25/tibet.protest.relay.ap/index.html | title = Tibetan exiles stage fake Olympic relay | work = [[CNN#Online|CNN.com]] | publisher = [[Turner Broadcasting System]] | date = 2008-03-25 | accessdate = 2008-08-09}}</ref> Some Ethnic Tibetans have been banned from working in Beijing during the duration of the Games, for fear that they may participate in anti-government protests.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008087495_olystrict02.html | title = China cracks down on nightlife | first = Jill | last = Drew | work = [[The Seattle Times]] | publisher = [[The Seattle Times Company]] | date = 2008-08-02 | accessdate = 2008-08-09}}</ref> On [[August 6]] [[2008]], 4 protesters, 2 of each said to be American and British, climbed a light pole and un-hurled a pro-Tibet banner near the [[Beijing National Stadium]]. The 4 were quickly arrested and asked to leave the country.<ref name="banner">{{cite web | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/feedarticle/7703847 | title = Two foreign protests in Beijing, four held | last = Buckley | first = Chris | coauthors = Blanchard, Ben | date = 2008-08-06 | work = [[Reuters]] | publisher = [[guardian.co.uk]] | date = 2008-08-06 | accessdate = 2008-08-08}}</ref><br />
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===China's involvement in Darfur===<br />
[[Image:Darfur Protest.jpg|thumb| Protests against China's role in the [[Darfur conflict]].]]<br />
Activists working to address the [[Darfur conflict|ongoing violence]] in [[Darfur]], [[Sudan]], have called for pressure to be exerted on China because of their financial and diplomatic support for [[Omar al-Bashir]], who is responsible for the Sudanese government's [[Janjaweed|proxy militias]]. These advocates, which include actress [[Mia Farrow]], [[NBA]] athlete [[Ira Newble]], and Sudan researcher [[Eric Reeves]], have organized a global advocacy campaign called [http://www.dreamfordarfur.org Olympic Dream for Darfur]. Some have begun to refer to the Beijing Olympics as the "Genocide Olympics" as noted in ''[[The China Post]]'' as a way of connecting Beijing's close political and economic ties to the Sudanese regime.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7503428.stm | title = China 'is fuelling war in Darfur' | first = Hilary | last = Andersson | date = 2008-07-13 | accessdate = 2008-07-13 | publisher = [[BBC]] | work = [[BBC News]]}}</ref> The Chinese government, in turn, has denounced the activists for "politicising" the Olympics and outlined its plans to help the Sudanese economy.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.chinapost.com.tw/editorial/110707.htm | title = China hopes to avoid 'genocide Olympics' | date = 2007-05-27 |first = Frederick | last = Kempe | work = [[Bloomberg L.P.]] | publisher = [[China Post]] | accessdate = 2007-05-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/28/AR2007052801087.html | title = China's Games | work = [[The Washington Post]] | publisher = [[The Washington Post Company]] | date = 2007-05-29 | accessdate = 2007-05-30}}</ref><br />
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===China's involvement in Burma===<br />
Since China has close economic and military ties with [[Burma]], it is seen as a major lever against the repressive regime in Burma. Many have also criticized China's opposition of sanctions against Burma's military rulers, who used force against [[2007 Burmese anti-government protests|anti-government protesters]] in 2007. The Olympics are considered a way to motivate China to take a firm stance against [[Burma#Human_Rights_Violations|human rights violations in Burma]].<ref>{{cite news | url = http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=3659070 | title = World Pressures China to Intervene in Myanmar; Beijing Olympics Used as Leverage | date = 2007-09-27 | accessdate = 2008-08-09 | first = Darren | last = Ennis | work = [[ABC News]] | publisher = [[American Broadcasting Company]]}}</ref><br />
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On [[September 28]], [[2007]], the [[Nobel Peace Prize]] laureate [[Desmond Tutu]] urged China to intervene in the [[2007 Burmese anti-government protests|ongoing protests]] in Myanmar. Tutu said that if China did not take a stance against the military rulers in Burma, he would "join a campaign to boycott the Beijing Olympics".<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=148&a=698244 | title = Desmond Tutu vädjar till Burmas ledare | date = 2007-09-28 | accessdate = 2008-08-09 | first = Annika | last = Persson | work = [[Dagens Nyheter]] | publisher = [[Bonnier]]}}</ref><br />
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==Chinese counter-protests==<br />
The condemnation of China by Western countries has caused a surge of [[nationalism]] and anti-foreigner sentiment in China, with the risk that violence will be directed at foreign visitors to the Olympics.<ref name=timeburning>{{cite web|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1734821,00.html|title=Why China's Burning Mad|publisher=TIME magazine|date=2008-04-24|accessdate=2008-04-26}}</ref> French goods have been threatened with a boycott for the French government's handling of the torch relay through Paris, with [[flag burning]] protests outside the French supermarket chain [[Carrefour]].<ref name=reutersnationalism>{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24222938/|title=Torch protests stir Chinese nationalism|publisher=Reuters|date=2008-04-20|accessdate=2008-04-26}}</ref> A number of [[death threats]] have been received against foreign journalists in China, for what some Chinese see as the biased reporting on Tibet by the Western Media. [[Time (magazine)|''Time'' magazine]] suggests current patriotic protests could erupt into anti-government protests, as with the 1919 [[May Fourth Movement]].<ref name=timeburning/> Media reports that the attitudes of regular citizens towards foreigners in China have noticeably worsened. A poll found that 80% of Chinese respondents thought that foreign media sources conveyed a biased view of China. In late April Chinese Internet censors, who had previously permitted posts critical of foreigners, began blocking words such as "Carrefour", in what was seen as an attempt to calm tensions before the games. Foreigners in Beijing reported more regular checks of their identification and work permits, while travel agents in Hong Kong reported that multiple-entry business [[visa (document)|visas]] for the mainland, commonly used by foreign businesspeople who lack work visas, were no longer being issued, apparently in an attempt to prevent the entry of foreign activists.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/28/AR2008042802238.html?hpid=artslot "For Chinese, a Shift in Mood, From Hospitable to Hostile"] by Edward Cody, ''[[The Washington Post]]'', [[29 April]] [[2008]]</ref><br />
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==Environmental and health issues==<br />
[[Image:Beijing smog comparison August 2005.png|thumb|Beijing air on a day after rain (left) and a sunny, smoggy day (right): Severe air pollution in Beijing is a major risk for athletes' health and a setback to their performance.<ref>[http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-fg-olyair12mar12,1,3739313.story Olympians air a gripe about Beijing - Los Angeles Times<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>]]<br />
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===Air pollution concerns===<br />
Concern has been raised over the air quality of Beijing and its potential effect on the athletes.{{Ref_label|A|a|none}} Although the Beijing Municipal Government, [[Beijing 2008 Olympic bid|in its bid file in 2001]], committed to lowering air pollution, increasing environmental protection, and introducing environmental technology,<ref name="IOC report 299">{{cite web |url=http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_299.pdf |title=Report of the IOC Evaluation Commission for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in 2008 |publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]] |page=62 |accessdate=2007-07-18 |date=[[2001-05-15]]}}</ref> research data show that even if the city were to dramatically cut down its emissions, pollution would still drift over from neighboring provinces,<ref name="WSJ pollution">{{cite news |last=Oster |first=Shai |title=Will Beijing's Air Cast Pall Over Olympics? |publisher=The Wall Street Journal|date=[[2007-02-15]] |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB117148719982908969.html}}</ref> from which 50 percent of Beijing's air is believed to originate.<ref name="PopSci pollution article">{{cite journal | last = Mone | first = Gregory | title = Choking at the Olympics | journal = [[Popular Science]] | issue = August 2007 | pages = 33–35 | issn = 0161-7370 | accessdate = 2007-07-18 | laysummary = http://www.popsci.com/popsci/environment/4ec1a78d87273110vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html | laysource = Popular Science | laydate = June 2007 }}</ref> At current levels, air pollution is at least 2 to 3 times higher than levels deemed safe by the [[World Health Organization]]. [[Marco Cardinale]] of the [[British Olympic Association]] has stated that air pollution coupled with heat and humidity makes it "very unlikely we'll see outstanding performances in endurance sports."<ref name="WSJ pollution"/> Despite this, Beijing committed to remove 60,000 [[taxicab|taxis]] and [[bus]]es from the roads by the end of 2007 and relocate 200 local factories, including a prominent steel factory,<ref name="WSJ pollution" /> before the games begin.<ref name="PopSci pollution article" /> The Chinese government has provided assurances that "blue skies are a requirement not only for Beijing, but also for the places around it."<ref name="Environment">{{cite news|url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/29/47/article214024729.shtml |title=Promise of clean air during Olympics |date=[[2007-03-13]] |accessdate=2007-03-16 |publisher=[[BOCOG]]}}</ref> The [[United States Olympic Committee]] has also expressed its assurance that the air quality of Beijing will not be a concern for the U.S. delegation to the games.<ref name="USOC-air">{{cite news |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/official/ioc/n214119154.shtml |title=USOC official: air quality not a concern for U.S. Olympic delegation in Beijing |date=[[2007-08-03]] |accessdate=2007-08-03 |publisher=[[BOCOG]]}}</ref> Nevertheless, the IOC's medical commission recently analyzed air-quality data recorded by the Beijing Environment Protection Bureau in August, when test athletic events were held in the Chinese capital. The commission found that outdoor endurance events -- defined as those that include at least an hour of continuous, high-intensity physical effort -- may pose some risk.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120577799162242425.html|title=Olympic Worry in the Air|date=[[2008-03-18]] |accessdate=2008-03-23 |publisher=[[The Wall Street Journal]]}}</ref><br />
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In spite of such efforts, several countries have indicated that their athletes will arrive at the games as late as possible to limit exposure to pollution.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6950883.stm|title=WHO fears over Beijing pollution|date=2007-08-17|accessdate=2007-08-17 |publisher=BBC}}</ref> Many teams have set up offshore training camps in [[Japan]] and [[South Korea]] to avoid the pollution.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-trw-olympics13mar13|title=Olympians gripe about Beijing's air quality|date=[[2008-03-12]] |accessdate=2008-03-23 |publisher=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref><br />
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In early July, Beijing ordered 40 factories in [[Tianjin]] and 300 factories in [[Tangshan]], two cities close to the capital, to begin suspending operations in an effort to reduce air pollution.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7491456.stm "China to close plants over Games"], ''BBC'', 5 July, 2008.</ref> A major temporary air pollution control plan began on [[July 20]], that included shutting additional factories as well as using odd-even license plate restrictions that limited Beijing motorists to driving on alternate days, depending on whether the last number on their license plate is odd or even, in order to reduce daily traffic by two million vehicles. Despite the program, by [[July 28]] the ''[[China Daily]]'' reported that Beijing's skies remained alarmingly polluted and that authorities are considering emergency measures during the Games.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/29/sports/olympics/29china.html|title=Beijing Weighs Added Pollution Plans for Olympics|date=[[2008-07-29]] |accessdate=2008-07-29 |publisher=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-07/28/content_6880332.htm|title=Beijing mulls emergency green plan for Games|date=[[2008-07-28]] |accessdate=2008-07-28 |publisher=[[China Daily]]}}</ref><br />
Australian swimming coach Alan Thompson demanded a response from officials as to why smog appeared to have crept inside the [[Beijing National Aquatics Center|Beijing Water Cube]].<ref>[http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/beijing_olympics/story/0,27313,24128522-5014104,00.html Smog on the Water]</ref><br />
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====Air Pollution Measurements in Beijing====<br />
{| class="wikitable" <br />
|-<br />
! colspan=20 | Before the 2008 Summer Olympic Games<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
|| '''Jul 20'''<sup>†</sup> || '''Jul 21''' || '''Jul 22''' || '''Jul 23''' || '''Jul 24''' || '''Jul 25''' || '''Jul 26''' || '''Jul 27''' || '''Jul 28''' || '''Jul 29''' || '''Jul 30''' || '''Jul 31''' || '''Aug 1''' || '''Aug 2''' || '''Aug 3''' || '''Aug 4''' || '''Aug 5''' || '''Aug 6''' || '''Aug 7'''<br />
|-<br />
! [[BBC]] [[PM10|PM<sub>10</sub>]]<br>(μg/m³) <ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7506925.stm|title=In pictures: Beijing pollution-watch|date=[[2008-08-06]] |accessdate=2008-08-10 |publisher=[[BBC]]}}</ref><br />
| 32 || bgcolor=yellow | 69 || bgcolor=yellow | 107 || bgcolor=yellow | 143 || bgcolor=orange | 254 || bgcolor=orange | 261 || bgcolor=orange | 165 || bgcolor=orange | 269 || bgcolor=yellow | 134 || 8 || bgcolor=yellow | 78 || bgcolor=yellow | 56 || 19 || 15 || bgcolor=yellow | 79 || bgcolor=orange | 292 || bgcolor=yellow | 104 || bgcolor=orange | 186 || bgcolor=orange | 191<br />
|-<br />
! [[Associated Press|AP]] PM<sub>10</sub><br>(μg/m³) <ref>{{cite news |url=http://hosted.ap.org/specials/interactives/_international/oly_fea_pollution/index.html?SITE=WIRE&SECTION=HOME|title=Sensing Air Quality at the Olympics||accessdate=2008-08-10 |publisher=[[Associated Press|AP]]}}</ref><br />
| || || bgcolor=yellow | 64 || bgcolor=orange | 162 || bgcolor=orange | 554 || bgcolor=orange | 584 || bgcolor=orange | 212 || bgcolor=orange | 384 || bgcolor=orange | 316 || 39 || bgcolor=orange | 181 || bgcolor=orange | 157 || 19 || 35 || bgcolor=yellow | 109 || bgcolor=orange | 432 || 29 || bgcolor=orange | 251 || bgcolor=orange | 349<br />
|-<br />
! SEPA [[Air Quality Index|API]] <ref>[http://www.sepa.gov.cn/quality/air.php3 People's Republic of China State Environmental Protection Agency Air Quality Daily Newspaper] Accessed on 2008-08-10</ref><br />
|| 55 || 64 || 66|| 89|| bgcolor=red | 113 || bgcolor=red | 109 || bgcolor=red | 118 || bgcolor=red | 113 || 96 || 90 || 43 || 69 || 27 || 34 || 35 || 83 || 88 || 85 || 95 <br />
|}<br />
{| class="wikitable" <br />
|-<br />
! colspan=18 | During the 2008 Summer Olympic Games<br />
|-<br />
| <br />
|| '''Aug 8''' || '''Aug 9''' || '''Aug 10''' || '''Aug 11''' || '''Aug 12''' || '''Aug 13''' || '''Aug 14''' || '''Aug 15''' || '''Aug 16''' || '''Aug 17''' || '''Aug 18''' || '''Aug 19''' || '''Aug 20''' || '''Aug 21''' || '''Aug 22''' || '''Aug 23''' || '''Aug 24''' <br />
|-<br />
! BBC PM<sub>10</sub><br>(μg/m³) <br />
| bgcolor=orange | 156 || bgcolor=yellow | 110 || bgcolor=orange | 278 || bgcolor=yellow | 54 || 41 || bgcolor=yellow | 128 || 46 || || || || || || || || || || <br />
|-<br />
! AP PM<sub>10</sub><br>(μg/m³) <br />
| bgcolor=orange | 345 || bgcolor=orange | 163 || bgcolor=orange | 604 || bgcolor=orange | 157 || bgcolor=orange | 162 || bgcolor=orange | 409 || bgcolor=yellow | 97 || || || || || || || || || || <br />
|-<br />
! SEPA API <br />
| 94 || 78 || 82 || 37 || 32 || 60 || 61 || || || || || || || || || <br />
|}<br />
<span style="background-color:yellow">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span> PM<sub>10</sub> levels higher than [[World Health Organization|WHO]] Air Quality Guideline (>50 μg/m³)<ref name="WHOreport">[http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2006/WHO_SDE_PHE_OEH_06.02_eng.pdf Air quality guidelines - global update 2005] pg. 12</ref><br><br />
<span style="background-color:orange">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span> PM<sub>10</sub> levels higher than [[World Health Organization|WHO]] Interim Target 1 Levels (>150 μg/m³)<ref name="WHOreport" /><br><br />
<span style="background-color:red">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span> Air Pollution Index level higher than [[International Olympic Committee|IOC]] and Chinese target of 100<ref>{{cite news |url=http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/08/sensors-photos.html|title=Beijing's Anti-Smog Efforts Failing, Independent Readings Suggest|date=[[2008-08-04]]|accessdate=2008-08-08 |publisher=[[Wired Science|Wired]]}}</ref><br><br />
<sup>†</sup> Emergency pollution control measures were implemented on July 1, 2008. Stricter meaures were imposed on July 20, 2008.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/07/31/asia/beijing.php|title=China adds rules to cut pollution|date=[[2008-07-31]]|accessdate=2008-08-08 |publisher=[[International Herald Tribune]]}}</ref><br />
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===Weather forecasting===<br />
Meteorological findings in April 2007 also have suggested that, based on rainfall data from the past 30 years, there is a 50 percent chance of rain for the opening and closing ceremonies of the games.<ref name="BOCOG rain">{{cite news |title=Beijing to keep skies clear on Games' opening day |date=[[2007-04-26]] |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/11/20/article214042011.shtml |publisher=[[BOCOG]] |accessdate=2007-04-27}}</ref><ref name="Pilot rain">{{cite news |title=The Buzz: Is China's weather plan for the Olympics all wet? |url=http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=123605&ran=11774 |date=[[2007-04-27]] |author=Tandan, Marc |publisher=[[The Virginian-Pilot]] |accessdate=2007-04-27}}</ref> To combat the chance of poor weather, Beijing officials plan to [[cloud seeding|seed clouds]] to induce rain several days before the games begin by shooting thousands of [[silver iodide]] pellets into the air using ground-based rockets.<ref name="a yes to cloud-seeding">{{cite news |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/dynamics/headlines/n214111767.shtml |title=Weather drills get under way for 2008 Olympics |date=[[2007-07-18]] |accessdate=2007-07-19 |publisher=[[China Daily]] |author=Xiaohua, Sun}}</ref><ref name="Cloud seed">{{cite news |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/china/story/0,,2078030,00.html |title=Organisers to give Olympic clouds a silver lining |date=[[2007-05-12]] |author=Watts, Jonathan |publisher=Guardian Unlimited |accessdate=2007-05-16}}</ref> While the effectiveness of this method is questionable, Beijing is optimistic that it will reduce the chance of rainfall during the games,<ref name="CBN rain">{{cite news |url=http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/146187.aspx |date=[[2007-04-27]] |author=Robertson, Laura |title=Beijing Fights Olympic Rain, But Can it Prevent the Protestors' Storm? |publisher=[[CBN News]] |accessdate=2007-04-27}}</ref> and planned to carry out several tests as a practice in the summer of 2007, one year before the games begin.<ref name="a yes to cloud-seeding" /> Officials have also stated that inducing rain should also remove some of the pollution from the air.<ref name="Pilot rain" /><br />
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===Water and drought history===<br />
The water coming out of the water plants is safe, according to Bi Xiaogang of the Beijing Water Management Bureau. The process of transporting the water throughout the city is what contaminates it. Beijing is suffering from a [[drought]] of 15 years as well as a lack of major fresh water sources elsewhere, so many locals drink [[bottled water]] instead of that from the tap.<ref name="Water contamination">{{cite news |url=http://www.nbcsports.com/sports/1486766/detail.html |title=Beijing 2008 advice: Don't drink the water |date=[[2007-05-09]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |accessdate=2007-05-11}}</ref> Officials of the city water authority have ensured, however, that "the safety and efficiency of the water system" will be maintained and that the recycled water supplied to the Olympic Village will be as clean as tap water.<ref name="treatment system">{{cite news |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/2008/2007-07/19/content_5439193.htm |title=New water treatment system for Olympics |date=[[2007-07-19]] |accessdate=2007-07-19 |publisher=[[China Daily]] |author=Xiaohuo, Cui}}</ref> <br />
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Following recent scares regarding the safety of food products manufactured in China, the United States Olympic Committee has decided to import food for its athletes. In particular, athletes were concerned that eating meat that was raised in China could contain enough steroids to cause the athletes to test positive for steroid use.<ref name="Steroid use">{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/09/sports/othersports/09olympics.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=olympic%20food%20beijing%20committee&st=nyt&oref=slogin|title=Steroid use}}</ref> The [[United States Olympic Committee]]'s plan to bring its own food to China has disappointed the leader of food services for the Beijing Olympics.<ref name="U.S.food plan">{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/02/22/olympics.food.ap/index.html |title=China hurt over U.S. food plan for Games |date=[[2008-02-22]] |accessdate=2008-02-22 |publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref> Several Canadian athletes have received permission to do the same.<br />
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=== Red Tide affecting venue ===<br />
With less than six weeks before it plays host to the Olympic sailing regatta, the city of [[Qingdao]] has mobilized thousands of people and an armada of small boats to clean up an [[algae bloom]], the result of a [[red tide]], that is choking large stretches of the coastline and threatening to impede the Olympic competition. Approximately one third of the waters where Olympic events are supposed to take place are affected; this has prompted China to mobilize 20,000 people to clean up and the state media reported that 100,000 tons of algae had already been taken out of the water. Much of it was being transported to farms as feed for pigs and other animals, according to news reports. Officials claim that poor water quality is "not a substantial" link to the current bloom.<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/06/30/asia/china.php Olympic nightmare: A red tide in the Yellow Sea]</ref><br />
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===Locust prevention===<br />
More than 33,000 [[exterminator]]s have been dispatched to battle a [[locust]] infestation in [[northern China]]. Under the plan, some 200 [[tonne]]s of [[pesticides]], 100,000 [[sprayer]]s and four airplanes are being used to kill the pests.<ref>Thestar.com. "[http://olympics.thestar.com/2008/article/452467 Thestar.com]." ''Beijing's new worry - locusts.'' Retrieved on [[2008-07-09]].</ref><ref>SI. "[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/more/07/01/locusts.ap/index.html Sports illustrated]." ''China in major battle against locusts; hopes to prevent migration ....'' Retrieved on [[2008-07-08]].</ref><br />
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==Surveillance==<br />
''[[The Times]]'' reported that China had mobilised 110,000 police and other security forces in Beijing itself, plus 1.4 million security volunteers and 300,000 surveillance volunteers. The security bill for Beijing alone was estimated in excess of $6 billion. Outside the capital, cities hosting Olympic events would be patrolled by 34,000 troops, [[surface-to-air missile]]s guard key sites, and 74 military aircraft, 48 helicopters and 33 naval vessels have been placed on high alert.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/rosemary_righter/article4460645.ece | title = Has China got a terrorist problem? | work = [[The Times]] | publisher = [[News International]] | date = 2008-08-05 | last = Righter | first = Rosemary | accessdate = 2008-08-09}}</ref><br />
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==Domestic issues==<br />
On June 28 the [[2008 Guizhou riot]] became a concern for the Chinese government officials as thousands of angry citizens burned down government buildings against a police [[cover-up]] over the death of a teenage girl.<ref name="straits1">Straitstimes.com. "[http://www.straitstimes.com/Free/Story/STIStory_253078.html Straitstimes]." ''China teen's death sparks massive riot.'' Retrieved on [[2008-07-01]].</ref> This was followed by a three day riot from 10-13 July by migrant workers over a beating handed out to a work colleague in the eastern province of [[Zhejiang]]<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7505331.stm "Workers 'riot in east China town'"], ''BBC'', July 14, 2008</ref> and a riot in [[Menglian county]], [[Yunnan]] near the Burmese border on July 19-20 over wages paid to farmers by a state-run company, resulting in two deaths.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7516619.stm "Two dead in Chinese bus blasts"], ''BBC'', July 21, 2008</ref> Local officials were ordered to defuse petition campaigns and prevent any mass incidents such as riots and demonstrations.<ref name="Yahoo1">Yahoo. "[http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080630/wl_nm/olympics_unrest_dc_1 Yahoo]." ''China announces Olympics stability drive after riot.'' Retrieved on [[2008-07-01]].</ref><br />
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The Beijing government has issued new mandates that require [[police officer]]s in the city to act more appropriately. The government has circulated pamphlets urging officers to desist from using foul language, being arrogant, and hanging up on people who call to report crimes. They have been told that violators will be reprimanded. By doing this, Beijing hopes to clean up its image in time for the games.<ref name="Police conduct">{{cite news |publisher=[[GamesBids]] |accessdate=2007-05-11 |url=http://www.gamesbids.com/cgi-bin/news/viewnews.cgi?category=1&id=1178899588 |date=[[2007-05-11]] |title=New Guidelines For Beijing Police Ahead Of 2008 Games}}</ref><br />
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A drive has also been launched to improve the poor English translations common on Chinese signage and labeling in readiness for the Olympics.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6052800.stm "Beijing stamps out poor English"], BBC News, 15 October 2006</ref> Signs have also been placed around Beijing, instructing locals not to ask foreigners any personal questions, something common among meeting new people in China, as it may discomfort many of the tourists and athletes.<ref>[http://www.nbcolympics.com/wgal/news/newsid=154888.html "Etiquette guide: What not to ask Olympic visitors"], NBCOlympics.com, 23 July 2008</ref><br />
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On July 21, 2008, just two weeks before the Games, the authorities became concerned when two bombs exploded on separate buses in [[Kunming]], [[Yunnan]], killing at least two and injuring 14. Police described the incidents as a "deliberate act of sabotage". It is currently not known who was behind the blasts.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7516619.stm "Two dead in Chinese bus blasts"], ''BBC'', July 21, 2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/2310641/Olympic-terror-fears-as-China-bus-bomb-kills-two.html "Olympic terror fears as China bus bomb kills two"], ''The Telegraph'', July 21, 2008.</ref><br />
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On February 2008 [[AIDS]] and [[Human Rights]] activist Hu Jia was arrested for criticizing China as the Host of the Olympics, comparing them to the Nazi hosting the Berlin Olympics.<ref>[http://observers.france24.com/en/content/blogger_put_prison_criticising_olympic_games "Blogger put in prison for criticizing the Olympic Games" The Observers by France, August 15, 2008]</ref><br />
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His wife [[Zeng Jinyan]] and their baby daughter were harassed and kept under constant surveillance and house arrest while she kept blogging in favor of her husband<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100/article/0,28804,1595326_1615754_1616169,00.html/ "Zeng Jinyan - The TIME 100," TIME Magazine, May 14, 2007]</ref>.<br />
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A Chinese AIDS activist who disappeared after staging a hunger strike has returned home after what he claims was a six-week ordeal in police custody, his wife said Wednesday.<ref>[http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/29-03-2006/78007-China-0/ "Chinese AIDS activist missing for six weeks returns home" International Herald Tribune, August 9, 2008]</ref><br />
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==Broadcasting issues==<br />
[[NBC]], which paid US$5.7&nbsp;billion for exclusive [[United States]] broadcasting rights to the Summer and Winter Games from 2000 through 2012,<ref name="NBC rights">{{cite news |url=http://speakout.com/activism/issue_briefs/1383b-1.html |title=Are the IOC and NBC Unfairly Prohibiting Internet Coverage of the Sydney Olympics? |date=[[2001-01-09]] |accessdate=2007-05-06}}</ref> requested that popular events be broadcast live during television [[primetime]] in the United States. This would require events to be held in the early morning between 8:00 and 11:00 a.m., Beijing time. The IOC granted the request for swimming and gymnastics but denied it for athletics and basketball.<ref name="Swimming">{{cite news |url = http://swimming.about.com/od/olympics/a/amolympicfinals.htm |title = 2008 Beijing Olympic Swimming Finals in the morning Looks to be a Reality |publisher = About, Inc. |date = [[2006-10-26]] |accessdate = 2006-12-19}}</ref> However NBC did not broadcast the swimming events live.<ref>[http://www.foxsports.com.au/beijing_olympics/story/0,27313,24177810-5016813,00.html NBC fails to show Michael Phelps record-breaking swim], [[Fox Sports (Australia)]], [[August 14]] [[2008]]</ref><br />
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The IOC and broadcasters are uncertain as to whether the Beijing authorities will allow them to broadcast live from locations such as [[Tiananmen Square]], fearing protests. In 2001, Beijing announced there would be complete freedom for the media to report in China. After lengthy discussions, broadcasters are permitted to broadcast between the hours of 6-10am and 9-11pm with prior permission; however, live interviews are banned at all times.<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/news/latest-news/global-anger-at-internet-blockade/2008/07/31/1217097434368.html?page=2 "Global anger at internet blockade"], ''Sydney Morning Herald'', August 1, 2008.</ref> Many broadcasters are unhappy with this decision as it would "set a bad precedent in regards to [[press freedom]]", and are pushing the authorities further on the issue.<ref>[http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jZQlFFurD2ZlbELDE_X1jGKo12vwD91T1AS00 "Broadcast access to Tiananmen remains at issue"], ''Associated Press'', July 13, 2008.</ref><br />
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The IOC is also investigating complaints from the international media that the Internet at the Main Press Centre is slow and some websites remain blocked which may disrupt reporting. This was seen recently when [[Amnesty International]] criticised the Chinese government for not delivering on its [[Beijing 2008 Olympic bid|Olympic promises]] of human rights; however journalists could not access the website. Additionally, websites critical of the government, or relating to Tibet and the religious group, [[Falun Gong]] remain blocked at the centre. Kevan Gosper from the IOC clarified that the 'open Internet' only refers to reporting directly on the games, and not other issues relating to China.<ref>[http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gKf6TZUVV5O0svemHyOqBT1MvnxQD927L2PG0 "Internet sites still blocked for Olympic reporters"], ''Associated Press'', July 29, 2008.</ref><br />
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==Ticket sales and accommodations==<br />
===Hotel and airline price hikes===<br />
Like previous Games, hotels and airlines have hiked their prices. Chinese officials had predicted that up to two million tourists would visit during the Games, which run from August 8 to 24, with a third coming from abroad. Following a massive expansion programme, Beijing now has more than 800 star-ranked hotels. Some hotels had increased prices by almost tenfold in less than a year. For example, the Prime Hotel put up room rates from £63 to £616 a night during the second week of the Olympics, the Wanfujin from £71 to £542 and the Double Happiness Hotel from £41 to £259. <br />
<ref name=autogenerated3>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/2456877/Beijing-hotels-drop-prices-as-low-turn-out-hits-Olympic-Games.html Beijing hotels drop prices as low turn-out hits Olympic Games - Telegraph<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><br />
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However, the high demand expected has not materialised, forcing these hotels to cut their rates by more than a third, to £391, £330 and £142 respectively, which many suggest is now too late to fill the empty rooms. Although many of the luxury hotels have long been booked by the organising committee and the media at a fixed rate, lower-grade hotels have struggled to fill their rooms. Air fares have also been cut. In February, the cost of return flights to Beijing during the Olympics started at around £1,200 with Air China and £1,500 with British Airways. Emirates is now offering return flights during the Games from as little as £497, Air China from £503 and BA from £972. <br />
<ref name=autogenerated3 /><br />
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Hoteliers are blaming the lack of visitors on increased security measures and the tightening of visa rules, even for travellers who hold tickets for the Olympics. New visa requirements introduced in April mean that foreign visitors must now have proof of their accommodation and return flight when applying to enter, while the government has increased its military presence in the capital. The [[subprime mortgage crisis|looming world recession]] and high oil prices in summer 2008 also have not helped tourism.<br />
<ref name=autogenerated3 /><br />
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===Line chaos in Beijing===<br />
Some 250,000 tickets were on sale in Beijing on July 25. Long lines were formed the day before at the ticket office including many who slept overnight.<ref name="Chan1">Channelnewsasia.com. "[http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/362784/1/.html Channelnewsasia.com]." ''Police struggle to control Beijing Olympic ticket chaos.'' Retrieved on [[2008-07-21]].</ref> The lines eventually descended into chaos. Some 40,000 people overwhelmed the police officials as large number of police reinforcements came to control the crowd.<ref name="Wash1">Washingtonpost.com. "[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/25/AR2008072502866.html Washingtonpost.com]." ''Olympic ticket tumult in Beijing.'' Retrieved on [[2008-07-21]].</ref> Fights among the crowd and clashes between police and reporters broke out.<ref name="Wash1" /><br />
A [[Cable TV Hong Kong]] reporter was pushed to the ground by police and assaulted after refusal to leave. [[Oriental Daily News|Hong Kong Oriental News]] said police demanded two of their journalists to delete their video footage.<ref name="Wash1" /> A [[South China Morning Post|SCMP]] photographer Felix Wong (王智強) was seen manhandled by the police.<ref name="Chan1" /> He defended himself by kicking a police officer in the crotch. The officer suffered testicular injuries in the incident.<ref>Sina. "[http://news.sina.com/102-000-101-101/2008-07-25/0836506267.html Sina.com]." ''香港記者踢傷奧運門票銷售現場警察.'' Retrieved on [[2008-07-26]].</ref> A Beijing spokesperson said reporter Felix Wong was detained for disobeying police orders to leave a restricted zone and for injuring a police officer.<ref>Yahoo.com. "[http://asia.news.yahoo.com/080725/afp/080725121454spo.html Yahoo.com]." ''Police struggle to control Beijing olympic ticket chaos.'' Retrieved on [[2008-07-26]].</ref> A man in the crowd commented "They can't even solve such a small problem as this -- what else can the government manage? They make such a simple thing so complicated. If they set up more places to buy tickets, it won't be so crowded and people will buy their tickets earlier."<ref name="Wash1" /><br />
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===Massive Internet ticket fraud===<br />
On 24 July 2008 it was reported that the US and International Olympic Committees had filed lawsuits two days earlier against a [[fraud]]ulent Beijing Olympic Games [[Online ticket brokering|online ticket seller]] named as XL&H Ltd., also known as Xclusive Leisure and Hospitality, said to be based in the USA, with no apparent links to China. The tickets were being sold through a professionally-designed website, "Beijing 2008 Ticketing" at www.beijingticketing.com (now closed).<ref>[http://www.sports-city.org/news_details.php?news_id=5066&idCategory=1 “USOC and IOC file lawsuit against fraudulent ticket seller”.] ‘’Sports City’’ website. Retrieved 1 August 2008.</ref> On 4 August it was reported that more than $50 million worth of fake tickets had been sold through the website, set up as a global [[Internet fraud|internet scam]] to swindle fans out of their money. The IOC had been “flooded with complaints from hundreds of people worldwide who have learned they had been conned, including the parents and friends of competing athletes". Despite the reports and complaints the site was operating and advertising through [[Google]] and other search sites as late as 4 August 2008.<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/news/latest-news/ticket-swindle-leaves-trail-of-losers/2008/08/03/1217701854125.html “Ticket swindle leaves trail of losers”.] By Jacquelin Magnay, [[Sydney Morning Herald]]’’, August 4, 2008.</ref><br />
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In 6 August it was reported that the person behind the scam, which was wholly based outside China, was a [[United Kingdom|British]] [[ticket tout]], Terance Shepherd.<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/news/off-the-field/olympic-ticket-scammer-unmasked/2008/08/05/1217702042881.html Kelly Burke: "British fraud ran Beijing ticket scam".] ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'', August 6, 2008.</ref> As early as March 2008 ''[[The Observer]]'' newspaper in London and the [http://www.guardian.co.uk guardian.co.uk website] had warned that he and his US based company, Xclusive Leisure and Hospitality, were setting up www.beijingticketing.com as a [[Internet fraud#Internet ticket fraud|Internet ticket fraud]].<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/mar/09/olympicgames2008.internet Jamie Doward: "How boom in rogue ticket websites fleeces Britons".] The Observer, Sunday March 9 2008.</ref> Events have subsequently shown that international Olympic and law enforcement authorities did not or were unable to stop it from happening.<br />
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===Empty seats===<br />
According to the Beijing Olympic Organising Committee (BOCOG), the 6.8 million tickets to the Games were sold out. But journalists and visitors have noticed many empty seats, raising suspicions about these claims. This angered athletes of countries outside China, who were told that 80 percent of tickets had been reserved for the Chinese. Beijing Olympic organisers had made officials and corporate sponsors a priority, who in turn could not find enough people to attend the events.<br />
<ref>[http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/sport/olympics/empty-seats-infuriate-swimmers-families/1241525.aspx Empty seats infuriate swimmers' families - Local News - Sport - Olympics - The Canberra Times<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><br />
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A senior BOCOG official has said he is concerned about the empty seats, arguing that the hot, humid weather is to blame for the poor turnout. Recently, however, officials have admitting to bussing in locals or "cheerleaders" to fill the seats.<br />
<ref>[http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Empty-Olympics-China-Busses-In-Locals-To-Fill-Beijing-Seats/Article/200808215076213?lpos=World%2BNews_3&lid=ARTICLE_15076213_Empty%2BOlympics%253A%2BChina%2BBusses%2BIn%2BLocals%2BTo%2BFill%2BBeijing%2BSeats Empty Olympics: China Busses In Locals To Fill Beijing Seats | World News | Sky News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><br />
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An official suggested that many people could be leaving after one session, when many tickets are for multiple sessions of a particular event. In one instance, people in the audience left the stadium after the Chinese women's volleyball match, thinking the tickets were for one game only. But when they found there was another game, they were not allowed back in if they wanted to return. They were also not permitted to trade or hand their tickets to other fans.<br />
<ref name=autogenerated2>[http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/beijing_olympics/story/0,27313,24173232-5016818,00.html Officials urged to open venues | The Australian<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><br />
<ref>[http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080812/BEIJING_venues_080812/20080812?s_name=beijing2008&no_ads= CTV.ca | Ticket scalping big in Beijing, despite empty seats<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><br />
<ref name=autogenerated2 /><br />
<br />
==Events Controversy==<br />
Prior to the start of the Games, the Spain Men's Basketball team featured in an ad that appeared in the Spanish daily sports newspaper Marca. The athletes were in uniform pulling back the skin on their eyelids, with smiles on their faces, at a center court bearing a dragon logo. Many consider the slant eye a racially pejorative. Sarah Smith, a spokesman for the Organization of Chinese Americans in [[Washington, D.C.]] said that the photo is "clearly racist, and not even in a jovial way", saying that she expected more from a group of Olympians, many of whom have played professionally in the United States. <br />
<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/story?id=5563668&page=1]</ref><br />
<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/aug/11/olympicsbasketball.olympics20081]</ref> <br />
The IOC considers the matter closed, saying "clearly it was inappropriate, we understand the team has apologised and absolutely meant no offence whatsoever". This was one in a string of racist incidents that may hurt Madrid's bid for the 2016 Olympic games. In 2004, national football coach [[Luis Aragones]] was caught on tape making a racist remark about French star [[Thierry Henry]]; FIFA fined the Spanish football federation after fans made monkey chants aimed at England's black football players at a November friendly international in Madrid that year. In 2007, a handful of [[Formula One]] fans targeted British driver [[Lewis Hamilton]] during a testing day at Barcelona's Catalunya circuit.<br />
<ref>[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5i0I01CICOLuFtMXFPBfo_G0PcSfA]</ref><br />
<br />
For the opening ceremony, officials admitted to digitally adding fireworks for TV viewers.<ref name=autogenerated1>[http://www.theweekdaily.com/article/index/88030/3/3/Chinas_lip-synch_Olympics China’s lip-synch Olympics - THE WEEK<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> <br />
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There was more criticism when it was revealed that 9-year-old Lin Miaoke was lip-synching to the pre-recorded voice of 7-year-old Yang Peiyi singing “Ode to the Motherland” for the opening ceremony. A senior Politburo member said Miaoke's voice was not good enough for the ceremony but that Peiyi wasn't cute enough. This secret was revealed by Chen Qigang, the ceremony's chief musical director, in an interview with state-owned Beijing Radio. Chen, a French national, later told AP Television News he felt compelled to "to come out with the truth", saying that Peiyi was "a magnificent singer" who "doesn't deserve to be hidden." Sun Weide, the spokesman for the Beijing organizing committee, said the decision to use both girls was made by the artistic director after consulting with broadcasters, who had recommended the change.<br />
<ref name=autogenerated1 /><br />
<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/08/13/asia/AS-OLY-China-Lip-Synched-Song.php Chinese defend Olympic ceremony lip-synch - International Herald Tribune<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><br />
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The Chinese men's football team was severely criticised by the domestic media for its poor sportsmanship, as two players were sent off during their 2-0 loss to Belgium.<ref name=autogenerated2 /><br />
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Iran's [[Mohammad Alirezaei]] was due to race against Israel's [[Tom Be'eri]] in the fourth heat of the 100 meter breaststroke, but pulled out, apparently under the orders of the chiefs of the Iranian delegation. Efraim Zinger, Olympic Committee of Israel General Secretary, criticized the withdrawal saying "Politics takes precedence over sport with the Iranians and the Olympic spirit is as far from them as east is far from west". At the 2004 Games in Athens, Iran's Arash Miresmaeili, a two-time world judo champion, refused to compete against Israel's Ehud Vaks in the opening round of the 66kg competition, later admitting that he made his decision to show solidarity for the Palestinian cause. Giselle Davies, director of communications for the IOC, said that Alirezaei withdrew because of sickness and submitted his case in writing to his Federation.<br />
<ref>[http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1218104248620]</ref><br />
<ref>[http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/olympics/story/636862.html]</ref><br />
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Swedish wrestler [[Ara Abrahamian]] rejected his bronze medal in 84kg Greco-Roman wrestling in protest over the judging of a semifinal match.<ref>http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/wrestling/story/2008/08/14/olympics-abrahamian-tantrum.html Angry Swedish wrestler ditched medal ''CBC'' Retrieved [[2008-08-14]]</ref><br />
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===Underage gymnasts controversy===<br />
There was frequent speculation that members of the Chinese women's gymnastics team were underage and that the government had altered their passports so they could appear to be 16 years old, the minimum eligibility to compete at the Olympics in accordance with [[Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique|FIG]], the head organisation of the sport. Nellie Kim, a five-time Olympic gold medalist, said that the advantage for younger gymnasts is that they are lighter and more fearless when they perform difficult maneuvers. <ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/sports/olympics/27gymnasts.html Records say Chinese gymnasts may be underage] ''New York Times'' Retrieved [[2008-08-13]]</ref><br />
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Gymnasts questioned by the media are Jiang Yuyuan and He Kexin. In response to this criticism, Chinese authorities presented passport information to show that they were 16 as of [[2008]]. But online records listing Chinese gymnasts and their ages that were posted on official Web sites in China, along with ages given in the official Chinese news media, seem to contradict the passport information, indicating that He, Linlin, and Jiang may be as young as 14. For instance, [[The Times]] found two online records of official registration lists of Chinese gymnasts that list He's birthday as Jan. 1, 1994, which would make her 14. A 2007 national registry of Chinese gymnasts, currently taken offline but viewable through Google cache<ref>[http://209.85.141.104/search?q=cache:lKKNqX5NgnwJ:www.sport.chengdu.gov.cn/escpecial/detail.asp%3FEventClassID%3D030308%26ID%3D28022+%E4%BD%95%E5%8F%AF%E6%AC%A3&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=17&gl=us 成都市体育局] Google cache of 2007 national registry of Chinese gymnasts </ref>, shows He's birthday as "1994.1.1." State-run China Central Television (CCTV) website posted a profile indicating that Yang Yilin was 14, which the government later argued was incorrect.<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/07/27/sports/OLY.php Records suggest Chinese gymnasts might be underage - International Herald Tribune<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=716188 China, IOC deny charges of underage gymnasts<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Yang Yun, who won two bronze medals in the [[2000 Summer Olympics]], later admitted on state-run China TV that she was 14 when she had competed.<ref>[http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/brennan/2008-08-12-gymnastics_N.htm What a host! Chinese even kick in their own controversy - USATODAY.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Despite these findings, The IOC has decided not to launch any investigations and have accepted the passports as legitimate.<ref>[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/olympics/2008/writers/selena_roberts/08/13/china.gymnasts/index.html?cnn=yes IOC refuses to doubt China's kid gymnasts - Selena Roberts - SI.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><br />
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There has also been criticism of the Chinese government's harsh training regime in the state academies. At the age of three, prospective gymnasts are taken from their families to be coached. Besides going through a grueling schedule of practice, the children are only allowed to see their parents a few times each year, and detractors say that this robs them of their childhood.<br />
<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/05/sports/gymnast.php Chinese gymnast endured childhood sacrifice - International Herald Tribune<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><br />
<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/20/world/asia/20olympics.html In Quest for Gold and Glory at Olympics, China Pressures Injured Athletes - NYTimes.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><br />
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Additionally, noted gymnastics coach [[Béla Károlyi]] was banned from the floor of the gymnastics competition after accusing China of having cheated.<ref>http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/olympics/article4527483.ece</ref><br />
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==Web and media censorship==<br />
[[Beijing 2008 Olympic bid|China had pledged]] that it would allow open media access during the games, but [[Human Rights Watch]] alleges that it has failed to do so<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/sports/olympics/09beijing.html?ref=olympics Two Concerns for Olympics - Air and Access - NYTimes.com]</ref>, and one [[IOC]] committee member commented anonymously that "Had the I.O.C....known seven years ago that there would be severe restrictions...then I seriously doubt whether Beijing would have been awarded the Olympics".<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/21/sports/olympics/21nbc.html?hp Networks Fight Shorter Olympic Leash - NYTimes.com]</ref> While some estimated 20,000 journalists had been assured unfettered Internet access by the IOC's [[Jacques Rogge]], Sun Weide (孙伟德) of the Beijing Organizing Committee announced in late July that China would allow only "convenient" access —still blocking sites which reference controversial content.<ref>[http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/548f4410-5e3a-11dd-b354-000077b07658.html FT.com / Asia-Pacific / China - China limits Olympics journalists’ web access]</ref><br />
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In late July, U.S. senator [[Sam Brownback]] announced that he had received evidence (in the form of an official memo from China's [[Public Security Bureau]]) that foreign-owned hotels in China had been ordered by the Chinese government to comply with electronic surveillance of guests by installing special equipment (called the Security Management System for Internet Access from Public Places), or face "severe retaliation."<ref>[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gAkDaSkHWHboscdhQZwdRBt6hZnw AFP: China plans to spy on Olympic hotel guests: US senator]</ref><ref>[http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-olyspy30-2008jul30,0,5823677.story Sen. Brownback says China monitoring Internet access in hotels - Los Angeles Times]</ref><ref>[http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jiZadkVJSv7CQ7lHqBOIlkTqVmzgD927QP880 The Associated Press: Senator: China spying on Internet use in hotels]</ref><br />
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Due to international pressure by different organizations, a number of websites have been uncensored, while others remained blocked during the Olympics period.<br />
<br />
{|class="wikitable"<br />
! width=50% | Blocked<br />
! width=50% | Block lifted<br />
|-<br />
| [[Tiananmen Mothers]] || [[RTHK]]<ref name="scmplist">SCMP. "[http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=86217c46b2f7b110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD&ss=China&s=News South China Morning Post]." ''Beijing yields in part to pressure over internet use.'' Retrieved on [[2008-08-01]].</ref><br />
|-<br />
| Free Tibet || [[Amnesty International]]<ref name="scmplist" /><br />
|-<br />
| Tibet government-in-exile || [[Reporters Without Borders]]<ref name="scmplist" /><br />
|-<br />
| Uygur Human Rights Project || [[Commercial Radio Hong Kong]]<ref name="scmplist" /><br />
|-<br />
| [[Democratic Progressive Party|DPP (Taiwan)]] || BBC Chinese<ref name="scmplist" /><br />
|-<br />
| [[Oriental Daily]] || VOA Chinese<ref name="scmplist" /><br />
|-<br />
| [[Epoch Times]] || [[Liberty Times]]<ref name="scmplist" /><br />
|-<br />
| [[Boxun]] || [[Radio Free Asia]]<ref name="scmplist" /><br />
|-<br />
| Chat room [[Wenxuecity|Wenxue City]] || [[Apple Daily]]<ref name="scmplist" /><br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
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Chinese police have been accused of undermining press freedom. Two Japanese journalists covering [[2008 Kashgar attack|bomb attacks in Xinjiang]] and a British journalist covering a pro-Tibet protest in Beijing were 'roughed up' and detained, whilst equipment was confiscated or damaged. <ref>[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5irvrCdaocfBP2v4d714WFuK3cyZA "Chinese police rough up British TV crew at Olympics"], August 13, 2008.</ref> Chinese authorities apologised for the incident involving the Japanese journalists, which was serious enough for the Japanese government to lodge a formal protest. <ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/07/world/asia/07briefs-JAPANTOPROTE_BRF.html?ref=world "China: Japan to Protest Detentions"], August 6, 2008.</ref> The British embassy was 'concerned' at the latter incident, and along with the IOC, is taking the matter up with the Chinese authorities.<br />
<br />
== Persecution of Christians ==<br />
There is growing controversy over the persecution of [[Christianity in China|Christians in China]].<ref>{{cite press release | url = http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/440097402.html | title = 4 Winds Allows Olympic Testimonies Underground -- China is Hypocritical in Treatment of Christians on the Streets | accessdate = 2008-08-08 | publisher = ChristianNewsWire | date = 2008-08-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = King | first = Robert | url = http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080808/LOCAL0101/808080393/1111/LIVING09 | title = Olympics raises issue of religious freedom | accessdate = 2008-08-08 | work = [[The Indianapolis Star]] | publisher = [[Gannett Company]] | date = 2008-08-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last = Colson | first = Chuck | url = http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080803/bush-china-and-the-olympics.htm | title = Bush, China, and the Olympics | accessdate = 2008-08-08 | work = BreakPoint | publisher = [[The Christian Post]] | date = 2008-08-03}}</ref> Three [[United States|American]] protesters were deported from China after a demonstration at [[Tiananmen Square]],<ref>{{cite news | last = Blanchard | first = Ben | url = http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersComService_2_MOLT/idUSPEK25586720080807 | title = Beijing police stop protest by U.S. Christians | accessdate = 2008-08-08 | publisher = [[Reuters]] | date = 2008-08-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iLUVzKVLqTwTnsnkUtG9jBn360LAD92E0H6O1 | title = Protesters describe removal from Tiananmen Square | work = [[Associated Press]] | publisher = [[Google News]] | date = 2008-08-08 | accessdate = 2008-08-08 | first = Solvej | last = Schou | coauthors = Lee, Matthew}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?=&v=IvMTdU7mt0c | title = U.S. Demonstrators Taken From Tiananmen Square | accessdate = 2008-08-08 | work = [[Associated Press]] | publisher = [[YouTube]] | date = 2008-08-07}}</ref> and eight [[Netherlands|Dutch]] Christians were stopped after attempting to sing in chorus.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://en.epochtimes.com/n2/china/three-protesters-dragged-away-from-tiananmen-square-2381.html | title = Three Protesters Dragged Away From Tiananmen Square | accessdate = 2008-08-08 | publisher = [[The Epoch Times]] | date = 2008-08-08}}</ref> An American pastor also protested the games by painting the walls of two Beijing hotel rooms.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.examiner.com/a-1526163~American_protester_paints_Beijing_hotel_rooms.html|title=American protester paints Beijing hotel rooms|date=2008-08-07|accessdate=2008-08-11}}</ref><br />
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[[Chinese House Church Alliance]] president [[Zhang Mingxuan]] said that "the crackdown on underground churches so far this year is much more intense than the past few years put together because of the Olympic Games."<ref name="scmp">{{cite web|url=http://olympics.scmp.com/Article.aspx?id=1360&section=insight|title=A question of faith|date=2008-07-20|work=South China Morning Post|first=Kristine|last=Kwok|accessdate=2008-08-11}}</ref><ref name="opendoors">{{cite web|url=http://christiannewswire.com/news/4457300.html|title=China -- Mixed Signals; Persecution of House Church Christians Taking Place Despite Some Positive Olympic Developments|date=2008-07-28|accessdate=2008-08-11|work=Open Doors USA|Publisher=Christian Newswire}}</ref> He alleged that prior to the Olympics on [[July 5]], his church was forced to be closed down after a police order, and that the landlord of the church had been told to stop renting the building to the church, or else have his property documents confiscated.<ref name="scmp" /> In an open letter to the international community, he requested prayer for China and for the success of the Beijing Olympics, and for freedom of religion in China.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chinaaid.org/2008/02/18/we-want-the-olympics-but-we-want-love-and-justice-more/|title=WE WANT THE OLYMPICS, BUT WE WANT LOVE AND JUSTICE MORE|date=2008-02-18|accessdate=2008-08-11|first=Zhang|last=Mingxuan}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://chinaaid.org/2008/02/18/president-of-chinese-house-church-alliance-issues-open-letter-to-the-international-community/|title=President of Chinese House Church Alliance Issues Open Letter to the International Community|date=2008-02-18|accessdate=2008-08-11|work=China Aid}}</ref> On [[August 4]], Zhang Mingxuan, his wife Xie Fenlang, and co-pastor Wu Jiang He were detained shortly after [[BBC]] journalist [[John Simpson]] attempted to interview him.<ref name="cddetain">{{cite web|url=http://www.compassdirect.org/en/display.php?page=news&lang=en&length=long&idelement=5511|title=HOUSE CHURCH PASTOR DETAINED |date=2008-08-07|work=Compass Direct News|accessdate=2008-08-11}}</ref><ref name="">{{cite web|url=http://en.epochtimes.com/n2/china/china-church-leader-olympics-2336.html|author=Qin Yue & Li Mingcai|title=Beijing Intensifies Suppression of House Churches Ahead of Olympics|date=2008-08-07|accessdate=2008-08-11|work=Sound of Hope Radio|publisher=Epoch Times}}</ref><br />
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Hong Kong [[Bishop (Catholic Church)|Bishop]] [[John Tong Hon]] elucidated that his acceptance of the invitation to participate in the [[2008 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony|Opening Ceremony]] was with ambivalence, commenting that “while the leaders of the six largest religions in Hong Kong were invited to Beijing, only in the case of the Catholic Church was an invitation not sent to the highest authority. I am embarrassed because our government ignored [[Joseph Zen Ze-kiun|Cardinal Zen]] and invited me instead.” He elaborated on his hopes that China's government will someday give “the same importance to greater religious and social freedom that it had in cleaning up Beijing's pollution in anticipation of the games,” and that “the five [[Olympic symbols|Olympic rings]] are known throughout the world,” and “[he wished] China would give the same importance to the five interconnected aspects of democracy, human rights, the rule of law, justice and peace.” He went on to say that “the Olympic Games show the progress of China,” and that “we Christians underscore the spiritual development more. With St. Paul, we like to compare our spiritual journey with a race towards the goal ‘in order to reach the prize that God has prepared for us in Christ Jesus’.”<ref name="cna">{{cite web|url=http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=13474|title=Chinese bishop explains reasons for participating in Olympic opening ceremonies|publisher=Catholic News Agency|accessdate=2008-08-10|date=2008-08-08}}</ref><ref name="standard">{{cite web|url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=2176|title=China snubs Zen, invites deputy|publisher=The Standard|accessdate=2008-08-10|date=2008-08-08}}</ref><ref name="cns">{{cite web|url=http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0804042.htm|title=Hong Kong bishop says he has mixed feelings about attending Olympics|publisher=Catholic News Service|accessdate=2008-08-11|date=2008-08-07}}</ref><ref name="ucaninv">{{cite web|url=http://www.ucanews.com/2008/06/13/bishops-from-hong-kong-macau-invited-to-beijing-olympics-opening/|title=Bishops From Hong Kong, Macau Invited To Beijing Olympics' Opening|date=2008-06-13|work=Union of Catholic Asian News|accessdate=2008-08-11}}</ref><br />
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[[Pope Benedict XVI]] urged China to be open to Christianity, and said that he hoped the Olympic Games would offer an example of coexistence among people from different countries.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5j8scKG-FfneMOZ5isbjwtVvYg8gAD92CB0SGC | title = Pope Benedict tells China: open up to Christianity | work = [[Associated Press]] | publisher = [[Google News]] | date = 2008-08-07 | accessdate = 2008-08-08 | first = Daniela | last = Petroff}}</ref><br />
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While in Beijing, [[George W. Bush]] attended the state-backed [[Three-Self Patriotic Movement|Three-Self Patriotic]] [[Kuanjie Church]] on [[August 10]]. Bush said, "You know, it just goes to show that God is universal, and God is love, and no state, man or woman should fear the influence of loving religion," hinting at his support for the worshipers there.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/2535151/Beijing-Olympics-George-W-Bush-speaks-out-for-Chinas-Christians.html|title=Beijing Olympics: George W Bush speaks out for China's Christians|publisher=Guardian|accessdate=2008-08-12|date=2008-08-10}}</ref> A Chinese man, [[Hua Huiqi]] attempted to bicycle to the service and was stopped and threatened by police, who also confiscated his [[Bible]]. Hua says police based the detainment on concerns for Bush's security. However, the police guarding Hua fell asleep and he escaped and went into hiding.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kansascity.com/451/story/744532.html|title=Chinese Christian in hiding after seeking to pray with Bush|last=Johnson|first=Tim|publisher=Kansas City Star|date=2008-08-10|accessdate=2008-08-12}}</ref> Later, regular worshipers at the church said that the service was staged. According to the [[China Aid Association]] (CAA), Chinese authorities removed regular members and allegedly put "security people, political workers and people trained by them to pose as believers" in their place.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2008/s08080062.htm|title=House Church Pastor Hua Huiqi Arrested and Escapes from Police Custody as President Bush Visits Officially-Staged Church Service|last=Ireland|first=Michael|publisher=ASSIST News Service (ANS)|date=2008-08-10|accessdate=2008-08-12}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Crackdown on minorities==<br />
Ethnic minorities, especially [[Uyghurs]], [[Tibetans]] and [[Mongol]]ians, are among the targets of China's security crackdown in the lead-up to the Olympics, along with thousands of migrant workers, petitioners, social activists who are seen as potential troublemakers or protesters.{{Fact|date=August 2008}} Hong Kong's ''[[South China Morning Post]]'' reported that bar owners in a popular district of Beijing say they have been forced “not to serve black people or Mongolians” during the Olympics next month by police officials.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080718.wchina19/BNStory/International/home | title = Africans in Beijing harassed as Olympics approach | date = 2008-07-18 | work = [[The Globe and Mail]] | publisher = [[CTVglobemedia]] | accessdate = 2008-08-09 | first = Geoffrey | last = York}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.theage.com.au/world/fears-of-a-nofun-olympics-in-beijing-20080718-3hkb.html | title = Fears of a 'no-fun' Olympics in Beijing | date = 2008-07-19 | work = [[The Age]] | publisher = [[Fairfax Media]] | accessdate = 2008-08-09 | first = Mary-Anne | last = Toy}}</ref> However, China's official news agency [[Xinhua]] responded to the report on July 21 and states the alleged "bar policy" are groundless and the city's public security departments, including Sanlitun police station, has never demanded any bar not serve customers from any region or country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/07/22/asia/AS-OLY-China-Bar-Ban-Denial.php|title=China denies report of ban on Africans, Mongolians in bars for Olympics|publisher=''[[International Herald Tribune]]''|date=2008-07-22|accessdate=2008-08-10}}</ref> ''[[Time (magazine)|Time magazine]]'''s Liam Fitzpatrick states the report by Hong Kong's ''South China Morning Post'' is "unconfirmed" and its information was taken from "anonymous" sources.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://time-blog.com/china_blog/2008/07/one_world_one_dream_one_seriou.html|title=One World, One Dream, One Serious Allegation|publisher=''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]''|date=2008-07-18|accessdate=2008-08-10}}</ref> <br />
==Murder of American coach's father-in-law==<br />
{{main|2008 Beijing Drum Tower stabbing}}<br />
{{wikinews|American tourist killed in Beijing}}<br />
On Day 1, an American tourist was murdered and his wife was injured in a stabbing attack by a Chinese man who then committed suicide by leaping to his death. The [[United States Olympic Committee]] identified the murdered man as [[Todd Bachman]], the father-in-law of Olympic Men's Indoor Volleyball Head Coach [[Hugh McCutcheon]] and father of [[2004 Summer Olympics|2004 US Olympic]] volleyball player [[Elisabeth Bachman|Elisabeth ("Wiz") Bachman-McCutcheon]]. His wife, Barbara, suffered "serious and life-threatening" injuries as well, the committee said. Their female Chinese tour guide was also wounded. The attack happened at the second level of the [[Drum Tower]] in [[Beijing]]. The attacker was 47-year-old Tang Yongming from the city of [[Hangzhou]].<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.startribune.com/world/26470189.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUs| title = 'Bachman's CEO killed, wife injured in Beijing attack' | date = 2008-08-09 | accessdate = 2008-08-09 | publisher = [[Star Tribune]] | work = [[Star Tribune]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7550969.stm | title = US tourist is 'killed in Beijing' | date = 2008-08-09 | accessdate = 2008-08-09 | publisher = [[BBC]] | work = [[BBC News]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26104003/ | title = Chinese man kills U.S. tourist in Beijing | date = 2008-08-09 | accessdate = 2008-08-09 | publisher = [[NBC Universal]] | work = [[msnbc.com]]}}</ref> USOC Chairman [[Peter Ueberroth]] said, "It is impossible to describe the depth of our sadness and shock in this tragic hour. Our delegation comes to the Games as a family, and when one member of our family suffers a loss, we all grieve with them. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with the Bachman and McCutcheon families." US President Bush, who was in Beijing for the Games, made a statement, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. And the United States government has offered to provide any assistance the family needs." <ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/08/09/olympics.murder/index.html American killed at Games was coach's father-in-law - CNN.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><br />
<br />
== Arrest and disappearance of Hu Jia and Zen Jinyan ==<br />
<br />
On February 2008 [[AIDS]] and [[Human Rights]] activist Hu Jia was arrested for criticizing China as the Host of the Olympics, comparing them to the Nazi hosting the Berlin Olympics.<ref>[http://observers.france24.com/en/content/blogger_put_prison_criticising_olympic_games "Blogger put in prison for criticizing the Olympic Games" The Observers by France, August 15, 2008]</ref><br />
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His wife [[Zeng Jinyan]] and their baby daughter were harassed and kept under constant surveillance and house arrest while she kept blogging in favor of her husband<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100/article/0,28804,1595326_1615754_1616169,00.html/ "Zeng Jinyan - The TIME 100," TIME Magazine, May 14, 2007]</ref>.<br />
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One day before the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Zeng Jinyan was forcibly dissapeared<ref>[http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/29-03-2006/78007-China-0/ "Chinese rights activist Zeng Jinyan disappears" International Herald Tribune, August 9, 2008]</ref> along with her baby daughter and is suspected to be mistreated by the Chinese police state.<br />
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== See also ==<br />
* [[Beijing 2008 Olympic bid|Beijing 2008 Olympic bid and promises]]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
=== Citations ===<br />
{{reflist|2}}<br />
<br />
=== Notes ===<br />
<div class="references-small"><br />
<ol type="a"><br />
<li>{{Note_label|A|a|none}}Poor-quality air in [[China]] contributes to the death of about 400,000 Chinese annually. [[Ozone]] and fine [[particulate]] matter—bits of [[carbon]], [[sulfate]]s, and industrial [[by-product]]s—will be the two biggest pollution threats to the athletes in 2008. When high ozone levels are present, lungs are not able to absorb as much air, causing [[coughing]], [[wheezing]], or [[headache]]s.<ref name="PopSci pollution article" /></li><br />
<br />
</ol><br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[Category:2008 Summer Olympics]]<br />
[[Category:Sport and politics]]<br />
<br />
[[id:Sorotan dan kontroversi atas Olimpiade 2008]]<br />
[[fi:Kesäolympialaisten 2008 kritiikki]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Olympic_Games&diff=232051610
Olympic Games
2008-08-15T05:28:43Z
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{{Redirect|The Olympics||Olympics (disambiguation)}}<br />
{{For|the 2008 Olympic Games occuring in Beijing|2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
[[Image:Olympic flag.svg|250px|thumb|The five [[Olympic rings]] were designed in 1913, adopted in 1914 and debuted at the Games at [[1920 Summer Olympics|Antwerp, 1920]].]]<br />
The '''Olympic Games'''<ref name="Games">{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/index_uk.asp |title=Olympic Games |publisher = International Olympic Committee |accessdate = 2006-12-27}}</ref> is an international [[multi-sport event]]. The [[Ancient Olympic Games|original Olympic Games]] ({{lang-el|Ολυμπιακοί Αγώνες}}; {{Audio-IPA|Ell-Olympiakoi Agones.ogg|[''Olympiakoi Agones'']}}) were first recorded in 776 BC in [[Olympia, Greece|Olympia]], [[Greece]], and were celebrated until AD 393.<ref name="Encarta-Ancient">{{cite web |url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761576089/Ancient_Olympic_Games.html |title=Ancient Olympic Games|accessdate=2006-12-27 |date=1997-2006 |work=Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia 2006 |publisher=Microsoft Corporation }}</ref> Interest in reviving the Olympic Games proper was first shown by the Greek poet and newspaper editor [[Alexandros Soutsos|Panagiotis Soutsos]] in his poem "Dialogue of the Dead" in 1833.<ref name = Young/> [[Evangelos Zappas]] sponsored the first modern international Olympic Games in 1859. He paid for the refurbishment of the [[Panathinaiko Stadium|Panathenian Stadium]] for Olympic Games held there in 1870 and 1875.<ref name=Young>David C. Young, The Modern Olympics - A Struggle for Revival, published by The Johns Hopkins University Press in 1996, ISBN 0-8018-5374-5</ref> This was noted in newspapers and publications around the world including the London Review, which stated that "the Olympian Games, discontinued for centuries, have recently been revived! Here is strange news indeed ... the classical games of antiquity were revived near Athens."<ref>London Review, September 15, 1860.</ref><br />
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The [[International Olympic Committee]] was founded in 1894 on the initiative of a [[France|French]] nobleman, [[Pierre de Coubertin|Pierre Frédy, Baron de Coubertin]]. The IOC has become the heart of the "Olympic Movement," a conglomeration of sporting federations that are involved in the organization of the Games. As the Olympic Movement has grown so have the profile and complexity of the Games. Participation in the Games has increased to the point that nearly every nation on earth is represented. With the proliferation of satellite communications, the internet, and the continuing trend towards [[globalization]], the Olympics are consistently gaining supporters.<ref name="Encarta">{{cite web |url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761562380_5/Olympic_Games.html#s16 |title= Olympic Games - Recent Developments|accessdate=2006-12-27 |date=1997-2006 |work=Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2006 |publisher=Microsoft Corporation }}</ref> This growth has created numerous challenges, including political [[boycott]]s, the use of performance enhancing medications, bribery of officials, and [[Munich massacre|terrorism]]. <br />
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Despite these challenges the Olympics have continued to thrive and flourish. Each successive Games attempts to add more events in order to keep up with the ever-evolving advance of athletic expression around the world. The [[2008 Summer Olympics|current games in Beijing]] comprise of 302 events in 28 [[Olympic sports#Summer Olympic Games|sports]].<ref name=2008programme>{{cite news |url = http://olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=1797 |title = Beijing 2008: Games Programme Finalised |publisher = International Olympic Committee |date = [[2006-04-27]] |accessdate = 2006-05-10}}</ref> The most recent Winter Olympics in 2006 featured 84 events in 7 [[Olympic sports#Winter Olympic Games|sports]].<ref name="2006 Winter Olympics">{{cite web |url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/past/index_uk.asp?OLGT=2&OLGY=2006 |title = Turin 2006 |publisher = International Olympic Committee |accessdate = 2006-12-27}}</ref> While the Olympic Games do continue to evolve, they also encompass many rituals that were established during their infancy in the late 19th and early 20th century. Most of these traditions are on display during the Opening and Closing ceremonies, and the medal presentations. For its part, the Olympic Movement has made considerable progress in fostering participation among as many nations as wish to compete, as well as focusing on the Olympic motto: [[Olympic motto|Citius Altius Fortius]] - Faster, Higher, Stronger.<br />
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== Ancient Olympics ==<br />
[[Image:Palestra at Olympia.jpg|thumb|right|Athletes trained in this Olympia facility in ancient times.]]<br />
{{main|Ancient Olympic Games}}<br />
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There are many myths surrounding the origin of the ancient Olympic Games, the most popular of which identifies [[Heracles]] as the creator of the Olympic Games. According to the legend, Heracles built the Olympic stadium and surrounding buildings as an honor to his father [[Zeus]], after completing his [[12 labors]]. After he built the stadium he walked in a straight line for 400 strides and called this distance a "[[stadion]]" ([[Greek language|Greek]]: στάδιον, [[Latin]]: ''stadium'', "stage") that later also became a unit of distance. This is also why a modern stadium track is 400 meters in [[circumference]] — the distance a runner travels in one lap (1 stadium = 400 m). Another myth associates the first Games with the ancient Greek concept of ἐκεχειρία (''ekecheiria''), Olympic truce. The date of the Games' creation was based on a four year cycle. The most widely held estimate for the inception of the Ancient Olympics is 776 BC, although scholars' opinions diverge between dates as early as 884 BC{{Fact|date=August 2008}} and as late as 704 BC.{{Fact|date=August 2008}}<br />
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From then on, the Olympic Games quickly became much more important throughout ancient Greece, reaching their zenith in the 6th and 5th centuries BC. The Olympics were of fundamental religious importance, contests alternating with sacrifices and ceremonies honouring both Zeus (whose [[Statue of Zeus at Olympia|colossal statue]] stood at [[Olympia, Greece|Olympia]]), and [[Pelops]], divine hero and mythical king of Olympia, who was famous for his legendary chariot races with [[Oenomaus|King Oenomaus]] of [[Pisa (Greece)|Pisatis]], and in whose honour the games were held. The number of events increased to twenty, and the celebration was spread over several days. Winners of the events were greatly admired and were immortalised in poems and statues.<ref name="Ancient Gods IOC">{{cite web |url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/ancient/gods_uk.asp |title = Ancient Olympic Games- Gods |publisher = Olympic Committee |accessdate = 2006-12-28}}</ref> The Games were held every four years, and the period between two celebrations became known as an [[Olympiad]]. The Greeks used Olympiads as one of their units of time measurement. The most famous Ancient Olympic athlete lived during the sixth century BC: the wrestler [[Milo of Croton]] is the only athlete in history to win a victory in six Olympics.<ref name="Ancient Athletes IOC">{{cite web |url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/ancient/index_uk.asp |title = Ancient Olympic Games- Athletes |publisher = International Olympic Committee |accessdate = 2006-12-28}}</ref><br />
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The Games gradually declined in importance as the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]] gained power in Greece. After Emperor [[Theodosius I]] proclaimed Christianity the religion of the Empire in AD 393 and banned pagan rites, the Olympic Games were outlawed as a pagan festival. <ref name="Ancient IOC">{{cite web |url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/ancient/index_uk.asp |title = The Ancient Olympic Games |publisher = International Olympic Committee |accessdate = 2006-12-28}}</ref> The Olympics were not seen again until their rebirth 1,500 years later.<br />
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In antiquity normally only young men could participate.<ref name="Ancient Athletes IOC" /> The sportsmen usually competed nude. This was due in part to the weather and also because the festival was meant to be a celebration of the achievements of the human body. Upon winning the event, the victor would have not only the prestige of being in first place but would also be presented with a crown of olive leaves. The [[olive branch]] is a sign of hope and peace.<ref name="Ancient History IOC">{{cite web |url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/ancient/history_uk.asp |title = Ancient Olympic Games: History |publisher = International Olympic Committee |accessdate = 2006-12-28}}</ref> While the symbol of the olive branch has carried through from the Ancient Games to the modern reinvention, many other current [[Olympic symbols]] are unique to the Modern Olympics. The bearing of a torch, for example, formed an integral part of Greek ceremonies but the Ancient Games did not include a torch-lighting ceremony, nor was there a symbol formed by interconnecting rings.<br />
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== Revival == <br />
<br />
Although the revival of the Olympic Games began in the mid-19th Century, many sports events with titles such as "Olympick" or "Olympian" Games were held before that and as early as the 16th Century. These sports events should not be confused with the re-establishment of the Olympic Games in modern times. These included an "Olympick Games" sports festival that was run for several years at [[Chipping Campden]] in the English [[Cotswolds]]. The present day local [[Cotswold Games|Olympick Games]] trace their origin to this festival.<br />
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In 1833, the poet Panagiotis Soutsos mentions a revival of the ancient Olympic Games in modern times in his poetry.<br />
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In 1850, an "Olympian Class" was begun at [[Much Wenlock]] in [[Shropshire]], [[England]]. This was renamed "Wenlock Olympian Games" in 1859 and continues to this day as the [[Wenlock Olympian Society Annual Games]]. The Wenlock Olympian Society was founded in 1860. A national Olympic Games in [[Great Britain]] was organised by their founder, [[William Penny Brookes]], at Crystal Palace in [[London]], in 1866. This national Olympic Games was the first games to actually resemble an Olympic Games to be held outside of Greece.<br />
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Meanwhile [[Evangelos Zappas]], a wealthy Greek philanthropist, sponsored the first modern revival of the Olympic Games.<ref name=Young/> The first modern international Olympic Games was held in an Athens city square in 1859. Zappas paid for the refurbishment of the ancient [[Panathinaiko Stadium|Panathenian Stadium]]. This first modern international Olympic Games to be hosted in a stadium was hosted there in 1870, followed by a second 1875. The same stadium was refurbished a second time and used for the Athens 1896 Games. The revival of the Olympic Games, sponsored by Zappas was a dedicated Olympic Games composed of athletes from two countries: Greece and the [[Ottoman Empire]].<br />
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The interest in reviving the Olympics as an international event grew further when the ruins of ancient [[Olympia, Greece|Olympia]] were uncovered by German [[archaeologist]]s in the mid-nineteenth century. At the same time, [[Pierre de Coubertin]] was searching for a reason for the French defeat in the [[Franco-Prussian War]] (1870&ndash;1871). He thought the reason was that the French had not received proper physical education, and desired to improve this. Coubertin also sought a way to bring nations closer together, to have the youth of the world compete in sports, rather than fight in war. In 1890 he attended the "Olympian Games" of the Wenlock Olympian Society, and decided that the recovery of the Olympic Games would achieve both of his goals.<br />
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Baron Pierre de Coubertin built on the ideas of Brookes and the foundations of Evangelis Zappas. His aim was to globalize the Olympic Games and to that end he established the International Olympic Committee. In a [[Olympic Congress|congress]] at the [[University of Paris|Sorbonne]] University, in [[Paris]], [[France]], held from [[June 16]] to [[June 23]], [[1894]] he presented his ideas to an international audience. On the last day of the congress, it was decided that the first IOC Olympic Games would take place in 1896 in [[Athens]], in the country of their birth. To organise the Games, the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC) was established, with the Greek [[Demetrius Vikelas]] as its first president. The [[Panathinaiko Stadium|Panathenian Stadium]] used for the Olympic Games of 1870 and 1875 was refurbished a second time in readiness for the 1896 Games.<br />
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The total number of athletes at the [[1896 Summer Olympics|the first IOC Olympic Games]], was less than 250, which is minuscule by modern standards, but at that time the games were the largest international sports event ever held. This first Modern Olympics had only nine disciplines: [[Athletics at the 1896 Summer Olympics|Athletics]], [[Cycling at the 1896 Summer Olympics|Cycling]], [[Fencing at the 1896 Summer Olympics|Fencing]], [[Gymnastics at the 1896 Summer Olympics|Gymnastics]], [[Shooting at the 1896 Summer Olympics|Shooting]], [[Swimming at the 1896 Summer Olympics|Swimming]], [[Tennis at the 1896 Summer Olympics|Tennis]], [[Weightlifting at the 1896 Summer Olympics|Weightlifting]], and [[Wrestling at the 1896 Summer Olympics|Wrestling]]. The Greek officials and public were very enthusiastic about hosting the inaugural games, and at one point offered to host the Olympic Games permanently. The IOC decided differently, however, and the [[1900 Summer Olympics|second Olympic Games]] took place in [[Paris]], [[France]]. It was at the Paris Games that women were allowed to compete.<br />
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== Modern Olympics ==<br />
{{main|Summer Olympic Games|Winter Olympic Games}}<br />
[[Image:US Olympic Committee Headquarters 2 by David Shankbone.jpg|thumb|The [[United States Olympic Committee]]'s training facilities at their headquarters in [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]].]]<br />
After the initial success, the Olympics struggled. The celebrations in [[1900 Summer Olympics|Paris (1900)]] and [[1904 Summer Olympics|St. Louis (1904)]] were overshadowed by the [[World's Fair]] exhibitions, which were held at the same time and location. The [[1906 Summer Olympics|1906 Intercalated Games]] (so-called because they were the second games held within the third Olympiad) were held in Athens, as the first of an alternating series of Athens-held Olympics. Although originally the IOC recognised and supported these games, they are currently not recognised by the IOC as Olympic Games, which has given rise to the explanation that they were intended to mark the 10th anniversary of the modern Olympics. The 1906 Games again attracted a broad international field of participants (in 1904, 80% of the athletes had been American) and generated great public interest, thereby marking the beginning of a rise in both the popularity and the size of the Games.<br />
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From the 241 participants representing 14 nations in 1896, the Games have grown to nearly 11,100 competitors from 202 countries at the [[2004 Summer Olympics]] in [[Athens]]. The scope and scale of the Winter Olympics is much smaller than that of their Summer counterpart. For example, [[Turin]] [[Italy]] hosted 2,633 athletes from 80 countries competing in 84 events during the [[2006 Winter Olympics]]. As participation in the Olympics has grown, so has its profile in the international media. The Olympic Games are one of the world's largest media events. At the [[2000 Summer Olympics|Sydney Games]] in 2000, there were over 16,000 broadcasters and journalists, and an estimated 3.8 billion viewers [[broadcasting of sports events|watched the games]] on [[television]]. The sale of broadcast rights has turned into an integral part of the formula by which countries recoup some of the costs incurred by hosting the Games.<br />
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Financing the Olympics is one of the largest problems faced by the IOC and host countries today. Although allowing professional athletes and attracting sponsorships from major international companies solved financial problems in the 1980s, the large number of athletes, media and spectators makes it difficult and expensive for host cities to organize the Olympics. For example, the [[2012 Summer Olympics]] (which will be held in London), is expected to have a budget of over £9 billion—one of the largest budgets for an Olympics to date. One of the biggest problems prospective host countries face is the financial burden their economy will be forced to cope with. Corporate sponsorships do lighten the load in terms of the debt that these countries take on, but as the Games continue to grow the IOC and host countries will have to address the ever-increasing price tag that comes with the honor of hosting an Olympic Games. <br />
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A method of deferring the costs is to hold some events in different cities and even in different countries. Despite the Olympics usually being associated with one host city, most of the Olympics have had events held in other cities, especially the football and sailing events. There have been three Olympics in which events were held in a different country: during the [[1920 Summer Olympics|1920 Antwerp Olympics]] two sailing races were held in the [[Netherlands]]; and during the [[1956 Melbourne Olympics]] equestrian events were held in [[Sweden]]. The 2008 Beijing Olympics will mark the third time that Olympic events will be held in the territories of two different [[National Olympic Committee|NOC]]'s: equestrian events will be competed in [[Hong Kong]] (which competes separately from mainland China).<br />
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203 countries currently participate in the Olympics. This is a noticeably higher number than the number of countries belonging to the [[United Nations]], which is only 193. The International Olympic Committee allows nations to compete which do not meet the strict requirements for political sovereignty that many other international organizations demand. As a result, many colonies and dependencies are permitted to host their own Olympic teams and athletes even if such competitors also hold citizenship in another member nation. Examples of this include territories such as [[Puerto Rico]], [[Bermuda]], and [[Hong Kong]], all of which compete as separate nations despite being legally a part of another country. Also, since 1980, [[Taiwan]] has competed under the name "[[Chinese Taipei]]," and under a flag specially prepared by the IOC. Prior to that year the [[People's Republic of China]] refused to participate in the Games because Taiwan had been competing under the name "[[Republic of China]]." The Republic of the [[Marshall Islands]] was recognised as a nation by the IOC on February 9, 2006, and will compete in the [[2008 Summer Olympics]] in [[Beijing]].<ref name="ONOC">{{cite news | title = Marshall Islands joins Olympic Family| url = http://www.oceaniasport.com/onoc/index.cgi?det=1&intArticleID=331&sID=12| publisher =[[ONOC]] | date = [[2006-02-10]] | accessdate = 2006-12-17 }}</ref><br />
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===Youth Olympic Games===<br />
{{main|Youth Olympic Games}}<br />
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The Youth Olympic Games (YOG)<ref name="IOC introduces games">{{cite news |url=http://69.93.14.237/sports/youth_olympics_07.cfm |title=IOC "Welcomes" Idea of Youth Olympic Games to Start in 2010 with "Relevant" Sports |author=Matroka, Bernadette |accessdate=2007-05-20}}</ref> are planned to be a "junior" version of the Games, complementing the current "senior" Games,<ref name="FIS">{{cite news |url=http://www.fasterskier.com/racing4278.html |title=FIS in favor of Youth Olympic Games |date=[[2007-05-08]] |publisher=[[FIS]] |accessdate=2007-05-20}}</ref> and will feature athletes between the ages of 14 and 18.<ref name="No kidding">{{cite news |title=No kidding: Teens to get Youth Olympic Games |url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2007-04-25-2774646336_x.htm |publisher=[[USA Today]] |accessdate=2007-05-19}}</ref> The idea for such an event was conceived by IOC president [[Jacques Rogge]],<ref name="Rogge introduces">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/6467087.stm |title=Rogge wants Youth Olympic Games |date=[[2007-03-19]] |publisher=[[BBC Sport]] |accessdate=2007-05-19}}</ref> in 2001. At the 119th [[List of IOC meetings|IOC session]] in [[Guatemala City]] in July 2007, the IOC approved the Games.<ref name=Approved>{{cite news |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2227 |publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]] |title=IOC Session: A "go" for Youth Olympic Games |date=[[2007-07-05]] |accessdate=2007-07-06}}</ref><br />
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The Youth Games versions will be shorter: the summer version will last at most twelve days; the winter version will last a maximum of nine days.<ref name="YOG pdf">{{cite web |url=http://video.olympic.org/http/yog_uk.pdf |title=Youth Olympic Games |date=2007 |accessdate=2007-07-06 |publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]]}}</ref><ref name="CRI English">{{cite news |url=http://english.cri.cn/2886/2007/04/25/1221@220491.htm |title=IOC to Introduce Youth Olympic Games in 2010 |date=[[2007-04-25]] |accessdate=2007-05-20}}</ref> The IOC will allow a maximum of 3,500 athletes and 875 officials to participate at the summer games, while 970 athletes and 580 officials are expected at the winter games.<ref name="Approved" /> Each participating country will be allowed to send at least four athletes. The sports contested at these games will be the same as those scheduled for the traditional Games,<ref name="Rogge introduces"/> but with a limited number of disciplines and events, and including some with special appeal to youth. Education and culture are also key components to this Youth edition.<br />
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Estimated cost for the games are currently $30 million for the summer and $15&ndash;$20 million for winter games.<ref>[http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/summer/2007-07-05-olympic-notes_N.htm IOC votes to start Youth Olympics in 2010]</ref> It has been stated that the IOC will "foot the bill" for the Youth Games.<br />
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The first host city will be [[2010 Youth Olympics|Singapore]] in 2010; the bidding for the first [[2012 Youth Winter Olympics bids|Winter edition]] in 2012 is underway.<br />
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== Olympic problems == <br />
=== Boycotts ===<br />
{{main|Olympic boycotts}}<br />
The [[1956 Summer Olympics|1956 Melbourne Olympics]] were the first Olympics to be [[boycott]]ed. [[The Netherlands]], [[Spain]], and [[Switzerland]] refused to attend because of the repression of the [[1956 Hungarian Revolution|Hungarian Uprising]] by the [[Soviet Union]]; additionally, [[Cambodia]], [[Egypt]], [[Iraq]] and [[Lebanon]] boycotted the games due to the [[Suez Crisis]].<ref name="Boycott 1">{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/past/innovations_uk.asp?OLGT=1&OLGY=1956 |title= Melbourne/Stockholm 1956: Did you know?|accessdate=2006-12-28 |publisher= International Olympic Committee}}</ref><br />
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In [[1972 Summer Olympics|1972]] and [[1976 Summer Olympics|1976]], a large number of African countries threatened the IOC with a boycott, to force them to ban [[South Africa]], [[Rhodesia]], and [[New Zealand]]. The IOC conceded in the first two cases, but refused to ban New Zealand in 1976 because the boycott was prompted by a New Zealand [[rugby union]] tour to South Africa, and rugby was not an Olympic sport. The countries withdrew their teams after the games had started; some African athletes had already competed. A lot of sympathy was felt for the athletes forced by their governments to leave the Olympic Village; there was little sympathy outside Africa for the governments' attitude.{{Fact|date=December 2007}} Twenty-two countries (Guyana was the only non-African nation) boycotted the [[Montreal]] Olympics because New Zealand was not banned.<ref name="Boycott 2">{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/past/innovations_uk.asp?OLGT=1&OLGY=1976 |title= Montreal 1976: Did you know?|accessdate=2006-12-28 |publisher= International Olympic Committee}}</ref><br />
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Also in 1976, due to pressure from the [[People's Republic of China]] ([[PRC]]), [[Canada]] told the team from the [[Republic of China]] ([[Taiwan]]) that it could not compete at the [[1976 Summer Olympic Games|Montreal Summer Olympics]] under the name "[[Republic of China]]", despite a compromise that would have allowed [[Taiwan]] to use the [[flag of the Republic of China|ROC flag]] and [[National Anthem of the Republic of China|anthem]]. The Republic of China refused and as a result did not participate again until 1984, when it returned under the name "[[Chinese Taipei]]" and used a special flag.<ref name = prc_wp>{{cite web | year=2005| title=The One-China Principle and the Taiwan Issue | work=PRC Taiwan Affairs Office and the Information Office of the State Council | url=http://www.gwytb.gov.cn<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Lupin/navpop.css&action=raw&ctype=text/css&dontcountme=s">:8088/detail.asp?table=WhitePaper&title=White%20Papers%20On%20Taiwan%20Issue&m_id=4 | accessdate=2006-03-06}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[Image:Olympic boycotts 1976 1980 1984.PNG|thumb|Countries that boycotted the 1976 (yellow), 1980 (blue) and 1984 (red) games]]<br />
In 1980 and 1984, the [[Cold War]] opponents boycotted each other's games. Sixty-five nations refused to compete at the [[1980 Summer Olympics|Moscow Olympics in 1980]] because of the [[Soviet invasion of Afghanistan]]. The boycott reduced the number of nations participating to only 81, the lowest number of nations to compete since 1956. The [[Soviet Union]] and 14 of its [[Eastern Bloc]] partners (except [[Romania]]) countered by boycotting the [[1984 Summer Olympics|Los Angeles Olympics in 1984]]. They contended that they could not guarantee the safety of their athletes. Soviet officials were quoted as saying, "chauvinistic sentiments and an anti-Soviet hysteria are being whipped up in the United States."<ref>Burns, John F. Protests are Issue: Russians Charge ‘Gross Flouting’ of the Ideals of the Competition. ''[[New York Times]]'', 9 May 1984</ref> The 1984 boycotters staged their own [[Friendship Games]] in July-August.<ref name="1980 Boycott">{{cite web |url=http://www.moscow-life.com/moscow/olympic-games |title=<br />
1980 Moscow Olympic Games|accessdate=2006-12-28 |publisher= Moscow-Life}}</ref><ref name="Boycott 3">{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/past/innovations_uk.asp?OLGT=1&OLGY=1984 |title= Los Angeles 1984: Did you know?|accessdate=2006-12-28 |publisher= International Olympic Committee}}</ref><br />
<br />
There have been growing calls for boycotts of the [[2008 Olympics]] in [[Beijing]] in protest of [[China]]'s poor human rights record and response to the recent disturbances in [[Tibet]], [[Darfur]], and [[Taiwan]]. [[President George W. Bush]] showcased these concerns in a highly publicized speech in Thailand just prior to the opening of the Games. Ultimately no nations withdrew before the games began. There are also campaigns calling for Chinese goods to be boycotted.<ref>[http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=41699 AUSTRALIA: Calls to Boycott Beijing Olympics<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.rsf.org/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=174 Reporters sans frontières - Beijing 2008<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Diplomats_visit_Tibet_as_EU_split_on_Olympic_opening_boycott_/articleshow/2908958.cms Diplomats visit Tibet as EU split on Olympic opening boycott]</ref><br />
<br />
=== Doping ===<br />
One of the main problems facing the Olympics (and sports in general) is [[doping (sport)|doping]], or the use of performance enhancing drugs. In the early 20th century, many Olympic athletes began using drugs to enhance their performance. For example, the winner of the [[marathon (sports)|marathon]] at the [[1904 Summer Olympics|1904 Games]], [[Thomas J. Hicks]], was given [[strychnine]] and [[brandy]] by his coach, even during the race. As these methods became more extreme, it became increasingly evident that doping was not only a threat to the integrity of sport, but could also have potentially fatal side-effects on the athlete. The only Olympic death caused by doping occurred at the [[1960 Summer Olympics|Rome Games of 1960]]. At the cycling road race in Rome, Danish cyclist [[Knud Enemark Jensen]] fell from his bicycle and later died. A coroner's inquiry found that he was under the influence of amphetamines. By the mid-1960s, sports federations were starting to ban the use of performance enhancing drugs, and the IOC followed suit in 1967.<br />
<br />
The first Olympic athlete to test positive for the use of performance enhancing drugs was [[Hans-Gunnar Liljenwall]], a Swedish [[modern pentathlon|pentathlete]] at the [[1968 Summer Olympics]], who lost his bronze medal for alcohol use. Seventy-three athletes have followed him over the next 38 years, several medal winners among them. The most publicised doping-related disqualification was that of [[Canada|Canadian]] sprinter [[Ben Johnson (athlete)|Ben Johnson]], who won the [[Athletics at the 1988 Summer Olympics|100 meter dash]] at the [[1988 Summer Olympics|1988 Seoul Olympics]], but tested positive for [[stanozolol]]. He subsequently had his gold medal stripped. It was awarded to runner-up [[Carl Lewis]], who himself has at times been under suspicion of using performance enhancing drugs, though has never tested positive. <br />
<br />
Despite the testing, many athletes continued to use medication to improve their athletic ability without getting caught. In 1990, documents were revealed that showed many [[East Germany|East German]] female athletes had been unknowingly administered [[anabolic steroid]]s and other drugs by their coaches and trainers. Girls as young as eleven were started on the drug regimen without prior consent from their parents. American female swimmers, including [[Shirley Babashoff]] accused the East Germans of using performance enhancing drugs as early as the 1976 Games. No clear evidence of doping was discovered until after the fall of the [[Fall of the Berlin Wall|Berlin Wall]], when the aforementioned documents proved that East Germany had embarked on a state-sponsored program to dramatically improve their competitiveness at the Olympic Games and other international sporting events. Many of the culprits have been subsequently tried and found guilty of various crimes in the German penal system.<br />
<br />
In the late 1990s, the IOC took initiative in a more organised battle against doping, leading to the formation of the [[World Anti-Doping Agency]] (WADA) in 1999. The recent 2000 Summer Olympics and 2002 Winter Olympics have shown that this battle is not nearly over, as several medalists in weightlifting and cross-country skiing were disqualified due to doping offences. One innocent victim of the anti-doping movement at the Olympics was the Romanian gymnast [[Andreea Răducan]] who was stripped of her gold medal in the All-Around Competition of the 2000 Sydney games. Test results indicated the presence of the banned stimulant [[pseudophedrine]] which had been prescribed to her by an Olympic doctor. Raducan had been unaware of the presence of the illegal substance in the medicine that had been prescribed to her for a cold she had during the games. During the [[2006 Winter Olympics]], only one athlete failed a drug test and had a medal revoked. The only other case involved 12 athletes with high levels of [[haemoglobin]] and their punishment was a five day suspension for health reasons. The techniques for unfairly improving an athlete's abilities have gotten far more sophisticated over the years. As a result, the International Olympic Committee introduced blood testing for the first time at the [[2006 Winter Olympics|2006 Games]] in [[Turino]], [[Italy]].<br />
<br />
=== Politics ===<br />
{{main|Politics in the Olympics}}<br />
The Olympics has been affected by political incidents on many occasions. One of the most well-known politically-based incident was the [[1936 Summer Olympics]] in [[Berlin]], where the games were used as [[propaganda]] by the German [[Nazi Party|Nazis]]. At this Olympics, [[Luz Long]] helped [[Jesse Owens]] (a [[Black people|black]] athlete) to win the long jump, at the expense of his own silver medal; some describe this as the "true Olympic Spirit."<ref name="Nazi Olympics">{{cite web |url=http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Holocaust/olympics.html |title= The Nazi Olympics|accessdate=2006-12-28 |date=2006 |publisher= The American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise}}</ref> The [[Soviet Union]] did not participate in the Olympic Games until the [[1952 Summer Olympics]] in [[Helsinki]]. Instead, the Soviets organized an international sports event called [[Spartakiad]]s, from 1928 onward. Many athletes from [[Communist]] organizations or close to them chose not to participate or were even barred from participating in Olympic Games, and instead participated in Spartakiads.<ref name=GSE>[[Great Soviet Encyclopedia]], 3rd edition, volume 24 (part 1), p. 286, Moscow, Sovetskaya Entsiklopediya publisher, 1976</ref><br />
<br />
A political incident on a smaller scale occurred at the [[1968 Summer Olympics]] in [[Mexico City]]. Two American track-and-field athletes, [[Tommie Smith]] and [[John Carlos]], performed the [[1968 Olympics Black Power salute|Black Power salute]] on the victory stand of the 200-meter [[track and field]] race. In response, the IOC's president [[Avery Brundage]] told the USOC to either send the two athletes home, or withdraw the complete track and field team. The USOC opted for the former.<ref name="Black Salute">{{cite news |title=1968: Black athletes make silent protest |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/17/newsid_3535000/3535348.stm|publisher= BBC |accessdate=2006-12-28 }}</ref><br />
<br />
The government of the [[Islamic Republic of Iran]] specifically orders its athletes not to compete in any olympic heat, semi-final, or finals that includes athletes from [[Israel]].{{Fact|date=March 2008}} At the 2004 Olympics, an Iranian [[judoka]] who had otherwise earned his place, did not compete in a heat against an Israeli judoka.<ref name="Iran-Israel">{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200408/s1177025.htm |title=Games hit by crisis over Iran-Israel contest |date=[[2004-08-16]] |accessdate=2007-04-01 |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== Violence ===<br />
Despite what Coubertin had hoped for, the Olympics did not bring total peace to the world. In fact, three [[Olympiad]]s had to pass without Olympics because of war: due to [[World War I]] the [[1916 Summer Olympics|1916 Games]] were cancelled, and the summer and winter games of 1940 and 1944 were cancelled because of [[World War II]]. A recent and more ironic example is that in the [[2008 South Ossetia War]], Georgia and Russia started their engagement on the same day the 2008 Summer Olympics began.<br />
<br />
Terrorism has also become a recent threat to the Olympic Games. In 1972, when the Summer Games were held in [[Munich]], [[West Germany]], eleven members of the [[Israel]]i Olympic team were taken hostage by [[terrorist]] group [[Black September (group)|Black September]] in what is known as the [[Munich massacre]]. A bungled liberation attempt led to the deaths of the nine abducted athletes who had not been killed prior to the rescue, as well as that of a policeman, with five of the terrorists also being killed.<ref name = "CBC">[http://archives.cbc.ca/IDC-1-41-1289-7332/sports/olympics_cbc/clip5 Article on CBC Archives]</ref><br />
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During the Summer Olympics in 1996 in [[Atlanta]], a [[Centennial Olympic Park bombing|bombing]] at the [[Centennial Olympic Park]] killed two and injured 111 others. The bomb was set by [[Eric Robert Rudolph]], an American [[domestic terrorist]], who is currently serving a life sentence at [[ADX Florence]] in [[Florence, Colorado|Florence]], [[Colorado]].<ref name="CNN Bombing">[http://www.cnn.com/US/9607/27/olympic.bomb.main/ Olympic Park Bombing]. [[CNN]]. Retrieved on [[December 28]], [[2006]].</ref><br />
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The Winter Olympics in 2002 in [[Salt Lake City, Utah|Salt Lake City]] were the first Olympic games held since [[September 11, 2001 attacks|September 11, 2001]], which meant a higher level of security, which is now required for all Olympic games, as they may become terrorist targets.<br />
<br />
There have been pro-Tibet / pro-human rights protests during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Torch Relay, some of which included violent incidents.<br />
<br />
The Olympics have also been used by regimes with human rights crisis to try and cleanse their reputation, silencing dissenting voices by means of genocide, torture and disappearances, as was the case on the 1968 [[Tlatelolco Massacre]] in [[Mexico City]] prior to the [[1968 Summer Olympics]] and the 2008 [[Tibetan riots]] before the [[Beijing Olympics]].<br />
<br />
== Olympic Movement ==<br />
A number of organizations are involved in organizing the Olympic Games. Together they form the Olympic Movement. The rules and guidelines by which these organizations operate are outlined in the [[Olympic Charter]].<br />
<br />
At the heart of the Olympic Movement is the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC), currently headed by [[Jacques Rogge]]. It can be seen as the government of the Olympics, as it takes care of the daily problems and makes all important decisions, such as choosing the host city of the Games, and the programme of the Olympics.<br />
<br />
Three groups of organisations operate on a more specialised level:<br />
* International Federations (IFs), the governing bodies of a sport (''e.g.'', [[FIFA]], the IF for [[football (soccer)]], and the [[FIVB]], the international governing body for [[volleyball]].)<br />
* National Olympic Committees (NOCs), which regulate the Olympic Movement within each country (''e.g.,'' [[USOC]], the NOC of the [[United States]])<br />
* [[Organizing Committees for the Olympic Games]] (OCOGs), which take care of the organisation of a specific celebration of the Olympics.<br />
<br />
At present, 202 NOCs and 35 IFs are part of the Olympic Movement. OCOGs are dissolved after the celebration of each Games, once all subsequent paperwork has been completed.<br />
<br />
More broadly speaking, the term Olympic Movement is sometimes also meant to include everybody and everything involved in the Olympics, such as national sport governing bodies, athletes, media, and sponsors of the Olympic Games. <br />
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=== Criticism ===<br />
Most Olympic Games have been held in [[Western world|Western]] cities; only a few games have been held in other places, and all bids by countries in [[South America]] and [[Africa]] have failed. Many believe the games should expand to include locations in poorer regions. [[Economists]] point out that the massive infrastructure investments could [[springboard]] cities into earning higher [[GDP]] after the games.{{Fact|date=September 2007}} However, many host cities regret the high costs associated with hosting the games as a poor investment<ref>{{cite news<br />
|first=Canadian<br />
|last=Press<br />
|title=Montrealers identify with Athens' challenges<br />
|url=http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/mini/CTVNews/1091740105201_15?s_name=athens2004&no_ads<br />
|work=CTV.ca<br />
|date=[[2004-08-5]]<br />
|accessdate=2008-01-25<br />
}}</ref>.<br />
<br />
In the past, the [[IOC]] has often been criticised for being a monolithic organisation, with several members remaining a member at old age, or even until their deaths. The leadership of IOC president [[Juan Antonio Samaranch]] especially has been strongly criticised. Under his presidency, the Olympic Movement made great progress, but has been seen as autocratic and corrupt. Samaranch's ties with the [[Spain under Franco|Franco regime]] in [[Spain]] and his long term as an IOC president (21 years, until he was 81 years old) have also been points of criticism.<br />
<br />
In 1998, it became known that several IOC members had [[2002 Winter Olympic bid scandal|taken bribes]] from the organising committee for the [[2002 Winter Olympics]] in [[Salt Lake City]], [[Utah]], in exchange for a vote on the city at the election of the host city. The IOC started an investigation, which led to four members resigning and six being expelled. The scandal set off further reforms, changing the way in which host cities are elected to avoid further bribes. Also, more active and former athletes were allowed in the IOC, and the membership terms have been limited.<br />
<br />
The same year (1998), four European groups organized the International Network Against Olympic Games and Commercial Sports to oppose their cities' bids for future Olympic Games. Also, an Anti-Olympic Alliance had formed in [[Sydney]] to protest the hosting of the 2000 Games. Later, a similar movement in [[Vancouver]] and Whistler, [[British Columbia]] organized to protest the hosting of the 2010 Winter Games. These movements were particularly concerned about adverse local economic impact and dislocation of people to accommodate the hosting of the Olympics.<br />
<br />
A [[BBC]] documentary aired in August 2004, entitled ''[[Panorama (TV series)|Panorama]]: "Buying the Games"'', investigated the taking of bribes in the bidding process for the [[2012 Summer Olympics]]. The documentary claimed it is possible to bribe IOC members into voting for a particular candidate city. In an airborne television interview on the way home, the Mayor of Paris [[Bertrand Delanoë]] specifically accused the British Prime Minister Tony Blair and the London Bid Committee (headed by former Olympic gold medalist [[Sebastian Coe]]) of breaking the bid rules with flagrant financial and sexual bribes. He cited French President [[Jacques Chirac]] as a witness but President Chirac gave rather more guarded interviews. In particular, [[Bulgaria]]'s member Ivan Slavkov, and Muttaleb Ahmad from the Olympic Council of Asia, were implicated. They have denied the allegations. Mayor Delanoë never mentioned the matter again. Others have alleged that the [[2006 Winter Olympics]] were held in [[Turin]] because officials bribed the IOC and so Turin got the games and [[Sion, Switzerland]] (which was the favorite) did not.<br />
<br />
The Olympic Movement has been accused of being overprotective of its symbolism (in particular, it claims an exclusive and monopolistic copyright over any arrangement of five rings and the term "olympics"), and have taken action against things unrelated to sport, such as the [[role-playing game]] ''[[Legend of the Five Rings]]''. It was accused of [[homophobia]] in 1982 when it successfully sued the Gay Olympics, an event now known as the [[Gay Games]], to ban it from using the term "olympics" in its name.<ref>{{cite news<br />
|first=Stephen E.<br />
|last=Wright<br />
|title=Gay Games to take 'Olympics' fight to Congress<br />
|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/g/GooglePM/SJ/lib00189%2C0EB72BF908EC8CD1.html<br />
|format=fee required<br />
|work=San Jose Mercury News<br />
|date=[[1987-06-26]]<br />
|accessdate=2006-12-26<br />
}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Olympic symbols==<!--<br />
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{{main|Olympic symbols}}<br />
<br />
The Olympic movement uses many symbols, most of them representing Coubertin's ideas and ideals. The [[Olympic Rings]] are the most widely used symbol. These five intertwined rings represent the unity of the five inhabited continents (with the [[Americas]] regarded as one continent). The five colored rings on a white field form the [[Olympic Flag]]. The colors, white, red, blue, green, yellow, and black, were chosen such that each nation has at least one of these colors in its national flag. The flag was adopted in 1914, but the first Games at which it was flown were [[1920 Summer Olympics|Antwerp, 1920]]. It is hoisted at each celebration of the Games.<br />
<br />
The [[Olympic Motto]] is "''Citius, Altius, Fortius''," a [[Latin]] phrase meaning "Swifter, Higher, Stronger." Coubertin's ideals are probably best illustrated by the [[Olympic Creed]]:<br />
<br />
:''"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."''<br />
<br />
Prior to each Games, the [[Olympic Flame]] is lit in Olympia, Greece and brought to the host city by runners carrying the torch in relay. There it plays an important role in the opening ceremonies. Though the torch fire has been around since [[1928 Summer Olympics|1928]], the relay was introduced in [[1936 Summer Olympics|1936]] as part of the then German government's attempt to promote their [[National Socialist]] ideology.<br />
<br />
The Olympic mascot, an animal or human figure representing the cultural heritage of the host country, was introduced in [[1968 Summer Olympics|1968]]. It has played an important part of the games since [[1980 Summer Olympics|1980]] with the debut of [[Misha]], a [[Russia]]n [[bear]].<br />
<br />
[[French language|French]] and [[English language|English]] are the official languages of the Olympic movement.<br />
<br />
== Olympic ceremonies ==<br />
=== Opening ===<br />
[[Image:2002 Winter Olympics flame.jpg|thumb|right|Opening ceremonies climax with the lighting of the cauldron. For lighting the cauldron, modern games feature elaborate mechanisms such as this spiral arrangement lit by the [[Miracle on Ice|1980 U.S. Olympic ice hockey team]] at the [[2002 Winter Olympics]].]]<br />
<br />
As mandated by the Olympic Charter, various elements frame the opening ceremonies of a celebration of the Olympic Games.<ref name=OCFactSheetS>{{cite book | url=http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_1134.pdf | title=Fact sheet: Opening Ceremony of the Summer Olympic Games | date=February 2008 | accessdate=2008-08-14 |publisher=International Olympic Committee |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=OCFactSheetW>{{cite book | url=http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_1036.pdf | title=Fact sheet: Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games | date=February 2008 | accessdate=2008-08-14 |publisher=International Olympic Committee |format=PDF}}</ref> Most of these rituals were established by [[1920 Summer Olympics]] in [[Antwerp]], [[Belgium]].<ref name=OCprotocol1>{{cite book |url=http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_668.pdf |title=The Modern Olympic Games |chapter=The development of the Games - Between festival and tradition |chapterurl=http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_668.pdf#pages=5 |accessdate=2007-01-10 |publisher=International Olympic Committee |format=PDF |pages=p. 5}}</ref><br />
<br />
The ceremonies typically start with the hoisting of the host country's flag and the performing of its national anthem.{{Fact|date=October 2007}} The host nation then presents artistic displays of music, singing, dance, and theatre representative of the culture of that country.<ref name=OCprotocol1/><br />
<br />
The traditional part of the ceremonies starts with a "Parade of Nations" (or of athletes), during which most participating athletes march into the stadium, country by country. Each country's delegation is led by a sign with the name of their country and by their nation's flag.<ref name=OCFactSheetS/><ref name=OCFactSheetW/><br />
<br />
Traditionally (starting at the [[1928 Summer Olympics]]), Greece enters first, due to its historical status as the origin of the Olympics, while the host nation marches last.<ref name=OCprotocol1/> (In 2004, when the Games were held in Athens, Greece marched last as host nation rather than first, although the [[flag of Greece]] was carried in first.) Between these two nations, all other participating nations march in alphabetical order of the dominant language of the host country,<ref name=OCFactSheetS/><ref name=OCFactSheetW/> or in French or English alphabetical order if the host country does not write its dominant language in an alphabet which has a set order. In the [[1992 Summer Olympics]] in [[Barcelona]], both [[Spanish language|Spanish]] and [[Catalan language|Catalan]] were official languages of the games, but due to politics surrounding the use of Catalan, the nations entered in [[French language|French]] alphabetical order. The [[1998 Winter Olympics|XVIII Olympic Winter Games]] in [[Nagano, Japan]] saw nations entering in [[English language|English]] alphabetical order since the [[Japanese language]] grouped both China and Chinese Taipei together in the Parade of Nations. For the [[2008 Summer Olympics]], instead of using either French or English, the countries were ordered by how many strokes it took to write the country's name in [[Written Chinese]]. <ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/aug/08/olympics2008.china1 Beijing Olympics open with spectacular ceremony] The Guardian, 8 August 2008</ref><br />
<br />
After all nations have entered, the president of the host country's Olympic Organising Committee makes a speech, followed by the IOC president who, at the end of his speech introduces the representative of the host country who declares the Games open by reciting the formula: <blockquote>''I declare open the Games of [name of the host city] celebrating the [ordinal number of the Olympiad] Olympiad of the modern era''.<ref name="OCprotocol2"> [http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_122.pdf Olympic Charter] - in force as from 7 July 2007.</ref> (There is a similar recital for the Winter Games.)</blockquote><br />
<br />
Before 1936, the Opener often used to make a short Speech of Welcome before declaring the Games open. However, since 1936 when [[Adolf Hitler]] opened both the Garmisch Partenkirchen Winter Olympics and the Berlin Summer Olympics, the Openers have unswervingly stuck to that formula. There have been two exceptions:<br />
<br />
* in 1984, U.S. President [[Ronald Reagan]] opened the Summer Olympics that year in Los Angeles, and also in his home state, [[California]], with the words:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>''Celebrating the XXIII Olympiad of the modern era, I declare open the Olympic Games of Los Angeles''.<ref>[http://www.olympic.org/common/asp/launchvideo.asp?name=otab3_losangeles84_win_high.wmv www.olympic.org]</ref></blockquote><br />
<br />
* in 2002, five months after the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]], U.S. President [[George W. Bush]] opened the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, with <br />
<br />
<blockquote>"On behalf of a proud, determined and grateful nation," then the standard opening formula following.</blockquote><br />
<br />
Despite the Games having been awarded to a particular city and not to the country in general, the Olympic Charter presently requires the Opener to be the host country's [[head of state]].<ref name="OCprotocol2" /> However, there have been many cases where someone other than the host country's head of state opened the Games. The first example was at the [[Games of the II Olympiad]] in Paris in 1900, when there wasn't even an Opening Ceremony. There are five examples from the United States alone where the Games were not opened by the head of state.<ref>The first case was the [[Games of the III Olympiad]] in St Louis, Missouri where &ndash; on [[1 July]] [[1904]] &ndash; Mr. David Francis, President of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, performed the ceremony, nobody having even thought of inviting US President Theodore Roosevelt. Then, on 4 February 1932 the then-[[Governor]] of the [[State of New York]], [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]], opened the [[III Olympic Winter Games]] in [[Lake Placid, New York|Lake Placid]], [[New York]] and later that year, on 30 July 1932, the Vice-President of the United States, [[Charles Curtis]] opened the [[Games of the X Olympiad]] in [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], stating, however, that he was doing so on behalf of the [[President]], [[Herbert Hoover]]. In 1960, the [[Vice-President of the United States]] [[Richard Nixon]] was sent by President [[Dwight Eisenhower]] to open the [[VIII Olympic Winter Games]] in [[Squaw Valley, California|Squaw Valley]], [[California]], and finally, in 1980, Vice President [[Walter Mondale]] stood in for President [[Jimmy Carter]] to open the [[XIII Olympic Winter Games]], also in Lake Placid.</ref><br />
<br />
Next, the Olympic Flag is carried horizontally (since the [[1960 Summer Olympics]]) into the stadium and hoisted as the [[Olympic Anthem]] is played. The Olympic Charter states that the Olympic Flag must "fly for the entire duration<br />
of the Olympic Games from a flagpole placed in a prominent position in the main stadium".<ref name="OCprotocol2"/><br />
<br />
The flag bearers of all countries then circle a [[rostrum]], where one athlete (since the [[1920 Summer Olympics]]) and one judge (since the [[1972 Summer Olympics]]) speak the [[Olympic Oath]], declaring they will compete and judge according to the rules.<ref name=OCprotocol2/> Finally, the [[Olympic Torch|Torch]] is brought into the stadium, passed from athlete to athlete, until it reaches the last carrier of the Torch, often a well-known athlete from the host nation, who lights the fire in the stadium's cauldron.<ref name=OCprotocol2/> The Olympic Flame has been lit since the [[1928 Summer Olympics]], but the torch relay did not start until the [[1936 Summer Olympics]]. Beginning at the post-[[World War I]] [[1920 Summer Olympics]], the lighting of the Olympic Flame was for 68 years followed by the release of [[dove]]s, symbolizing peace.<ref name=OCprotocol2/> This gesture was discontinued after several doves were burned alive in the Olympic Flame during the opening ceremony of the [[1988 Summer Olympics]].<ref name=doves>{{cite web |url= http://web.archive.org/web/20040829084509/http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/aug132004/oly5.asp |title=When messengers of peace were burnt alive |accessdate=2007-01-10 |publisher=Deccan Herald |date=2004-08-13}}</ref> However, some Opening Ceremonies have continued to include doves in other forms; for example, the 2002 Winter Olympics featured skaters holding kite-like cloth dove puppets. The 2008 Summer Olympics also included a physical formation of a dove using many people in lighted suits.<br />
<br />
Opening ceremonies have been held outdoors, usually on the main athletics stadium, but those for the [[2010 Winter Olympics]] will be the first to be held indoors, at the [[BC Place Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/CultureEducation/Ceremonies/OpeningAndClosingCeremonies |title=Opening and Closing Ceremonies |accessdate=2007-01-10 |publisher=Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) |year=2006}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== Closing ===<br />
Various traditional elements also frame the closing ceremonies of an Olympic Games, which take place after all athletic events have concluded. Flag bearers from each participating country enter the stadium in single file, but behind them march all of the athletes without any distinction or grouping of nationality &ndash; a tradition that began at the [[1956 Summer Olympics]] at the suggestion of Melbourne schoolboy [[John Ian Wing]], who thought it would be a way of bringing the athletes of the world together as "one nation."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.olympics.org.uk/gamesabout.aspx?gt=S&ga=14 |title=Melbourne (Equestrian - Stockholm) 1956 |accessdate=2007-01-10 |publisher=[[British Olympic Association]]}}</ref> (In [[2006 Winter Olympics|2006]], the athletes marched in with their countrymen, then dispersed and mingled as the ceremonies went on).<br />
<br />
Three national flags are hoisted on flagpoles one at a time while the corresponding national anthems are played: The flag of Greece is raised on the middle pole honoring the birthplace of the Olympic Games, the flag of the host country on the lefthand pole, and then the flag of the country hosting the next Summer or Winter Olympic Games, on the righthand pole.<ref>[http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/file_system/attachments/state/attachment_20050531_96390462.pdf www.rfs.nsw.gov.au]</ref> (Exceptionally, in 2004, when the Games were held in Athens, only one Greek flag was raised.)<br />
<br />
In what is known as the "Antwerp Ceremony" (because the tradition began in 1920), the mayor of the city that organized the Games transfers a special Olympic Flag to the president of the IOC, who then passes it on to the mayor of the city hosting the next Olympic Games.<ref name=OCprotocol2/> The receiving mayor then waves the flag eight times. There are three such flags, differing from all other copies in that they have a six-coloured fringe around the flag, and are tied with six coloured ribbons to a flagstaff:<br />
* '''The Antwerp flag:''' Was presented to the IOC at the [[1920 Summer Olympics]] by the city of [[Antwerp (city)|Antwerp, Belgium]], and was passed on to the next organising city of the [[Summer Olympics]] until the Games of [[1988 Summer Olympics|Seoul 1988]].<br />
* '''The Oslo flag:''' Was presented to the IOC at the [[1952 Winter Olympics]] by the city of [[Oslo|Oslo, Norway]], and is passed on to the next organising city of the [[Winter Olympics]].<br />
* '''The Seoul flag:''' Was presented to the IOC at the [[1988 Summer Olympics]] by the city of [[Seoul|Seoul, The Republic of Korea (South Korea)]]<!--DO NOT CHANGE THIS NAME TO USE 'REPUBLIC'-->, and is passed on to the next organising city of the Summer Olympics, which was [[Barcelona|Barcelona, Spain]], at that time.<br />
<br />
This tradition posed a particular challenge at the [[2006 Olympic Winter Games|2006 Winter Games]] in [[Turin, Italy]]. The flag was passed from [[Sergio Chiamparino]], the mayor of Turin, to [[Sam Sullivan]], the mayor of [[Vancouver]], Canada. Mayor Sullivan, who is a [[quadriplegic]], waved the flag by holding it in one hand and swinging his motorized wheelchair back and forth eight times.<br />
<br />
After these traditional elements, the next host nation introduces itself with artistic displays of dance and theatre representative of that country. This tradition began with the [[1976 Summer Olympics|1976 Games]].<br />
<br />
The president of the host country's Olympic Organising Committee makes a speech, followed by the IOC president, who at the end of his speech formally closes the Olympics, by saying: <blockquote>''I declare the Games of the [ordinal number] Olympiad/Olympic Winter Games closed and, in accordance with tradition, I call upon the youth of the world to assemble four years from now in [name of host city] to celebrate the Games of the [subsequent ordinal number] Olympiad/Olympic Winter Games''.</blockquote> The Olympic Flame is extinguished, and while the Olympic anthem is being played, the Olympic Flag that was hoisted during the opening ceremonies is lowered from the flagpole and carried horizontally from the stadium.{{Fact|date=November 2007}}<br />
<br />
===Medal presentation===<br />
<br />
After medals are awarded and presented for a particular event, the flags of the nations of the three medalists are raised. The flag of the gold medalist's country is in the center and always raised the highest while the flag of the silver medalist's country is on the left facing the flags and the flag of the bronze medalist's country is on the right, both at lower elevations to the gold medalist's country's flag. The flags are all raised while the [[national anthem]] of the gold medalist's country plays.<br />
<br />
This format of medal presentation is also seen in other multi-sporting events such as the [[Southeast Asian Games]], the [[Commonwealth Games]] and the [[Asian Games]], as well as some motor racing events including Formula 1 and MotoGP.<br />
<br />
== Olympic sports ==<br />
{{main|Olympic sports}}<br />
<br />
Currently, the Olympic program consists of 35 different sports, 53 disciplines and more than 400 events. The Summer Olympics includes 28 sports with 38 disciplines and the Winter Olympics includes 7 sports with 15 disciplines.<ref name="Sports">{{cite web |url=http://olympic.org/uk/sports/index_uk.asp |title=Sports |publisher=International Olympic Committee |accessdate=2007-03-18}}</ref> Nine sports were on the original Olympic programme in 1896: [[athletics (track and field)|athletics]], [[cycling]], [[fencing]], [[gymnastics]], [[weightlifting]], [[shooting]], [[swimming]], [[tennis]], and [[sport wrestling|wrestling]]. If the 1896 [[rowing (sport)|rowing]] events had not been cancelled due to bad weather, they would have been included in this list as well.<ref name="1896 report">{{cite web |url=http://www.aafla.org/6oic/OfficialReports/1896/1896.pdf |title=The Olympic Games |publisher=[[AAFLA]] |accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref><br />
<br />
At the most recent Winter Olympics, 15 disciplines in seven sports were featured. Of these, [[cross country skiing]], [[figure skating]], [[ice hockey]], [[Nordic combined]], [[ski jumping]], and [[long track speed skating|speed skating]] have been featured on the programme at all Winter Olympics. In addition, figure skating and ice hockey also have been contested as part of the Summer Games before the introduction of separate Winter Olympics. <br />
<br />
In recent years, the IOC has added several new sports to the programme to attract attention from young spectators. Examples of such sports include [[snowboarding]] and [[beach volleyball]]. The growth of the Olympics also means that some less popular ([[modern pentathlon]]) or expensive (white water [[canoeing]]) sports may lose their place on the Olympic programme. The IOC decided to discontinue [[baseball]] and [[softball]] beginning in 2012. [[Cricket]]{{Fact|date=March 2008}} and [[Rugby union]]{{Fact|date=March 2008}} used to be in the Olympic Games but were discontinued; a revival{{Fact|date=March 2008}} is now seen as possible.<br />
<br />
Rule 48.1 of the Olympic Charter requires that there be a minimum of 15 Olympic sports at each Summer Games. Following its 114th Session (Mexico 2002), the IOC also decided to limit the programme of the Summer Games to a maximum of 28 sports, 301 events, and 10,500 athletes. The Olympic sports are defined as those governed by the International Federations listed in Rule 46 of the Olympic Charter. A two-thirds vote of the IOC is required to amend the Charter to promote a Recognised Federation to Olympic status and therefore make the sports it governs eligible for inclusion on the Olympic programme. Rule 47 of the Charter requires that ''only Olympic sports'' may be included in the programme.<br />
<br />
The IOC reviews the Olympic programme at the first Session following each Olympiad. A simple majority is required for an Olympic sport to be included in the Olympic programme. Under the current rules, an Olympic sport not selected for inclusion in a particular Games remains an Olympic sport and may be included again later with a simple majority. At the [[117th IOC Session]], 26 sports were included in the programme for London 2012.<br />
<br />
Until 1992, the Olympics also often featured [[demonstration sport]]s. The objective was for these sports to reach a larger audience; <br />
the winners of these events are not official Olympic champions. <br />
These sports were sometimes sports popular only in the host nation, <br />
but internationally known sports have also been demonstrated. <br />
Some demonstration sports eventually were included as full-medal events.<br />
<br />
=== Amateurism and professionalism ===<br />
{{see|Amateurism}}<br />
The ethos of English [[Independent school (United Kingdom)|public schools]] greatly influenced Pierre de Coubertin. The public schools had a deep involvement in the development of many team sports including all British codes of [[football]] as well as [[cricket]] and [[field hockey|hockey]].<br />
<br />
The English public schools of the second half of the 19th century had a major influence on many sports. The schools contributed to the rules and influenced the governing bodies of those sports out of all proportion to their size. They subscribed to the [[Ancient Greek]] and Roman belief that sport formed an important part of education, an attitude summed up in the saying: ''[[mens sana in corpore sano]]'' &ndash; a sound mind in a healthy body. In this ethos, a [[gentleman]] was one who become an all-rounder, not the best at one specific thing. Class prejudice against "trade" reinforced this attitude. Apart from class considerations there was the typically English concept of "fairness," in which practicing or training was considered as tantamount to cheating; it meant that you considered it more important to win than to take part. Those who practiced a sport professionally were considered to have an unfair advantage over those who practiced it merely as a "hobby."<br />
<br />
The International Olympic Committee invited a representative of the [[Headmasters' Conference]] (the association of [[headmaster]]s of the English public schools) to attend their early meetings. The Headmasters' Conference chose the [[Reverend]] [[Robert Stuart de Courcy Laffan|Robert Laffan]], the headmaster of [[Cheltenham College]], as their representative to the IOC meetings. He was made a member of the IOC in 1897 and, following the first visit of the IOC to London in 1904, he was central to the founding of the [[British Olympic Association]] a year later.<ref> Steve Baily ''{{PDFlink|[http://www.aafla.org/SportsLibrary/Olympika/Olympika_1997/olympika0601d.pdf A Noble Ally and Olympic Disciple: The Reverend Robert S. de Courcy Laffan, Coubertin's 'man' in England]|200&nbsp;KB}}''</ref><ref>Steve Baily ''{{PDFlink|[http://www.coubertin.ch/pdf/PDF-Dateien/113-Baily.pdf. The Reverend Robert S. de Courcy Laffan: Baron Pierre de Coubertin and the Olympic Movement]}}''</ref><ref name="BC">[http://www.elt.britishcouncil.pl/elt/s_vict.htm Victorian and Edwardian Sporting Values] Produced in Poland by [[British Council]] © 2003.</ref><br />
<br />
In Coubertin's vision, athletes should be gentlemen. Initially, only amateurs were considered such; [[professional sports#Olympic Games|professional athletes]] were not allowed to compete in the Olympic Games. A short-lived exception was made for professional fencing instructors.<ref>Australian Olympic Committee. "[http://www.olympics.com.au/sports.cfm?SportID=11 Fencing]."</ref> This exclusion of professionals has caused several controversies throughout the history of the modern Olympics.<br />
<br />
1912 Olympic [[pentathlon]] and [[decathlon]] champion [[Jim Thorpe]] was disqualified when it was discovered that he played semi-professional [[baseball]] prior to winning his medals. He was restored as champion on compassionate grounds by the IOC in 1983. Swiss and Austrian skiers boycotted the [[1936 Winter Olympics]] in support of their skiing teachers, who were not allowed to compete because they earned money with their sport and were considered professionals.<br />
<br />
It gradually became clear to many that the amateurism rules had become outdated, not least because the self-financed amateurs of Western countries often were no match for the state-sponsored "full-time amateurs" of Eastern bloc countries. Nevertheless, the IOC, led by President [[Avery Brundage]], held to the traditional rules regarding amateurism. In the 1970s, after Brundage left, amateurism requirements were dropped from the Olympic Charter, leaving decisions on professional participation to the [[sport governing body|international federation]] for each sport. This switch was perhaps best exemplified by the American [[Dream Team (basketball)|Dream Team]], composed of well-paid [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] stars, which won the Olympic gold medal in [[basketball]] in 1992. As of 2004, the only sports in which no professionals compete is [[boxing]] and [[baseball]] (though even this requires a definition of amateurism based on fight rules rather than on payment, as some boxers receive cash prizes from their National Olympic Committees); in men's [[football (soccer)]], the number of players over 23 years of age is limited to three per team.<br />
<br />
Advertisement regulations are still very strict, at least on the actual playing field, although "Official Olympic Sponsors" are common. Athletes are only allowed to have the names of clothing and equipment manufacturers on their outfits. The sizes of these markings are limited.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/common/asp/download_report.asp?file=en_report_122.pdf&id=122 |title='Advertising, Demonstrations, Propaganda', ''Olympic Charter'', pp98-100 |accessdate=2008-08-08 |author= |date=October 2007|publisher=International Olympic Committee}}</ref><br />
<br />
== Olympic champions and medalists ==<br />
<!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[Image:Larisa Latynina.jpg|thumb|right|[[Larissa Latynina]] won 18 Olympic medals, including 9 gold ones, the highest IOC recognised gold and overall totals in the modern Olympics.]] --><!-- FAIR USE of Larisa Latynina.jpg: see image description page at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Larisa Latynina.jpg for rationale --><br />
{{main|Lists of Olympic medalists}}<br />
{{see also|List of multiple Olympic gold medalists}}<br />
The athletes (or teams) who place first, second, or third in each event receive medals. The winners receive "gold medals." (Though they were solid [[gold]] until 1912, after which they were made of [[Gilding|gilded]] silver, though nowadays [[Gold plating|plated]] silver. However, every gold medal must contain at least 6 grams of pure gold<ref name="BeijingOlymp-1">[http://en.beijing2008.cn/67/83/article214028367.shtml Medals of Beijing Olympic Games unveiled], [http://en.beijing2008.cn Beijing 2008 Website] (accessed 12/Aug/2008)</ref>) The runners-up receive [[silver]] medals, and the third-place athletes [[bronze]] medals. In some events contested by a [[single-elimination tournament]] (most notably [[boxing]]), third place might not be determined, in which case both semi-final losers receive bronze medals. The practice of awarding medals to the top three competitors was introduced in 1904; at the [[1896 Summer Olympics|1896 Olympics]] only the first two received a medal, silver and bronze, while various prizes were awarded in [[1900 Summer Olympics|1900]]. However, the [[1904 Summer Olympics|1904 Olympics]] also awarded silver trophies for first place, which makes [[1906 Summer Olympics|Athens 1906]] the first games that awarded the three medals only. In addition, from 1948 onward athletes placing fourth, fifth and sixth have received certificates which became officially known as "victory diplomas;" since 1976 the medal winners have received these also, and in 1984 victory diplomas for seventh- and eighth-place finishers were added, presumably to ensure that all losing quarter-finalists in events using single-elimination formats would receive diplomas, thus obviating the need for consolation (or officially, "classification") matches to determine fifth through eighth places (though interestingly these latter are still contested in many elimination events anyway). Certificates were awarded also at the 1896 Olympics, but there they were awarded in addition to the medals to first and second place. Commemorative medals and diplomas&mdash;which differ in design from those referred to above&mdash;are also made available to participants finishing lower than third and eighth respectively. At the [[2004 Summer Olympics]] in Athens, the first three were given [[wreath]]s as well as their medals.<br />
<br />
Because the Olympics are held only once every four years, the public and athletes often consider them as more important and valuable than world championships and other international tournaments, which are often held annually. Many athletes have become celebrities or heroes in their own country, or even world-wide, after becoming Olympic champions.<br />
<br />
The diversity of the sports, and the great differences between the Olympic Games in 1896 and today make it difficult to decide which athlete is the most successful Olympic athlete of all time. This is further complicated since the IOC no longer recognises the [[Intercalated Games]] which it originally organised. When measuring by the number of titles won at the Modern Olympic Games, the following athletes may be considered the most successful.<br />
<br />
===All-time Olympic Games individual medal count===<br />
{{See also|List of multiple Olympic gold medalists}}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable sortable"<br />
|-<br />
! Athlete !! Nation !! Sport !! Olympics !! [[Image:Gold medal icon.svg]] Gold !! [[Image:Silver medal icon.svg]] Silver !! [[Image:Bronze medal icon.svg]] Bronze !! Total<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Michael|Phelps}}<br />
| {{flag|USA}}<br />
| [[Swimming]]<br />
| 2000&ndash;2008<br />
| align="right"| 12<br />
| align="right"| 0<br />
| align="right"| 2<br />
| align="right"| 14<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Larissa|Latynina}}<br />
| {{flag|USSR|1955}}<br />
| [[Gymnastics]]<br />
| 1956&ndash;1964<br />
| align="right"| 9<br />
| align="right"| 5<br />
| align="right"| 4<br />
| align="right"| 18<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Paavo|Nurmi}}<br />
| {{flag|FIN}}<br />
| [[Athletics (track and field)|Athletics]]<br />
| 1920&ndash;1928<br />
| align="right"| 9<br />
| align="right"| 3<br />
| align="right"| 0<br />
| align="right"| 12<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Mark|Spitz}}<br />
| {{flag|USA}}<br />
| [[Swimming]]<br />
| 1968&ndash;1972<br />
| align="right"| 9<br />
| align="right"| 1<br />
| align="right"| 1<br />
| align="right"| 11<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Carl|Lewis}}<br />
| {{flag|USA}}<br />
| [[Athletics (track and field)|Athletics]]<br />
| 1984&ndash;1996<br />
| align="right"| 9<br />
| align="right"| 1<br />
| align="right"| 0<br />
| align="right"| 10<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Bjørn|Dæhlie}}<br />
| {{flag|NOR}}<br />
| [[Cross-country skiing]]<br />
| 1992&ndash;1998<br />
| align="right"| 8<br />
| align="right"| 4<br />
| align="right"| 0<br />
| align="right"| 12<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Birgit|Fischer}}<br />
| {{flag|GDR}} / {{flag|GER}}<br />
| [[Canoe racing|Canoeing (flatwater)]]<br />
| 1980&ndash;2004<br />
| align="right"| 8<br />
| align="right"| 4<br />
| align="right"| 0<br />
| align="right"| 12<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Sawao|Kato}}<br />
| {{flag|JPN}}<br />
| [[Gymnastics]]<br />
| 1968&ndash;1976<br />
| align="right"| 8<br />
| align="right"| 3<br />
| align="right"| 1<br />
| align="right"| 12<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Jenny|Thompson}}<br />
| {{flag|USA}}<br />
| [[Swimming]]<br />
| 1992&ndash;2004<br />
| align="right"| 8<br />
| align="right"| 3<br />
| align="right"| 1<br />
| align="right"| 12<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Matt|Biondi}}<br />
| {{flag|USA}}<br />
| [[Swimming]]<br />
| 1984&ndash;1992<br />
| align="right"| 8<br />
| align="right"| 2<br />
| align="right"| 1<br />
| align="right"| 11<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Ray|Ewry}}<br />
| {{flag|USA}}<br />
| [[Athletics (track and field)|Athletics]]<br />
| 1900&ndash;1908<br />
| align="right"| 8<br />
| align="right"| 0<br />
| align="right"| 0<br />
| align="right"| 8<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Nikolai|Andrianov}}<br />
| {{flag|USSR|1955}}<br />
| [[Gymnastics]]<br />
| 1972&ndash;1980<br />
| align="right"| 7<br />
| align="right"| 5<br />
| align="right"| 3<br />
| align="right"| 15<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Boris|Shakhlin}}<br />
| {{flag|USSR|1955}}<br />
| [[Gymnastics]]<br />
| 1956&ndash;1964<br />
| align="right"| 7<br />
| align="right"| 4<br />
| align="right"| 2<br />
| align="right"| 13<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Věra|Čáslavská||Caslavska}}<br />
| {{flag|TCH}}<br />
| [[Gymnastics]]<br />
| 1960&ndash;1968<br />
| align="right"| 7<br />
| align="right"| 4<br />
| align="right"| 0<br />
| align="right"| 11<br />
|}<br />
<br />
===Medals per country===<br />
{{See also|All-time Olympic Games medal count}}<br />
The IOC does not publish lists of medals per country, but the media often does. A comparison between countries would be unfair to countries with fewer inhabitants, so some have made calculations of medals per number of inhabitants, such as [http://abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@.nsf/57a31759b55dc970ca2568a1002477b6/be9f47591541e29eca256ef40004f25a!OpenDocument] for the 2004 Olympics and [http://simon.forsyth.net/olympics.html] for a few more. A problem here is that for a very small country, gaining just one medal could mean the difference between the very top and the very bottom of the list (a point illustrated by the [[Bahamas]]' per capita number one position in 2004). On the other hand, a large country may not be able to send a number of athletes that is proportional to its size because a limit is set for the number of participants per country for a specific sport. <br />
<br />
A comparison of the total number of medals ''over time'' is further complicated by the fact that the number of times that countries have participated is not equal, and that many countries have gained and lost territories where medal-winning athletes come from. A case in point is the [[USSR]], which not only participated relatively rarely (18 times, versus 45 times for the [[UK]]), but also ceased to exist in 1991. The resulting [[Russian Federation]] is largely, but not entirely, equal to the former USSR. Also, one would have to use population statistics ''at the time''. <br />
<br />
The IOC medal tally chart is based on the number of gold medals for country. Where states are equal, the number of silver medals (and then bronze medals) are counted to determine rankings.<br />
Since 1996, the only countries that have appeared in the top 10 medal tallies for all three subsequent Summer Olympics have been the [[Russian Federation]], [[United States]], [[China]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Australia]] and [[Italy]]. Since 1994, the only countries that have appeared in the top 10 medal tallies for the subsequent Winter Olympics have been [[Norway]], the [[Russian Federation]], the [[United States]], [[Canada]], [[Germany]], [[Austria]], [[South Korea]], [[Switzerland]], [[France]] and [[Italy]].<br />
<br />
==Olympic Games host cities==<br />
{{main|List of Olympic host cities}}<br />
<!--******** Mention bidding process! **********--><br />
By 2010, the Olympic Games will have been hosted by 41 cities in 22 countries. The [[2008 Summer Olympics]] are currently being held in [[Beijing]], and the [[2010 Winter Olympics]] will be held in [[Vancouver]]. The number in parentheses following the city/country denotes how many times that city/country had then hosted the games, with said exclusions.<br />
<br />
This table does not include the "Olympic Games" organized by [[Evangelos Zappas]] prior to the IOC's creation in 1894. It does list the [[1906 Summer Olympics|"Intercalated Games" of 1906]], but the IOC no longer considers them to be official Olympic Games.<br />
<br />
''NOTE: The bracketed numbers listed beside the cities and nations are the number of times it has hosted the Games.''<br />
<br />
{| bgcolor="#f7f8ff" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="font-size: 90%; border: gray solid 1px; border-collapse: collapse;"<br />
|+'''Olympic Games host cities'''<br />
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center"<br />
!colspan="4" width="50%"| '''[[Summer Olympic Games]]'''<br />
!colspan="4" width="50%"| '''[[Winter Olympic Games]]'''<br />
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"<br />
|| '''''Year''''' || '''''Olympiad''''' || '''''Host city''''' || '''''Country''''' || '''''№''''' || '''''Host city''''' || '''''Country'''''<br />
|- bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
| 1896 || [[1896 Summer Olympics|I]] || [[Athens]] (1) || {{flag|Greece|old}} (1)|| || ||<br />
|-<br />
|1900 || [[1900 Summer Olympics|II]] || [[Paris]] (1) || {{flag|France}} (1)|| || ||<br />
|- bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1904 || [[1904 Summer Olympics|III]] || [[St. Louis, Missouri|St. Louis]], [[Missouri]]<sup>('''[[#WWI|1]]''')</sup> (1) || {{flag|United States|1896}} (1) || || ||<br />
|-<br />
|1906 || [[1906 Summer Olympics|III]] || [[Athens]] (not recognized) || {{flag|Greece|old}} || || ||<br />
|- bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1908 || [[1908 Summer Olympics|IV]] || [[London]] (1) || {{flag|United Kingdom}} (1)|| || ||<br />
|-<br />
|1912 || [[1912 Summer Olympics|V]] || [[Stockholm]] (1) || {{flag|Sweden}} (1) || || ||<br />
|- bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|''1916'' || ''[[1916 Summer Olympics|VI]]'' <sup>('''[[#WWI|2]]''')</sup> || ''[[Berlin]]'' || ''{{flag|Germany|empire}}'' || || ||<br />
|-<br />
|1920 || [[1920 Summer Olympics|VII]] || [[Antwerp]] (1) || {{flag|Belgium}} (1) || || ||<br />
|- bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1924 || [[1924 Summer Olympics|VIII]] || [[Paris]] (2) || {{flag|France}} (2) || [[1924 Winter Olympics|I]] || [[Chamonix]] (1) || {{flag|France}} (1)<br />
|-<br />
|1928 || [[1928 Summer Olympics|IX]] || [[Amsterdam]] (1) || {{flag|Netherlands}} (1) || [[1928 Winter Olympics|II]] || [[St Moritz]] (1) || {{flag|Switzerland}} (1)<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1932 || [[1932 Summer Olympics|X]] || [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]], [[California]](1) || {{flag|United States|1912}} (2)|| [[1932 Winter Olympics|III]] || [[Lake Placid, New York|Lake Placid]], [[New York]] (1) || {{flag|United States|1912}} (1)<br />
|-<br />
|1936 || [[1936 Summer Olympics|XI]] || [[Berlin]] (1) || {{flag|Germany|Nazi}} (1) || [[1936 Winter Olympics|IV]] || [[Garmisch-Partenkirchen]] (1) || {{flag|Germany|Nazi}} (1)<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|''1940'' || ''[[1940 Summer Olympics|XII]]'' <sup>('''[[#WWII|3]]''')</sup> || ''[[Tokyo]]→<br>[[Helsinki]]'' || ''{{flag|Japan}}''→<br>''{{flag|Finland}}'' || ''[[1940 Winter Olympics|V]]'' <sup>('''[[#WWII|3]]''')</sup> || ''[[Sapporo]]→<br>[[St Moritz]]→<br>[[Garmisch-Partenkirchen]]'' || ''{{flag|Japan}}''→<br>''{{flag|Switzerland}}''→<br>''{{flag|Germany|Nazi}}''<br />
|-<br />
|''1944'' || ''[[1944 Summer Olympics|XIII]]'' <sup>('''[[#WWII|3]]''')</sup> || ''[[London]] || ''{{flag|United Kingdom}}'' || ''[[1944 Winter Olympics|V]]'' <sup>('''[[#WWII|3]]''')</sup> || ''[[Cortina d'Ampezzo]]'' || ''{{flag|Italy|1861}}''<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1948 || [[1948 Summer Olympics|XIV]] || [[London]] (2) || {{flag|United Kingdom}} (2) || [[1948 Winter Olympics|V]] || [[St Moritz]] (2) || {{flag|Switzerland}} (2)<br />
|-<br />
|1952 || [[1952 Summer Olympics|XV]] || [[Helsinki]] (1) || {{flag|Finland}} (1) || [[1952 Winter Olympics|VI]] || [[Oslo]] (1) || {{flag|Norway}} (1)<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1956 || [[1956 Summer Olympics|XVI]] || [[Melbourne]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] (1) +<br>[[Stockholm]] (2)<sup>('''[[#Stockholm|4]]''')</sup> || {{flag|Australia}} (1) +<br>{{flag|Sweden}} (2)|| [[1956 Winter Olympics|VII]] || [[Cortina d'Ampezzo]] (1) || {{flag|Italy}} (1)<br />
|-<br />
|1960 || [[1960 Summer Olympics|XVII]] || [[Rome]] (1) || {{flag|Italy}} (1) || [[1960 Winter Olympics|VIII]] || [[Squaw Valley Ski Resort|Squaw Valley]], [[California]] (1) || {{flag|United States|1959}} (2)<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1964 || [[1964 Summer Olympics|XVIII]] || [[Tokyo]] (1) || {{flag|Japan}} (1) || [[1964 Winter Olympics|IX]] || [[Innsbruck]] (1) || {{flag|Austria}} (1)<br />
|-<br />
|1968 || [[1968 Summer Olympics|XIX]] || [[Mexico City]] (1) || {{flag|Mexico}} (1) || [[1968 Winter Olympics|X]] || [[Grenoble]] (1) || {{flag|France}} (2)<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1972 || [[1972 Summer Olympics|XX]] || [[Munich]] (1) || {{flag|West Germany}} (2) || [[1972 Winter Olympics|XI]] || [[Sapporo]] (1) || {{flag|Japan}} (1)<br />
|-<br />
|1976 || [[1976 Summer Olympics|XXI]] || [[Montreal]], [[Quebec]] (1) || {{flag|Canada}} (1) || [[1976 Winter Olympics|XII]] || [[Innsbruck]] (2) || {{flag|Austria}} (2)<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1980 || [[1980 Summer Olympics|XXII]] || [[Moscow]] (1) || {{flag|Soviet Union|1955}} (1) || [[1980 Winter Olympics|XIII]] || [[Lake Placid, New York|Lake Placid]], [[New York]] (2) || {{flag|United States}} (3)<br />
|-<br />
|1984 || [[1984 Summer Olympics|XXIII]] || [[Los Angeles]], [[California]] (2) || {{flag|United States}} (3) || [[1984 Winter Olympics|XIV]] || [[Sarajevo]] (1) || {{YUG}} (1)<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1988 || [[1988 Summer Olympics|XXIV]] || [[Seoul]] (1) || {{flag|South Korea}} (1) || [[1988 Winter Olympics|XV]] || [[Calgary]], [[Alberta]] (1) || {{flag|Canada}} (1)<br />
|-<br />
|1992 || [[1992 Summer Olympics|XXV]] || [[Barcelona]] (1) || {{flag|Spain}} (1) || [[1992 Winter Olympics|XVI]] || [[Albertville]] (1) || {{flag|France}} (3)<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1994 || || || || [[1994 Winter Olympics|XVII]] || [[Lillehammer]] (1) || {{flag|Norway}} (2)<br />
|-<br />
|1996 || [[1996 Summer Olympics|XXVI]] || [[Atlanta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] (1) || {{flag|United States}} (4)|| || ||<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1998 || || || || [[1998 Winter Olympics|XVIII]] || [[Nagano]] (1) || {{flag|Japan}} (2)<br />
|-<br />
|2000 || [[2000 Summer Olympics|XXVII]] || [[Sydney]], [[New South Wales]] (1) || {{flag|Australia}} (2)|| || ||<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|2002 || || || || [[2002 Winter Olympics|XIX]] || [[Salt Lake City]], [[Utah]] (1) || {{flag|United States}} (4)<br />
|-<br />
|2004 || [[2004 Summer Olympics|XXVIII]] || [[Athens]] (2) || {{flag|Greece}} (2)|| || ||<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|2006 || || || || [[2006 Winter Olympics|XX]] || [[Turin]] (1) || {{flag|Italy}} (2)<br />
|-<br />
|2008 || [[2008 Summer Olympics|XXIX]] || [[Beijing]] (1)<sup>('''[[#Hong Kong|5]]''')</sup> || {{flag|China}} (1) || || ||<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|2010 || || || || [[2010 Winter Olympics|XXI]] || [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia]] (1) || {{flag|Canada}} (2)<br />
|-<br />
|2012 || [[2012 Summer Olympics|XXX]] || [[London]] (3) || {{flag|United Kingdom}} (3)|| || ||<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|2014 || || || || [[2014 Winter Olympics|XXII]] || [[Sochi]] (1) || {{flag|Russia}} (1)<br />
|}<br />
<div id="WWI"><sup>'''1'''</sup> Originally awarded to [[Chicago]], but moved to [[St. Louis]] to coincide with the [[Louisiana Purchase Exposition|World's Fair]]<br />
<br />
<div id="WWI"><sup>'''2'''</sup> Cancelled due to [[World War I]]<br />
<br />
<div id="WWII"><sup>'''3'''</sup> Cancelled due to [[World War II]]<br />
<br />
<div id="Stockholm"><sup>'''4'''</sup> [[equestrianism|Equestrian]] events were held in [[Stockholm]], [[Sweden]]. Stockholm had to bid for the equestrian competition separately; it received its own Olympic flame and had its own formal invitations and opening & closing ceremonies, just like the regular Summer Olympics.<ref>[http://www.la84foundation.org/6oic/OfficialReports/1956/or1956eq.pdf Official Report of the Equestrian Games of the XVIth Olympiad (Swedish & English)]</ref><br />
<br />
<div id="Hong Kong"><sup>'''5'''</sup> [[equestrianism|Equestrian]] events to be held in China's [[Hong Kong|Hong Kong SAR]]. Although Hong Kong's separate NOC is conducting the equestrian competition, it is an integral part of the Beijing Games; it is not being conducted under a separate bid, flame, etc., as was the 1956 Stockholm equestrian competition. The IOC website lists only Beijing as the host city.<ref>[http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/index_uk.asp IOC website, Beijing 2008 home page]</ref><br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
* [[Olympic Stadium]]<br />
* [[Bids for Olympic Games]]<br />
* [[Bids for Olympic Games (ballots)]]<br />
* [[Olympic Cup]]<br />
* [[Olympic Order]]<br />
* [[Pierre de Coubertin medal]]<br />
* [[Special Olympics]]<br />
* [[Olympic Games scandals]]<br />
<br />
== Notes ==<br />
{{reflist|2}}<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
* {{cite book |last= Buchanan |first= Ian |authorlink= |coauthors= |title= Historical dictionary of the Olympic movement |year= 2001 |publisher= Scarecrow Presz |location= Lanham |isbn= 978-0-8108-4054-6 }}<br />
* {{cite book |last= Kamper |first= Erich |authorlink= |coauthors= Mallon, Bill |title= The Golden Book of the Olympic Games |year= 1992 |publisher= Vallardi & Associati |location= Milan |isbn= 978-88-85202-35-1 }}<br />
* {{cite book |last= Simson |first= Vyv |authorlink= |coauthors= Jennings, Andrew |title= Dishonored Games: Corruption, Money, and Greed at the Olympics |year= 1992 |publisher= S.P.I. Books |location= New Tork |isbn= 978-1-56171-199-4 }}<br />
* {{cite book |last= Wallechinsky |first= David |authorlink= David Wallechinsky |coauthors= |title= The Complete Book of the Summer Olympics, Sydney 2000 Edition |year= 2000 |publisher= Overlook Press |location= |isbn= 978-1-58567-033-8 }}<br />
* {{cite book |last= Wallechinsky |first= David |authorlink= David Wallechinsky |coauthors= |title= The Complete Book of the Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City 2002 Edition |year= 2001 |publisher= Overlook Press |location= |isbn= 978-1-58567-195-3 }}<br />
* {{cite book |last= Wallechinsky |first= David |authorlink= David Wallechinsky |coauthors= |title= The Complete Book of the Summer Olympics, Athens 2004 Edition |year= 2004 |publisher= SportClassic Books |location= |isbn= 978-1-894963-32-9 }}<br />
* {{cite book |last= Wallechinsky |first= David |authorlink= David Wallechinsky |coauthors= |title= The Complete Book of the Winter Olympics, Turin 2006 Edition |year= 2005 |publisher= SportClassic Books |location= |isbn= 978-1-894963-45-9 }}<br />
* {{cite book |last= Preuss |first= Holger |authorlink= |coauthors= Marcia Semitiel García |title= The Economics of Staging the Olympics: A Comparison of the Games 1972-2008 |year= 2005 |publisher= Edward Elgar Publishing |location= |isbn= 978-1-84376-893-7 }}<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
{{commons|Olympic Games}}<br />
{{portal|Olympics}}<br />
=== Official websites ===<br />
* [http://www.olympic.org/ Official website of the Olympic Games]<br />
<br />
=== Other links ===<br />
*{{wikia|olympic|Olympic}}<br />
* [http://www.dicolympic.com/?s=&l=en Dicolympic] - Dictionary about the Games from Olympia to Sotchi 2014<br />
* [http://www.aroundtherings.com/ ATR - Around the Rings - the Business Surrounding the Olympics]<br />
* [http://communications.uwo.ca/western_news/story.html?listing_id=20578 Podiums first used in modern Olympics]<br />
* [http://www.marcolympics.org/ All the daily program and the results of the Olympics]<br />
* [http://wipo.int/clea/docs/en/wo/wo018en.htm Nairobi Treaty on the Protection of the Olympic Symbol]<br />
* [http://www.databaseolympics.com/index.htm Database Olympics]<br />
* [http://www.projectshum.org/Olympics/ The Olympics.] A kid's guide to the Summer and Winter Olympic games.<br />
* [http://www.nccg.org/375Art-Olympics.html Origin Of The Olympic Games]<br />
* [http://www.erasmuspc.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=124&Itemid=58 The Cultural Coalition for the Amsterdam Olympic Area (on ErasmusPC)]<br />
* [http://www.usolympicteam.com/19116_18922.htm#Olympic Olympic Traditions] FAQs from the U.S. Olympic Committee<br />
* [http://www.sydneypinz.com/# Olympic Pins Features pins from many Olympic Games]<br />
* [http://www.cokecans.com/olympic Olympic Games Coca-Cola Cans from all over the world]<br />
* [http://www.sportsbite.com/index.pl News from all the Olympic sports]<br />
*[http://www.sightseebyspace.com/browse_by.php?category=Olympic%20Stadiums Aerial and Satellite Photography of Olympic Stadiums]<br />
* [http://olympicsmemories.com/ Olympics Memories]<br />
* [http://www.olympicgameswinners.com/ Reference book about all Olympic Medalists of the all times]<br />
* [http://www.iamolympian.org/ Official World Olympians Association online community for Olympians]<br />
* [http://www.iamsport.org/ Official online community for Olympians family members and friends]<br />
* [http://www.woaolympians.com/ Official website for the World Olympians Association] <br />
* [http://www.randomhistory.com/1-50/040olympic.html A History of the Olympic Games] <br />
<br />
{{Olympic Games}}<br />
{{International multi-sport events}}<br />
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[[Category:Multi-sport events]]<br />
[[Category:Olympics| ]]<br />
[[Category:Sports competitions]]<br />
[[Category:Sport and politics]]<br />
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[[ar:ألعاب أولمبية]]<br />
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[[ast:Xuegos Olímpicos]]<br />
[[az:Müasir Olimpiya Oyunları]]<br />
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[[eo:Olimpiaj ludoj]]<br />
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[[fa:بازیهای المپیک]]<br />
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[[fr:Jeux olympiques]]<br />
[[fy:Olympyske Spullen]]<br />
[[ga:Cluichí Oilimpeacha]]<br />
[[gd:Na h-Olympics]]<br />
[[gl:Xogos Olímpicos]]<br />
[[zh-classical:奧林匹克運動會]]<br />
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[[is:Ólympíuleikarnir]]<br />
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[[he:המשחקים האולימפיים]]<br />
[[ka:ოლიმპიური თამაშები]]<br />
[[kk:Олимпиялық ойындар]]<br />
[[sw:Michezo ya Olimpiki]]<br />
[[la:Olympia (certamina)]]<br />
[[lv:Olimpiskās spēles]]<br />
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[[lt:Olimpinės žaidynės]]<br />
[[li:Olympische Speule]]<br />
[[hu:Olimpiai játékok]]<br />
[[mk:Олимписки игри]]<br />
[[ml:ഒളിമ്പിക്സ്]]<br />
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[[ms:Sukan Olimpik]]<br />
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[[km:កីឡាអូឡាំពិក]]<br />
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[[pl:Igrzyska olimpijskie]]<br />
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[[sm:Ta'aloga Olimipeka]]<br />
[[scn:Jòcura Olìmpici]]<br />
[[si:ඔලිම්පික් ක්රීඩා]]<br />
[[simple:Olympic Games]]<br />
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[[sv:Olympiska spelen]]<br />
[[ta:ஒலிம்பிக் விளையாட்டுக்கள்]]<br />
[[tl:Palarong Olimpiko]]<br />
[[tt:Olímpia Uyınnarı]]<br />
[[te:ఒలింపిక్ క్రీడలు]]<br />
[[th:กีฬาโอลิมปิก]]<br />
[[vi:Thế vận hội]]<br />
[[tr:Olimpiyat Oyunları]]<br />
[[uk:Олімпійські ігри]]<br />
[[vec:Xoghi Ołinpeghi]]<br />
[[wa:Djeus olimpikes]]<br />
[[wuu:奧林匹克运动会]]<br />
[[yo:Idije Olympiki]]<br />
[[zh-yue:奧林匹克運動會]]<br />
[[zh:奥林匹克运动会]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Olympic_Games&diff=232051076
Olympic Games
2008-08-15T05:26:31Z
<p>Yupi666: /* Violence */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{pp-semi-protected|small=yes}}<br />
{{Redirect|The Olympics||Olympics (disambiguation)}}<br />
{{For|the 2008 Olympic Games occuring in Beijing|2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
[[Image:Olympic flag.svg|250px|thumb|The five [[Olympic rings]] were designed in 1913, adopted in 1914 and debuted at the Games at [[1920 Summer Olympics|Antwerp, 1920]].]]<br />
The '''Olympic Games'''<ref name="Games">{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/index_uk.asp |title=Olympic Games |publisher = International Olympic Committee |accessdate = 2006-12-27}}</ref> is an international [[multi-sport event]]. The [[Ancient Olympic Games|original Olympic Games]] ({{lang-el|Ολυμπιακοί Αγώνες}}; {{Audio-IPA|Ell-Olympiakoi Agones.ogg|[''Olympiakoi Agones'']}}) were first recorded in 776 BC in [[Olympia, Greece|Olympia]], [[Greece]], and were celebrated until AD 393.<ref name="Encarta-Ancient">{{cite web |url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761576089/Ancient_Olympic_Games.html |title=Ancient Olympic Games|accessdate=2006-12-27 |date=1997-2006 |work=Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia 2006 |publisher=Microsoft Corporation }}</ref> Interest in reviving the Olympic Games proper was first shown by the Greek poet and newspaper editor [[Alexandros Soutsos|Panagiotis Soutsos]] in his poem "Dialogue of the Dead" in 1833.<ref name = Young/> [[Evangelos Zappas]] sponsored the first modern international Olympic Games in 1859. He paid for the refurbishment of the [[Panathinaiko Stadium|Panathenian Stadium]] for Olympic Games held there in 1870 and 1875.<ref name=Young>David C. Young, The Modern Olympics - A Struggle for Revival, published by The Johns Hopkins University Press in 1996, ISBN 0-8018-5374-5</ref> This was noted in newspapers and publications around the world including the London Review, which stated that "the Olympian Games, discontinued for centuries, have recently been revived! Here is strange news indeed ... the classical games of antiquity were revived near Athens."<ref>London Review, September 15, 1860.</ref><br />
<br />
The [[International Olympic Committee]] was founded in 1894 on the initiative of a [[France|French]] nobleman, [[Pierre de Coubertin|Pierre Frédy, Baron de Coubertin]]. The IOC has become the heart of the "Olympic Movement," a conglomeration of sporting federations that are involved in the organization of the Games. As the Olympic Movement has grown so have the profile and complexity of the Games. Participation in the Games has increased to the point that nearly every nation on earth is represented. With the proliferation of satellite communications, the internet, and the continuing trend towards [[globalization]], the Olympics are consistently gaining supporters.<ref name="Encarta">{{cite web |url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761562380_5/Olympic_Games.html#s16 |title= Olympic Games - Recent Developments|accessdate=2006-12-27 |date=1997-2006 |work=Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2006 |publisher=Microsoft Corporation }}</ref> This growth has created numerous challenges, including political [[boycott]]s, the use of performance enhancing medications, bribery of officials, and [[Munich massacre|terrorism]]. <br />
<br />
Despite these challenges the Olympics have continued to thrive and flourish. Each successive Games attempts to add more events in order to keep up with the ever-evolving advance of athletic expression around the world. The [[2008 Summer Olympics|current games in Beijing]] comprise of 302 events in 28 [[Olympic sports#Summer Olympic Games|sports]].<ref name=2008programme>{{cite news |url = http://olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=1797 |title = Beijing 2008: Games Programme Finalised |publisher = International Olympic Committee |date = [[2006-04-27]] |accessdate = 2006-05-10}}</ref> The most recent Winter Olympics in 2006 featured 84 events in 7 [[Olympic sports#Winter Olympic Games|sports]].<ref name="2006 Winter Olympics">{{cite web |url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/past/index_uk.asp?OLGT=2&OLGY=2006 |title = Turin 2006 |publisher = International Olympic Committee |accessdate = 2006-12-27}}</ref> While the Olympic Games do continue to evolve, they also encompass many rituals that were established during their infancy in the late 19th and early 20th century. Most of these traditions are on display during the Opening and Closing ceremonies, and the medal presentations. For its part, the Olympic Movement has made considerable progress in fostering participation among as many nations as wish to compete, as well as focusing on the Olympic motto: [[Olympic motto|Citius Altius Fortius]] - Faster, Higher, Stronger.<br />
<br />
== Ancient Olympics ==<br />
[[Image:Palestra at Olympia.jpg|thumb|right|Athletes trained in this Olympia facility in ancient times.]]<br />
{{main|Ancient Olympic Games}}<br />
<br />
There are many myths surrounding the origin of the ancient Olympic Games, the most popular of which identifies [[Heracles]] as the creator of the Olympic Games. According to the legend, Heracles built the Olympic stadium and surrounding buildings as an honor to his father [[Zeus]], after completing his [[12 labors]]. After he built the stadium he walked in a straight line for 400 strides and called this distance a "[[stadion]]" ([[Greek language|Greek]]: στάδιον, [[Latin]]: ''stadium'', "stage") that later also became a unit of distance. This is also why a modern stadium track is 400 meters in [[circumference]] — the distance a runner travels in one lap (1 stadium = 400 m). Another myth associates the first Games with the ancient Greek concept of ἐκεχειρία (''ekecheiria''), Olympic truce. The date of the Games' creation was based on a four year cycle. The most widely held estimate for the inception of the Ancient Olympics is 776 BC, although scholars' opinions diverge between dates as early as 884 BC{{Fact|date=August 2008}} and as late as 704 BC.{{Fact|date=August 2008}}<br />
<br />
From then on, the Olympic Games quickly became much more important throughout ancient Greece, reaching their zenith in the 6th and 5th centuries BC. The Olympics were of fundamental religious importance, contests alternating with sacrifices and ceremonies honouring both Zeus (whose [[Statue of Zeus at Olympia|colossal statue]] stood at [[Olympia, Greece|Olympia]]), and [[Pelops]], divine hero and mythical king of Olympia, who was famous for his legendary chariot races with [[Oenomaus|King Oenomaus]] of [[Pisa (Greece)|Pisatis]], and in whose honour the games were held. The number of events increased to twenty, and the celebration was spread over several days. Winners of the events were greatly admired and were immortalised in poems and statues.<ref name="Ancient Gods IOC">{{cite web |url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/ancient/gods_uk.asp |title = Ancient Olympic Games- Gods |publisher = Olympic Committee |accessdate = 2006-12-28}}</ref> The Games were held every four years, and the period between two celebrations became known as an [[Olympiad]]. The Greeks used Olympiads as one of their units of time measurement. The most famous Ancient Olympic athlete lived during the sixth century BC: the wrestler [[Milo of Croton]] is the only athlete in history to win a victory in six Olympics.<ref name="Ancient Athletes IOC">{{cite web |url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/ancient/index_uk.asp |title = Ancient Olympic Games- Athletes |publisher = International Olympic Committee |accessdate = 2006-12-28}}</ref><br />
<br />
The Games gradually declined in importance as the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]] gained power in Greece. After Emperor [[Theodosius I]] proclaimed Christianity the religion of the Empire in AD 393 and banned pagan rites, the Olympic Games were outlawed as a pagan festival. <ref name="Ancient IOC">{{cite web |url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/ancient/index_uk.asp |title = The Ancient Olympic Games |publisher = International Olympic Committee |accessdate = 2006-12-28}}</ref> The Olympics were not seen again until their rebirth 1,500 years later.<br />
<br />
In antiquity normally only young men could participate.<ref name="Ancient Athletes IOC" /> The sportsmen usually competed nude. This was due in part to the weather and also because the festival was meant to be a celebration of the achievements of the human body. Upon winning the event, the victor would have not only the prestige of being in first place but would also be presented with a crown of olive leaves. The [[olive branch]] is a sign of hope and peace.<ref name="Ancient History IOC">{{cite web |url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/ancient/history_uk.asp |title = Ancient Olympic Games: History |publisher = International Olympic Committee |accessdate = 2006-12-28}}</ref> While the symbol of the olive branch has carried through from the Ancient Games to the modern reinvention, many other current [[Olympic symbols]] are unique to the Modern Olympics. The bearing of a torch, for example, formed an integral part of Greek ceremonies but the Ancient Games did not include a torch-lighting ceremony, nor was there a symbol formed by interconnecting rings.<br />
<br />
== Revival == <br />
<br />
Although the revival of the Olympic Games began in the mid-19th Century, many sports events with titles such as "Olympick" or "Olympian" Games were held before that and as early as the 16th Century. These sports events should not be confused with the re-establishment of the Olympic Games in modern times. These included an "Olympick Games" sports festival that was run for several years at [[Chipping Campden]] in the English [[Cotswolds]]. The present day local [[Cotswold Games|Olympick Games]] trace their origin to this festival.<br />
<br />
In 1833, the poet Panagiotis Soutsos mentions a revival of the ancient Olympic Games in modern times in his poetry.<br />
<br />
In 1850, an "Olympian Class" was begun at [[Much Wenlock]] in [[Shropshire]], [[England]]. This was renamed "Wenlock Olympian Games" in 1859 and continues to this day as the [[Wenlock Olympian Society Annual Games]]. The Wenlock Olympian Society was founded in 1860. A national Olympic Games in [[Great Britain]] was organised by their founder, [[William Penny Brookes]], at Crystal Palace in [[London]], in 1866. This national Olympic Games was the first games to actually resemble an Olympic Games to be held outside of Greece.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile [[Evangelos Zappas]], a wealthy Greek philanthropist, sponsored the first modern revival of the Olympic Games.<ref name=Young/> The first modern international Olympic Games was held in an Athens city square in 1859. Zappas paid for the refurbishment of the ancient [[Panathinaiko Stadium|Panathenian Stadium]]. This first modern international Olympic Games to be hosted in a stadium was hosted there in 1870, followed by a second 1875. The same stadium was refurbished a second time and used for the Athens 1896 Games. The revival of the Olympic Games, sponsored by Zappas was a dedicated Olympic Games composed of athletes from two countries: Greece and the [[Ottoman Empire]].<br />
<br />
The interest in reviving the Olympics as an international event grew further when the ruins of ancient [[Olympia, Greece|Olympia]] were uncovered by German [[archaeologist]]s in the mid-nineteenth century. At the same time, [[Pierre de Coubertin]] was searching for a reason for the French defeat in the [[Franco-Prussian War]] (1870&ndash;1871). He thought the reason was that the French had not received proper physical education, and desired to improve this. Coubertin also sought a way to bring nations closer together, to have the youth of the world compete in sports, rather than fight in war. In 1890 he attended the "Olympian Games" of the Wenlock Olympian Society, and decided that the recovery of the Olympic Games would achieve both of his goals.<br />
<br />
Baron Pierre de Coubertin built on the ideas of Brookes and the foundations of Evangelis Zappas. His aim was to globalize the Olympic Games and to that end he established the International Olympic Committee. In a [[Olympic Congress|congress]] at the [[University of Paris|Sorbonne]] University, in [[Paris]], [[France]], held from [[June 16]] to [[June 23]], [[1894]] he presented his ideas to an international audience. On the last day of the congress, it was decided that the first IOC Olympic Games would take place in 1896 in [[Athens]], in the country of their birth. To organise the Games, the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC) was established, with the Greek [[Demetrius Vikelas]] as its first president. The [[Panathinaiko Stadium|Panathenian Stadium]] used for the Olympic Games of 1870 and 1875 was refurbished a second time in readiness for the 1896 Games.<br />
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The total number of athletes at the [[1896 Summer Olympics|the first IOC Olympic Games]], was less than 250, which is minuscule by modern standards, but at that time the games were the largest international sports event ever held. This first Modern Olympics had only nine disciplines: [[Athletics at the 1896 Summer Olympics|Athletics]], [[Cycling at the 1896 Summer Olympics|Cycling]], [[Fencing at the 1896 Summer Olympics|Fencing]], [[Gymnastics at the 1896 Summer Olympics|Gymnastics]], [[Shooting at the 1896 Summer Olympics|Shooting]], [[Swimming at the 1896 Summer Olympics|Swimming]], [[Tennis at the 1896 Summer Olympics|Tennis]], [[Weightlifting at the 1896 Summer Olympics|Weightlifting]], and [[Wrestling at the 1896 Summer Olympics|Wrestling]]. The Greek officials and public were very enthusiastic about hosting the inaugural games, and at one point offered to host the Olympic Games permanently. The IOC decided differently, however, and the [[1900 Summer Olympics|second Olympic Games]] took place in [[Paris]], [[France]]. It was at the Paris Games that women were allowed to compete.<br />
<br />
== Modern Olympics ==<br />
{{main|Summer Olympic Games|Winter Olympic Games}}<br />
[[Image:US Olympic Committee Headquarters 2 by David Shankbone.jpg|thumb|The [[United States Olympic Committee]]'s training facilities at their headquarters in [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]].]]<br />
After the initial success, the Olympics struggled. The celebrations in [[1900 Summer Olympics|Paris (1900)]] and [[1904 Summer Olympics|St. Louis (1904)]] were overshadowed by the [[World's Fair]] exhibitions, which were held at the same time and location. The [[1906 Summer Olympics|1906 Intercalated Games]] (so-called because they were the second games held within the third Olympiad) were held in Athens, as the first of an alternating series of Athens-held Olympics. Although originally the IOC recognised and supported these games, they are currently not recognised by the IOC as Olympic Games, which has given rise to the explanation that they were intended to mark the 10th anniversary of the modern Olympics. The 1906 Games again attracted a broad international field of participants (in 1904, 80% of the athletes had been American) and generated great public interest, thereby marking the beginning of a rise in both the popularity and the size of the Games.<br />
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From the 241 participants representing 14 nations in 1896, the Games have grown to nearly 11,100 competitors from 202 countries at the [[2004 Summer Olympics]] in [[Athens]]. The scope and scale of the Winter Olympics is much smaller than that of their Summer counterpart. For example, [[Turin]] [[Italy]] hosted 2,633 athletes from 80 countries competing in 84 events during the [[2006 Winter Olympics]]. As participation in the Olympics has grown, so has its profile in the international media. The Olympic Games are one of the world's largest media events. At the [[2000 Summer Olympics|Sydney Games]] in 2000, there were over 16,000 broadcasters and journalists, and an estimated 3.8 billion viewers [[broadcasting of sports events|watched the games]] on [[television]]. The sale of broadcast rights has turned into an integral part of the formula by which countries recoup some of the costs incurred by hosting the Games.<br />
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Financing the Olympics is one of the largest problems faced by the IOC and host countries today. Although allowing professional athletes and attracting sponsorships from major international companies solved financial problems in the 1980s, the large number of athletes, media and spectators makes it difficult and expensive for host cities to organize the Olympics. For example, the [[2012 Summer Olympics]] (which will be held in London), is expected to have a budget of over £9 billion—one of the largest budgets for an Olympics to date. One of the biggest problems prospective host countries face is the financial burden their economy will be forced to cope with. Corporate sponsorships do lighten the load in terms of the debt that these countries take on, but as the Games continue to grow the IOC and host countries will have to address the ever-increasing price tag that comes with the honor of hosting an Olympic Games. <br />
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A method of deferring the costs is to hold some events in different cities and even in different countries. Despite the Olympics usually being associated with one host city, most of the Olympics have had events held in other cities, especially the football and sailing events. There have been three Olympics in which events were held in a different country: during the [[1920 Summer Olympics|1920 Antwerp Olympics]] two sailing races were held in the [[Netherlands]]; and during the [[1956 Melbourne Olympics]] equestrian events were held in [[Sweden]]. The 2008 Beijing Olympics will mark the third time that Olympic events will be held in the territories of two different [[National Olympic Committee|NOC]]'s: equestrian events will be competed in [[Hong Kong]] (which competes separately from mainland China).<br />
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203 countries currently participate in the Olympics. This is a noticeably higher number than the number of countries belonging to the [[United Nations]], which is only 193. The International Olympic Committee allows nations to compete which do not meet the strict requirements for political sovereignty that many other international organizations demand. As a result, many colonies and dependencies are permitted to host their own Olympic teams and athletes even if such competitors also hold citizenship in another member nation. Examples of this include territories such as [[Puerto Rico]], [[Bermuda]], and [[Hong Kong]], all of which compete as separate nations despite being legally a part of another country. Also, since 1980, [[Taiwan]] has competed under the name "[[Chinese Taipei]]," and under a flag specially prepared by the IOC. Prior to that year the [[People's Republic of China]] refused to participate in the Games because Taiwan had been competing under the name "[[Republic of China]]." The Republic of the [[Marshall Islands]] was recognised as a nation by the IOC on February 9, 2006, and will compete in the [[2008 Summer Olympics]] in [[Beijing]].<ref name="ONOC">{{cite news | title = Marshall Islands joins Olympic Family| url = http://www.oceaniasport.com/onoc/index.cgi?det=1&intArticleID=331&sID=12| publisher =[[ONOC]] | date = [[2006-02-10]] | accessdate = 2006-12-17 }}</ref><br />
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===Youth Olympic Games===<br />
{{main|Youth Olympic Games}}<br />
<br />
The Youth Olympic Games (YOG)<ref name="IOC introduces games">{{cite news |url=http://69.93.14.237/sports/youth_olympics_07.cfm |title=IOC "Welcomes" Idea of Youth Olympic Games to Start in 2010 with "Relevant" Sports |author=Matroka, Bernadette |accessdate=2007-05-20}}</ref> are planned to be a "junior" version of the Games, complementing the current "senior" Games,<ref name="FIS">{{cite news |url=http://www.fasterskier.com/racing4278.html |title=FIS in favor of Youth Olympic Games |date=[[2007-05-08]] |publisher=[[FIS]] |accessdate=2007-05-20}}</ref> and will feature athletes between the ages of 14 and 18.<ref name="No kidding">{{cite news |title=No kidding: Teens to get Youth Olympic Games |url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2007-04-25-2774646336_x.htm |publisher=[[USA Today]] |accessdate=2007-05-19}}</ref> The idea for such an event was conceived by IOC president [[Jacques Rogge]],<ref name="Rogge introduces">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/6467087.stm |title=Rogge wants Youth Olympic Games |date=[[2007-03-19]] |publisher=[[BBC Sport]] |accessdate=2007-05-19}}</ref> in 2001. At the 119th [[List of IOC meetings|IOC session]] in [[Guatemala City]] in July 2007, the IOC approved the Games.<ref name=Approved>{{cite news |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2227 |publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]] |title=IOC Session: A "go" for Youth Olympic Games |date=[[2007-07-05]] |accessdate=2007-07-06}}</ref><br />
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The Youth Games versions will be shorter: the summer version will last at most twelve days; the winter version will last a maximum of nine days.<ref name="YOG pdf">{{cite web |url=http://video.olympic.org/http/yog_uk.pdf |title=Youth Olympic Games |date=2007 |accessdate=2007-07-06 |publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]]}}</ref><ref name="CRI English">{{cite news |url=http://english.cri.cn/2886/2007/04/25/1221@220491.htm |title=IOC to Introduce Youth Olympic Games in 2010 |date=[[2007-04-25]] |accessdate=2007-05-20}}</ref> The IOC will allow a maximum of 3,500 athletes and 875 officials to participate at the summer games, while 970 athletes and 580 officials are expected at the winter games.<ref name="Approved" /> Each participating country will be allowed to send at least four athletes. The sports contested at these games will be the same as those scheduled for the traditional Games,<ref name="Rogge introduces"/> but with a limited number of disciplines and events, and including some with special appeal to youth. Education and culture are also key components to this Youth edition.<br />
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Estimated cost for the games are currently $30 million for the summer and $15&ndash;$20 million for winter games.<ref>[http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/summer/2007-07-05-olympic-notes_N.htm IOC votes to start Youth Olympics in 2010]</ref> It has been stated that the IOC will "foot the bill" for the Youth Games.<br />
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The first host city will be [[2010 Youth Olympics|Singapore]] in 2010; the bidding for the first [[2012 Youth Winter Olympics bids|Winter edition]] in 2012 is underway.<br />
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== Olympic problems == <br />
=== Boycotts ===<br />
{{main|Olympic boycotts}}<br />
The [[1956 Summer Olympics|1956 Melbourne Olympics]] were the first Olympics to be [[boycott]]ed. [[The Netherlands]], [[Spain]], and [[Switzerland]] refused to attend because of the repression of the [[1956 Hungarian Revolution|Hungarian Uprising]] by the [[Soviet Union]]; additionally, [[Cambodia]], [[Egypt]], [[Iraq]] and [[Lebanon]] boycotted the games due to the [[Suez Crisis]].<ref name="Boycott 1">{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/past/innovations_uk.asp?OLGT=1&OLGY=1956 |title= Melbourne/Stockholm 1956: Did you know?|accessdate=2006-12-28 |publisher= International Olympic Committee}}</ref><br />
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In [[1972 Summer Olympics|1972]] and [[1976 Summer Olympics|1976]], a large number of African countries threatened the IOC with a boycott, to force them to ban [[South Africa]], [[Rhodesia]], and [[New Zealand]]. The IOC conceded in the first two cases, but refused to ban New Zealand in 1976 because the boycott was prompted by a New Zealand [[rugby union]] tour to South Africa, and rugby was not an Olympic sport. The countries withdrew their teams after the games had started; some African athletes had already competed. A lot of sympathy was felt for the athletes forced by their governments to leave the Olympic Village; there was little sympathy outside Africa for the governments' attitude.{{Fact|date=December 2007}} Twenty-two countries (Guyana was the only non-African nation) boycotted the [[Montreal]] Olympics because New Zealand was not banned.<ref name="Boycott 2">{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/past/innovations_uk.asp?OLGT=1&OLGY=1976 |title= Montreal 1976: Did you know?|accessdate=2006-12-28 |publisher= International Olympic Committee}}</ref><br />
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Also in 1976, due to pressure from the [[People's Republic of China]] ([[PRC]]), [[Canada]] told the team from the [[Republic of China]] ([[Taiwan]]) that it could not compete at the [[1976 Summer Olympic Games|Montreal Summer Olympics]] under the name "[[Republic of China]]", despite a compromise that would have allowed [[Taiwan]] to use the [[flag of the Republic of China|ROC flag]] and [[National Anthem of the Republic of China|anthem]]. The Republic of China refused and as a result did not participate again until 1984, when it returned under the name "[[Chinese Taipei]]" and used a special flag.<ref name = prc_wp>{{cite web | year=2005| title=The One-China Principle and the Taiwan Issue | work=PRC Taiwan Affairs Office and the Information Office of the State Council | url=http://www.gwytb.gov.cn<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Lupin/navpop.css&action=raw&ctype=text/css&dontcountme=s">:8088/detail.asp?table=WhitePaper&title=White%20Papers%20On%20Taiwan%20Issue&m_id=4 | accessdate=2006-03-06}}</ref><br />
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[[Image:Olympic boycotts 1976 1980 1984.PNG|thumb|Countries that boycotted the 1976 (yellow), 1980 (blue) and 1984 (red) games]]<br />
In 1980 and 1984, the [[Cold War]] opponents boycotted each other's games. Sixty-five nations refused to compete at the [[1980 Summer Olympics|Moscow Olympics in 1980]] because of the [[Soviet invasion of Afghanistan]]. The boycott reduced the number of nations participating to only 81, the lowest number of nations to compete since 1956. The [[Soviet Union]] and 14 of its [[Eastern Bloc]] partners (except [[Romania]]) countered by boycotting the [[1984 Summer Olympics|Los Angeles Olympics in 1984]]. They contended that they could not guarantee the safety of their athletes. Soviet officials were quoted as saying, "chauvinistic sentiments and an anti-Soviet hysteria are being whipped up in the United States."<ref>Burns, John F. Protests are Issue: Russians Charge ‘Gross Flouting’ of the Ideals of the Competition. ''[[New York Times]]'', 9 May 1984</ref> The 1984 boycotters staged their own [[Friendship Games]] in July-August.<ref name="1980 Boycott">{{cite web |url=http://www.moscow-life.com/moscow/olympic-games |title=<br />
1980 Moscow Olympic Games|accessdate=2006-12-28 |publisher= Moscow-Life}}</ref><ref name="Boycott 3">{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/past/innovations_uk.asp?OLGT=1&OLGY=1984 |title= Los Angeles 1984: Did you know?|accessdate=2006-12-28 |publisher= International Olympic Committee}}</ref><br />
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There have been growing calls for boycotts of the [[2008 Olympics]] in [[Beijing]] in protest of [[China]]'s poor human rights record and response to the recent disturbances in [[Tibet]], [[Darfur]], and [[Taiwan]]. [[President George W. Bush]] showcased these concerns in a highly publicized speech in Thailand just prior to the opening of the Games. Ultimately no nations withdrew before the games began. There are also campaigns calling for Chinese goods to be boycotted.<ref>[http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=41699 AUSTRALIA: Calls to Boycott Beijing Olympics<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.rsf.org/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=174 Reporters sans frontières - Beijing 2008<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Diplomats_visit_Tibet_as_EU_split_on_Olympic_opening_boycott_/articleshow/2908958.cms Diplomats visit Tibet as EU split on Olympic opening boycott]</ref><br />
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=== Doping ===<br />
One of the main problems facing the Olympics (and sports in general) is [[doping (sport)|doping]], or the use of performance enhancing drugs. In the early 20th century, many Olympic athletes began using drugs to enhance their performance. For example, the winner of the [[marathon (sports)|marathon]] at the [[1904 Summer Olympics|1904 Games]], [[Thomas J. Hicks]], was given [[strychnine]] and [[brandy]] by his coach, even during the race. As these methods became more extreme, it became increasingly evident that doping was not only a threat to the integrity of sport, but could also have potentially fatal side-effects on the athlete. The only Olympic death caused by doping occurred at the [[1960 Summer Olympics|Rome Games of 1960]]. At the cycling road race in Rome, Danish cyclist [[Knud Enemark Jensen]] fell from his bicycle and later died. A coroner's inquiry found that he was under the influence of amphetamines. By the mid-1960s, sports federations were starting to ban the use of performance enhancing drugs, and the IOC followed suit in 1967.<br />
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The first Olympic athlete to test positive for the use of performance enhancing drugs was [[Hans-Gunnar Liljenwall]], a Swedish [[modern pentathlon|pentathlete]] at the [[1968 Summer Olympics]], who lost his bronze medal for alcohol use. Seventy-three athletes have followed him over the next 38 years, several medal winners among them. The most publicised doping-related disqualification was that of [[Canada|Canadian]] sprinter [[Ben Johnson (athlete)|Ben Johnson]], who won the [[Athletics at the 1988 Summer Olympics|100 meter dash]] at the [[1988 Summer Olympics|1988 Seoul Olympics]], but tested positive for [[stanozolol]]. He subsequently had his gold medal stripped. It was awarded to runner-up [[Carl Lewis]], who himself has at times been under suspicion of using performance enhancing drugs, though has never tested positive. <br />
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Despite the testing, many athletes continued to use medication to improve their athletic ability without getting caught. In 1990, documents were revealed that showed many [[East Germany|East German]] female athletes had been unknowingly administered [[anabolic steroid]]s and other drugs by their coaches and trainers. Girls as young as eleven were started on the drug regimen without prior consent from their parents. American female swimmers, including [[Shirley Babashoff]] accused the East Germans of using performance enhancing drugs as early as the 1976 Games. No clear evidence of doping was discovered until after the fall of the [[Fall of the Berlin Wall|Berlin Wall]], when the aforementioned documents proved that East Germany had embarked on a state-sponsored program to dramatically improve their competitiveness at the Olympic Games and other international sporting events. Many of the culprits have been subsequently tried and found guilty of various crimes in the German penal system.<br />
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In the late 1990s, the IOC took initiative in a more organised battle against doping, leading to the formation of the [[World Anti-Doping Agency]] (WADA) in 1999. The recent 2000 Summer Olympics and 2002 Winter Olympics have shown that this battle is not nearly over, as several medalists in weightlifting and cross-country skiing were disqualified due to doping offences. One innocent victim of the anti-doping movement at the Olympics was the Romanian gymnast [[Andreea Răducan]] who was stripped of her gold medal in the All-Around Competition of the 2000 Sydney games. Test results indicated the presence of the banned stimulant [[pseudophedrine]] which had been prescribed to her by an Olympic doctor. Raducan had been unaware of the presence of the illegal substance in the medicine that had been prescribed to her for a cold she had during the games. During the [[2006 Winter Olympics]], only one athlete failed a drug test and had a medal revoked. The only other case involved 12 athletes with high levels of [[haemoglobin]] and their punishment was a five day suspension for health reasons. The techniques for unfairly improving an athlete's abilities have gotten far more sophisticated over the years. As a result, the International Olympic Committee introduced blood testing for the first time at the [[2006 Winter Olympics|2006 Games]] in [[Turino]], [[Italy]].<br />
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=== Politics ===<br />
{{main|Politics in the Olympics}}<br />
The Olympics has been affected by political incidents on many occasions. One of the most well-known politically-based incident was the [[1936 Summer Olympics]] in [[Berlin]], where the games were used as [[propaganda]] by the German [[Nazi Party|Nazis]]. At this Olympics, [[Luz Long]] helped [[Jesse Owens]] (a [[Black people|black]] athlete) to win the long jump, at the expense of his own silver medal; some describe this as the "true Olympic Spirit."<ref name="Nazi Olympics">{{cite web |url=http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Holocaust/olympics.html |title= The Nazi Olympics|accessdate=2006-12-28 |date=2006 |publisher= The American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise}}</ref> The [[Soviet Union]] did not participate in the Olympic Games until the [[1952 Summer Olympics]] in [[Helsinki]]. Instead, the Soviets organized an international sports event called [[Spartakiad]]s, from 1928 onward. Many athletes from [[Communist]] organizations or close to them chose not to participate or were even barred from participating in Olympic Games, and instead participated in Spartakiads.<ref name=GSE>[[Great Soviet Encyclopedia]], 3rd edition, volume 24 (part 1), p. 286, Moscow, Sovetskaya Entsiklopediya publisher, 1976</ref><br />
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A political incident on a smaller scale occurred at the [[1968 Summer Olympics]] in [[Mexico City]]. Two American track-and-field athletes, [[Tommie Smith]] and [[John Carlos]], performed the [[1968 Olympics Black Power salute|Black Power salute]] on the victory stand of the 200-meter [[track and field]] race. In response, the IOC's president [[Avery Brundage]] told the USOC to either send the two athletes home, or withdraw the complete track and field team. The USOC opted for the former.<ref name="Black Salute">{{cite news |title=1968: Black athletes make silent protest |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/17/newsid_3535000/3535348.stm|publisher= BBC |accessdate=2006-12-28 }}</ref><br />
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The government of the [[Islamic Republic of Iran]] specifically orders its athletes not to compete in any olympic heat, semi-final, or finals that includes athletes from [[Israel]].{{Fact|date=March 2008}} At the 2004 Olympics, an Iranian [[judoka]] who had otherwise earned his place, did not compete in a heat against an Israeli judoka.<ref name="Iran-Israel">{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200408/s1177025.htm |title=Games hit by crisis over Iran-Israel contest |date=[[2004-08-16]] |accessdate=2007-04-01 |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]]}}</ref><br />
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=== Violence ===<br />
Despite what Coubertin had hoped for, the Olympics did not bring total peace to the world. In fact, three [[Olympiad]]s had to pass without Olympics because of war: due to [[World War I]] the [[1916 Summer Olympics|1916 Games]] were cancelled, and the summer and winter games of 1940 and 1944 were cancelled because of [[World War II]]. A recent and more ironic example is that in the [[2008 South Ossetia War]], Georgia and Russia started their engagement on the same day the 2008 Summer Olympics began.<br />
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Terrorism has also become a recent threat to the Olympic Games. In 1972, when the Summer Games were held in [[Munich]], [[West Germany]], eleven members of the [[Israel]]i Olympic team were taken hostage by [[terrorist]] group [[Black September (group)|Black September]] in what is known as the [[Munich massacre]]. A bungled liberation attempt led to the deaths of the nine abducted athletes who had not been killed prior to the rescue, as well as that of a policeman, with five of the terrorists also being killed.<ref name = "CBC">[http://archives.cbc.ca/IDC-1-41-1289-7332/sports/olympics_cbc/clip5 Article on CBC Archives]</ref><br />
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During the Summer Olympics in 1996 in [[Atlanta]], a [[Centennial Olympic Park bombing|bombing]] at the [[Centennial Olympic Park]] killed two and injured 111 others. The bomb was set by [[Eric Robert Rudolph]], an American [[domestic terrorist]], who is currently serving a life sentence at [[ADX Florence]] in [[Florence, Colorado|Florence]], [[Colorado]].<ref name="CNN Bombing">[http://www.cnn.com/US/9607/27/olympic.bomb.main/ Olympic Park Bombing]. [[CNN]]. Retrieved on [[December 28]], [[2006]].</ref><br />
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The Winter Olympics in 2002 in [[Salt Lake City, Utah|Salt Lake City]] were the first Olympic games held since [[September 11, 2001 attacks|September 11, 2001]], which meant a higher level of security, which is now required for all Olympic games, as they may become terrorist targets.<br />
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There have been pro-Tibet / pro-human rights protests during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Torch Relay, some of which included violent incidents.<br />
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The Olympics have also been used by regimes with human rights crisis to try and cleanse their reputation, dissenting voices by means of genocide, torture and disappearences, as was the case on the 1968 [[Tlatelolco Massacre]] in [[Mexico City]] prior to the [[1968 Olympics]] and the 2008 [[Tibetan riots]] before the [[Beijing Olympics]].<br />
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== Olympic Movement ==<br />
A number of organizations are involved in organizing the Olympic Games. Together they form the Olympic Movement. The rules and guidelines by which these organizations operate are outlined in the [[Olympic Charter]].<br />
<br />
At the heart of the Olympic Movement is the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC), currently headed by [[Jacques Rogge]]. It can be seen as the government of the Olympics, as it takes care of the daily problems and makes all important decisions, such as choosing the host city of the Games, and the programme of the Olympics.<br />
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Three groups of organisations operate on a more specialised level:<br />
* International Federations (IFs), the governing bodies of a sport (''e.g.'', [[FIFA]], the IF for [[football (soccer)]], and the [[FIVB]], the international governing body for [[volleyball]].)<br />
* National Olympic Committees (NOCs), which regulate the Olympic Movement within each country (''e.g.,'' [[USOC]], the NOC of the [[United States]])<br />
* [[Organizing Committees for the Olympic Games]] (OCOGs), which take care of the organisation of a specific celebration of the Olympics.<br />
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At present, 202 NOCs and 35 IFs are part of the Olympic Movement. OCOGs are dissolved after the celebration of each Games, once all subsequent paperwork has been completed.<br />
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More broadly speaking, the term Olympic Movement is sometimes also meant to include everybody and everything involved in the Olympics, such as national sport governing bodies, athletes, media, and sponsors of the Olympic Games. <br />
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=== Criticism ===<br />
Most Olympic Games have been held in [[Western world|Western]] cities; only a few games have been held in other places, and all bids by countries in [[South America]] and [[Africa]] have failed. Many believe the games should expand to include locations in poorer regions. [[Economists]] point out that the massive infrastructure investments could [[springboard]] cities into earning higher [[GDP]] after the games.{{Fact|date=September 2007}} However, many host cities regret the high costs associated with hosting the games as a poor investment<ref>{{cite news<br />
|first=Canadian<br />
|last=Press<br />
|title=Montrealers identify with Athens' challenges<br />
|url=http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/mini/CTVNews/1091740105201_15?s_name=athens2004&no_ads<br />
|work=CTV.ca<br />
|date=[[2004-08-5]]<br />
|accessdate=2008-01-25<br />
}}</ref>.<br />
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In the past, the [[IOC]] has often been criticised for being a monolithic organisation, with several members remaining a member at old age, or even until their deaths. The leadership of IOC president [[Juan Antonio Samaranch]] especially has been strongly criticised. Under his presidency, the Olympic Movement made great progress, but has been seen as autocratic and corrupt. Samaranch's ties with the [[Spain under Franco|Franco regime]] in [[Spain]] and his long term as an IOC president (21 years, until he was 81 years old) have also been points of criticism.<br />
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In 1998, it became known that several IOC members had [[2002 Winter Olympic bid scandal|taken bribes]] from the organising committee for the [[2002 Winter Olympics]] in [[Salt Lake City]], [[Utah]], in exchange for a vote on the city at the election of the host city. The IOC started an investigation, which led to four members resigning and six being expelled. The scandal set off further reforms, changing the way in which host cities are elected to avoid further bribes. Also, more active and former athletes were allowed in the IOC, and the membership terms have been limited.<br />
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The same year (1998), four European groups organized the International Network Against Olympic Games and Commercial Sports to oppose their cities' bids for future Olympic Games. Also, an Anti-Olympic Alliance had formed in [[Sydney]] to protest the hosting of the 2000 Games. Later, a similar movement in [[Vancouver]] and Whistler, [[British Columbia]] organized to protest the hosting of the 2010 Winter Games. These movements were particularly concerned about adverse local economic impact and dislocation of people to accommodate the hosting of the Olympics.<br />
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A [[BBC]] documentary aired in August 2004, entitled ''[[Panorama (TV series)|Panorama]]: "Buying the Games"'', investigated the taking of bribes in the bidding process for the [[2012 Summer Olympics]]. The documentary claimed it is possible to bribe IOC members into voting for a particular candidate city. In an airborne television interview on the way home, the Mayor of Paris [[Bertrand Delanoë]] specifically accused the British Prime Minister Tony Blair and the London Bid Committee (headed by former Olympic gold medalist [[Sebastian Coe]]) of breaking the bid rules with flagrant financial and sexual bribes. He cited French President [[Jacques Chirac]] as a witness but President Chirac gave rather more guarded interviews. In particular, [[Bulgaria]]'s member Ivan Slavkov, and Muttaleb Ahmad from the Olympic Council of Asia, were implicated. They have denied the allegations. Mayor Delanoë never mentioned the matter again. Others have alleged that the [[2006 Winter Olympics]] were held in [[Turin]] because officials bribed the IOC and so Turin got the games and [[Sion, Switzerland]] (which was the favorite) did not.<br />
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The Olympic Movement has been accused of being overprotective of its symbolism (in particular, it claims an exclusive and monopolistic copyright over any arrangement of five rings and the term "olympics"), and have taken action against things unrelated to sport, such as the [[role-playing game]] ''[[Legend of the Five Rings]]''. It was accused of [[homophobia]] in 1982 when it successfully sued the Gay Olympics, an event now known as the [[Gay Games]], to ban it from using the term "olympics" in its name.<ref>{{cite news<br />
|first=Stephen E.<br />
|last=Wright<br />
|title=Gay Games to take 'Olympics' fight to Congress<br />
|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/g/GooglePM/SJ/lib00189%2C0EB72BF908EC8CD1.html<br />
|format=fee required<br />
|work=San Jose Mercury News<br />
|date=[[1987-06-26]]<br />
|accessdate=2006-12-26<br />
}}</ref><br />
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==Olympic symbols==<!--<br />
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{{main|Olympic symbols}}<br />
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The Olympic movement uses many symbols, most of them representing Coubertin's ideas and ideals. The [[Olympic Rings]] are the most widely used symbol. These five intertwined rings represent the unity of the five inhabited continents (with the [[Americas]] regarded as one continent). The five colored rings on a white field form the [[Olympic Flag]]. The colors, white, red, blue, green, yellow, and black, were chosen such that each nation has at least one of these colors in its national flag. The flag was adopted in 1914, but the first Games at which it was flown were [[1920 Summer Olympics|Antwerp, 1920]]. It is hoisted at each celebration of the Games.<br />
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The [[Olympic Motto]] is "''Citius, Altius, Fortius''," a [[Latin]] phrase meaning "Swifter, Higher, Stronger." Coubertin's ideals are probably best illustrated by the [[Olympic Creed]]:<br />
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:''"The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."''<br />
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Prior to each Games, the [[Olympic Flame]] is lit in Olympia, Greece and brought to the host city by runners carrying the torch in relay. There it plays an important role in the opening ceremonies. Though the torch fire has been around since [[1928 Summer Olympics|1928]], the relay was introduced in [[1936 Summer Olympics|1936]] as part of the then German government's attempt to promote their [[National Socialist]] ideology.<br />
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The Olympic mascot, an animal or human figure representing the cultural heritage of the host country, was introduced in [[1968 Summer Olympics|1968]]. It has played an important part of the games since [[1980 Summer Olympics|1980]] with the debut of [[Misha]], a [[Russia]]n [[bear]].<br />
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[[French language|French]] and [[English language|English]] are the official languages of the Olympic movement.<br />
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== Olympic ceremonies ==<br />
=== Opening ===<br />
[[Image:2002 Winter Olympics flame.jpg|thumb|right|Opening ceremonies climax with the lighting of the cauldron. For lighting the cauldron, modern games feature elaborate mechanisms such as this spiral arrangement lit by the [[Miracle on Ice|1980 U.S. Olympic ice hockey team]] at the [[2002 Winter Olympics]].]]<br />
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As mandated by the Olympic Charter, various elements frame the opening ceremonies of a celebration of the Olympic Games.<ref name=OCFactSheetS>{{cite book | url=http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_1134.pdf | title=Fact sheet: Opening Ceremony of the Summer Olympic Games | date=February 2008 | accessdate=2008-08-14 |publisher=International Olympic Committee |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=OCFactSheetW>{{cite book | url=http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_1036.pdf | title=Fact sheet: Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games | date=February 2008 | accessdate=2008-08-14 |publisher=International Olympic Committee |format=PDF}}</ref> Most of these rituals were established by [[1920 Summer Olympics]] in [[Antwerp]], [[Belgium]].<ref name=OCprotocol1>{{cite book |url=http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_668.pdf |title=The Modern Olympic Games |chapter=The development of the Games - Between festival and tradition |chapterurl=http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_668.pdf#pages=5 |accessdate=2007-01-10 |publisher=International Olympic Committee |format=PDF |pages=p. 5}}</ref><br />
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The ceremonies typically start with the hoisting of the host country's flag and the performing of its national anthem.{{Fact|date=October 2007}} The host nation then presents artistic displays of music, singing, dance, and theatre representative of the culture of that country.<ref name=OCprotocol1/><br />
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The traditional part of the ceremonies starts with a "Parade of Nations" (or of athletes), during which most participating athletes march into the stadium, country by country. Each country's delegation is led by a sign with the name of their country and by their nation's flag.<ref name=OCFactSheetS/><ref name=OCFactSheetW/><br />
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Traditionally (starting at the [[1928 Summer Olympics]]), Greece enters first, due to its historical status as the origin of the Olympics, while the host nation marches last.<ref name=OCprotocol1/> (In 2004, when the Games were held in Athens, Greece marched last as host nation rather than first, although the [[flag of Greece]] was carried in first.) Between these two nations, all other participating nations march in alphabetical order of the dominant language of the host country,<ref name=OCFactSheetS/><ref name=OCFactSheetW/> or in French or English alphabetical order if the host country does not write its dominant language in an alphabet which has a set order. In the [[1992 Summer Olympics]] in [[Barcelona]], both [[Spanish language|Spanish]] and [[Catalan language|Catalan]] were official languages of the games, but due to politics surrounding the use of Catalan, the nations entered in [[French language|French]] alphabetical order. The [[1998 Winter Olympics|XVIII Olympic Winter Games]] in [[Nagano, Japan]] saw nations entering in [[English language|English]] alphabetical order since the [[Japanese language]] grouped both China and Chinese Taipei together in the Parade of Nations. For the [[2008 Summer Olympics]], instead of using either French or English, the countries were ordered by how many strokes it took to write the country's name in [[Written Chinese]]. <ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/aug/08/olympics2008.china1 Beijing Olympics open with spectacular ceremony] The Guardian, 8 August 2008</ref><br />
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After all nations have entered, the president of the host country's Olympic Organising Committee makes a speech, followed by the IOC president who, at the end of his speech introduces the representative of the host country who declares the Games open by reciting the formula: <blockquote>''I declare open the Games of [name of the host city] celebrating the [ordinal number of the Olympiad] Olympiad of the modern era''.<ref name="OCprotocol2"> [http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_122.pdf Olympic Charter] - in force as from 7 July 2007.</ref> (There is a similar recital for the Winter Games.)</blockquote><br />
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Before 1936, the Opener often used to make a short Speech of Welcome before declaring the Games open. However, since 1936 when [[Adolf Hitler]] opened both the Garmisch Partenkirchen Winter Olympics and the Berlin Summer Olympics, the Openers have unswervingly stuck to that formula. There have been two exceptions:<br />
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* in 1984, U.S. President [[Ronald Reagan]] opened the Summer Olympics that year in Los Angeles, and also in his home state, [[California]], with the words:<br />
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<blockquote>''Celebrating the XXIII Olympiad of the modern era, I declare open the Olympic Games of Los Angeles''.<ref>[http://www.olympic.org/common/asp/launchvideo.asp?name=otab3_losangeles84_win_high.wmv www.olympic.org]</ref></blockquote><br />
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* in 2002, five months after the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]], U.S. President [[George W. Bush]] opened the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, with <br />
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<blockquote>"On behalf of a proud, determined and grateful nation," then the standard opening formula following.</blockquote><br />
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Despite the Games having been awarded to a particular city and not to the country in general, the Olympic Charter presently requires the Opener to be the host country's [[head of state]].<ref name="OCprotocol2" /> However, there have been many cases where someone other than the host country's head of state opened the Games. The first example was at the [[Games of the II Olympiad]] in Paris in 1900, when there wasn't even an Opening Ceremony. There are five examples from the United States alone where the Games were not opened by the head of state.<ref>The first case was the [[Games of the III Olympiad]] in St Louis, Missouri where &ndash; on [[1 July]] [[1904]] &ndash; Mr. David Francis, President of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, performed the ceremony, nobody having even thought of inviting US President Theodore Roosevelt. Then, on 4 February 1932 the then-[[Governor]] of the [[State of New York]], [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]], opened the [[III Olympic Winter Games]] in [[Lake Placid, New York|Lake Placid]], [[New York]] and later that year, on 30 July 1932, the Vice-President of the United States, [[Charles Curtis]] opened the [[Games of the X Olympiad]] in [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], stating, however, that he was doing so on behalf of the [[President]], [[Herbert Hoover]]. In 1960, the [[Vice-President of the United States]] [[Richard Nixon]] was sent by President [[Dwight Eisenhower]] to open the [[VIII Olympic Winter Games]] in [[Squaw Valley, California|Squaw Valley]], [[California]], and finally, in 1980, Vice President [[Walter Mondale]] stood in for President [[Jimmy Carter]] to open the [[XIII Olympic Winter Games]], also in Lake Placid.</ref><br />
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Next, the Olympic Flag is carried horizontally (since the [[1960 Summer Olympics]]) into the stadium and hoisted as the [[Olympic Anthem]] is played. The Olympic Charter states that the Olympic Flag must "fly for the entire duration<br />
of the Olympic Games from a flagpole placed in a prominent position in the main stadium".<ref name="OCprotocol2"/><br />
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The flag bearers of all countries then circle a [[rostrum]], where one athlete (since the [[1920 Summer Olympics]]) and one judge (since the [[1972 Summer Olympics]]) speak the [[Olympic Oath]], declaring they will compete and judge according to the rules.<ref name=OCprotocol2/> Finally, the [[Olympic Torch|Torch]] is brought into the stadium, passed from athlete to athlete, until it reaches the last carrier of the Torch, often a well-known athlete from the host nation, who lights the fire in the stadium's cauldron.<ref name=OCprotocol2/> The Olympic Flame has been lit since the [[1928 Summer Olympics]], but the torch relay did not start until the [[1936 Summer Olympics]]. Beginning at the post-[[World War I]] [[1920 Summer Olympics]], the lighting of the Olympic Flame was for 68 years followed by the release of [[dove]]s, symbolizing peace.<ref name=OCprotocol2/> This gesture was discontinued after several doves were burned alive in the Olympic Flame during the opening ceremony of the [[1988 Summer Olympics]].<ref name=doves>{{cite web |url= http://web.archive.org/web/20040829084509/http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/aug132004/oly5.asp |title=When messengers of peace were burnt alive |accessdate=2007-01-10 |publisher=Deccan Herald |date=2004-08-13}}</ref> However, some Opening Ceremonies have continued to include doves in other forms; for example, the 2002 Winter Olympics featured skaters holding kite-like cloth dove puppets. The 2008 Summer Olympics also included a physical formation of a dove using many people in lighted suits.<br />
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Opening ceremonies have been held outdoors, usually on the main athletics stadium, but those for the [[2010 Winter Olympics]] will be the first to be held indoors, at the [[BC Place Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/CultureEducation/Ceremonies/OpeningAndClosingCeremonies |title=Opening and Closing Ceremonies |accessdate=2007-01-10 |publisher=Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) |year=2006}}</ref><br />
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=== Closing ===<br />
Various traditional elements also frame the closing ceremonies of an Olympic Games, which take place after all athletic events have concluded. Flag bearers from each participating country enter the stadium in single file, but behind them march all of the athletes without any distinction or grouping of nationality &ndash; a tradition that began at the [[1956 Summer Olympics]] at the suggestion of Melbourne schoolboy [[John Ian Wing]], who thought it would be a way of bringing the athletes of the world together as "one nation."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.olympics.org.uk/gamesabout.aspx?gt=S&ga=14 |title=Melbourne (Equestrian - Stockholm) 1956 |accessdate=2007-01-10 |publisher=[[British Olympic Association]]}}</ref> (In [[2006 Winter Olympics|2006]], the athletes marched in with their countrymen, then dispersed and mingled as the ceremonies went on).<br />
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Three national flags are hoisted on flagpoles one at a time while the corresponding national anthems are played: The flag of Greece is raised on the middle pole honoring the birthplace of the Olympic Games, the flag of the host country on the lefthand pole, and then the flag of the country hosting the next Summer or Winter Olympic Games, on the righthand pole.<ref>[http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/file_system/attachments/state/attachment_20050531_96390462.pdf www.rfs.nsw.gov.au]</ref> (Exceptionally, in 2004, when the Games were held in Athens, only one Greek flag was raised.)<br />
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In what is known as the "Antwerp Ceremony" (because the tradition began in 1920), the mayor of the city that organized the Games transfers a special Olympic Flag to the president of the IOC, who then passes it on to the mayor of the city hosting the next Olympic Games.<ref name=OCprotocol2/> The receiving mayor then waves the flag eight times. There are three such flags, differing from all other copies in that they have a six-coloured fringe around the flag, and are tied with six coloured ribbons to a flagstaff:<br />
* '''The Antwerp flag:''' Was presented to the IOC at the [[1920 Summer Olympics]] by the city of [[Antwerp (city)|Antwerp, Belgium]], and was passed on to the next organising city of the [[Summer Olympics]] until the Games of [[1988 Summer Olympics|Seoul 1988]].<br />
* '''The Oslo flag:''' Was presented to the IOC at the [[1952 Winter Olympics]] by the city of [[Oslo|Oslo, Norway]], and is passed on to the next organising city of the [[Winter Olympics]].<br />
* '''The Seoul flag:''' Was presented to the IOC at the [[1988 Summer Olympics]] by the city of [[Seoul|Seoul, The Republic of Korea (South Korea)]]<!--DO NOT CHANGE THIS NAME TO USE 'REPUBLIC'-->, and is passed on to the next organising city of the Summer Olympics, which was [[Barcelona|Barcelona, Spain]], at that time.<br />
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This tradition posed a particular challenge at the [[2006 Olympic Winter Games|2006 Winter Games]] in [[Turin, Italy]]. The flag was passed from [[Sergio Chiamparino]], the mayor of Turin, to [[Sam Sullivan]], the mayor of [[Vancouver]], Canada. Mayor Sullivan, who is a [[quadriplegic]], waved the flag by holding it in one hand and swinging his motorized wheelchair back and forth eight times.<br />
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After these traditional elements, the next host nation introduces itself with artistic displays of dance and theatre representative of that country. This tradition began with the [[1976 Summer Olympics|1976 Games]].<br />
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The president of the host country's Olympic Organising Committee makes a speech, followed by the IOC president, who at the end of his speech formally closes the Olympics, by saying: <blockquote>''I declare the Games of the [ordinal number] Olympiad/Olympic Winter Games closed and, in accordance with tradition, I call upon the youth of the world to assemble four years from now in [name of host city] to celebrate the Games of the [subsequent ordinal number] Olympiad/Olympic Winter Games''.</blockquote> The Olympic Flame is extinguished, and while the Olympic anthem is being played, the Olympic Flag that was hoisted during the opening ceremonies is lowered from the flagpole and carried horizontally from the stadium.{{Fact|date=November 2007}}<br />
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===Medal presentation===<br />
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After medals are awarded and presented for a particular event, the flags of the nations of the three medalists are raised. The flag of the gold medalist's country is in the center and always raised the highest while the flag of the silver medalist's country is on the left facing the flags and the flag of the bronze medalist's country is on the right, both at lower elevations to the gold medalist's country's flag. The flags are all raised while the [[national anthem]] of the gold medalist's country plays.<br />
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This format of medal presentation is also seen in other multi-sporting events such as the [[Southeast Asian Games]], the [[Commonwealth Games]] and the [[Asian Games]], as well as some motor racing events including Formula 1 and MotoGP.<br />
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== Olympic sports ==<br />
{{main|Olympic sports}}<br />
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Currently, the Olympic program consists of 35 different sports, 53 disciplines and more than 400 events. The Summer Olympics includes 28 sports with 38 disciplines and the Winter Olympics includes 7 sports with 15 disciplines.<ref name="Sports">{{cite web |url=http://olympic.org/uk/sports/index_uk.asp |title=Sports |publisher=International Olympic Committee |accessdate=2007-03-18}}</ref> Nine sports were on the original Olympic programme in 1896: [[athletics (track and field)|athletics]], [[cycling]], [[fencing]], [[gymnastics]], [[weightlifting]], [[shooting]], [[swimming]], [[tennis]], and [[sport wrestling|wrestling]]. If the 1896 [[rowing (sport)|rowing]] events had not been cancelled due to bad weather, they would have been included in this list as well.<ref name="1896 report">{{cite web |url=http://www.aafla.org/6oic/OfficialReports/1896/1896.pdf |title=The Olympic Games |publisher=[[AAFLA]] |accessdate=2007-04-01}}</ref><br />
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At the most recent Winter Olympics, 15 disciplines in seven sports were featured. Of these, [[cross country skiing]], [[figure skating]], [[ice hockey]], [[Nordic combined]], [[ski jumping]], and [[long track speed skating|speed skating]] have been featured on the programme at all Winter Olympics. In addition, figure skating and ice hockey also have been contested as part of the Summer Games before the introduction of separate Winter Olympics. <br />
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In recent years, the IOC has added several new sports to the programme to attract attention from young spectators. Examples of such sports include [[snowboarding]] and [[beach volleyball]]. The growth of the Olympics also means that some less popular ([[modern pentathlon]]) or expensive (white water [[canoeing]]) sports may lose their place on the Olympic programme. The IOC decided to discontinue [[baseball]] and [[softball]] beginning in 2012. [[Cricket]]{{Fact|date=March 2008}} and [[Rugby union]]{{Fact|date=March 2008}} used to be in the Olympic Games but were discontinued; a revival{{Fact|date=March 2008}} is now seen as possible.<br />
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Rule 48.1 of the Olympic Charter requires that there be a minimum of 15 Olympic sports at each Summer Games. Following its 114th Session (Mexico 2002), the IOC also decided to limit the programme of the Summer Games to a maximum of 28 sports, 301 events, and 10,500 athletes. The Olympic sports are defined as those governed by the International Federations listed in Rule 46 of the Olympic Charter. A two-thirds vote of the IOC is required to amend the Charter to promote a Recognised Federation to Olympic status and therefore make the sports it governs eligible for inclusion on the Olympic programme. Rule 47 of the Charter requires that ''only Olympic sports'' may be included in the programme.<br />
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The IOC reviews the Olympic programme at the first Session following each Olympiad. A simple majority is required for an Olympic sport to be included in the Olympic programme. Under the current rules, an Olympic sport not selected for inclusion in a particular Games remains an Olympic sport and may be included again later with a simple majority. At the [[117th IOC Session]], 26 sports were included in the programme for London 2012.<br />
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Until 1992, the Olympics also often featured [[demonstration sport]]s. The objective was for these sports to reach a larger audience; <br />
the winners of these events are not official Olympic champions. <br />
These sports were sometimes sports popular only in the host nation, <br />
but internationally known sports have also been demonstrated. <br />
Some demonstration sports eventually were included as full-medal events.<br />
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=== Amateurism and professionalism ===<br />
{{see|Amateurism}}<br />
The ethos of English [[Independent school (United Kingdom)|public schools]] greatly influenced Pierre de Coubertin. The public schools had a deep involvement in the development of many team sports including all British codes of [[football]] as well as [[cricket]] and [[field hockey|hockey]].<br />
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The English public schools of the second half of the 19th century had a major influence on many sports. The schools contributed to the rules and influenced the governing bodies of those sports out of all proportion to their size. They subscribed to the [[Ancient Greek]] and Roman belief that sport formed an important part of education, an attitude summed up in the saying: ''[[mens sana in corpore sano]]'' &ndash; a sound mind in a healthy body. In this ethos, a [[gentleman]] was one who become an all-rounder, not the best at one specific thing. Class prejudice against "trade" reinforced this attitude. Apart from class considerations there was the typically English concept of "fairness," in which practicing or training was considered as tantamount to cheating; it meant that you considered it more important to win than to take part. Those who practiced a sport professionally were considered to have an unfair advantage over those who practiced it merely as a "hobby."<br />
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The International Olympic Committee invited a representative of the [[Headmasters' Conference]] (the association of [[headmaster]]s of the English public schools) to attend their early meetings. The Headmasters' Conference chose the [[Reverend]] [[Robert Stuart de Courcy Laffan|Robert Laffan]], the headmaster of [[Cheltenham College]], as their representative to the IOC meetings. He was made a member of the IOC in 1897 and, following the first visit of the IOC to London in 1904, he was central to the founding of the [[British Olympic Association]] a year later.<ref> Steve Baily ''{{PDFlink|[http://www.aafla.org/SportsLibrary/Olympika/Olympika_1997/olympika0601d.pdf A Noble Ally and Olympic Disciple: The Reverend Robert S. de Courcy Laffan, Coubertin's 'man' in England]|200&nbsp;KB}}''</ref><ref>Steve Baily ''{{PDFlink|[http://www.coubertin.ch/pdf/PDF-Dateien/113-Baily.pdf. The Reverend Robert S. de Courcy Laffan: Baron Pierre de Coubertin and the Olympic Movement]}}''</ref><ref name="BC">[http://www.elt.britishcouncil.pl/elt/s_vict.htm Victorian and Edwardian Sporting Values] Produced in Poland by [[British Council]] © 2003.</ref><br />
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In Coubertin's vision, athletes should be gentlemen. Initially, only amateurs were considered such; [[professional sports#Olympic Games|professional athletes]] were not allowed to compete in the Olympic Games. A short-lived exception was made for professional fencing instructors.<ref>Australian Olympic Committee. "[http://www.olympics.com.au/sports.cfm?SportID=11 Fencing]."</ref> This exclusion of professionals has caused several controversies throughout the history of the modern Olympics.<br />
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1912 Olympic [[pentathlon]] and [[decathlon]] champion [[Jim Thorpe]] was disqualified when it was discovered that he played semi-professional [[baseball]] prior to winning his medals. He was restored as champion on compassionate grounds by the IOC in 1983. Swiss and Austrian skiers boycotted the [[1936 Winter Olympics]] in support of their skiing teachers, who were not allowed to compete because they earned money with their sport and were considered professionals.<br />
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It gradually became clear to many that the amateurism rules had become outdated, not least because the self-financed amateurs of Western countries often were no match for the state-sponsored "full-time amateurs" of Eastern bloc countries. Nevertheless, the IOC, led by President [[Avery Brundage]], held to the traditional rules regarding amateurism. In the 1970s, after Brundage left, amateurism requirements were dropped from the Olympic Charter, leaving decisions on professional participation to the [[sport governing body|international federation]] for each sport. This switch was perhaps best exemplified by the American [[Dream Team (basketball)|Dream Team]], composed of well-paid [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] stars, which won the Olympic gold medal in [[basketball]] in 1992. As of 2004, the only sports in which no professionals compete is [[boxing]] and [[baseball]] (though even this requires a definition of amateurism based on fight rules rather than on payment, as some boxers receive cash prizes from their National Olympic Committees); in men's [[football (soccer)]], the number of players over 23 years of age is limited to three per team.<br />
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Advertisement regulations are still very strict, at least on the actual playing field, although "Official Olympic Sponsors" are common. Athletes are only allowed to have the names of clothing and equipment manufacturers on their outfits. The sizes of these markings are limited.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/common/asp/download_report.asp?file=en_report_122.pdf&id=122 |title='Advertising, Demonstrations, Propaganda', ''Olympic Charter'', pp98-100 |accessdate=2008-08-08 |author= |date=October 2007|publisher=International Olympic Committee}}</ref><br />
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== Olympic champions and medalists ==<br />
<!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[Image:Larisa Latynina.jpg|thumb|right|[[Larissa Latynina]] won 18 Olympic medals, including 9 gold ones, the highest IOC recognised gold and overall totals in the modern Olympics.]] --><!-- FAIR USE of Larisa Latynina.jpg: see image description page at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Larisa Latynina.jpg for rationale --><br />
{{main|Lists of Olympic medalists}}<br />
{{see also|List of multiple Olympic gold medalists}}<br />
The athletes (or teams) who place first, second, or third in each event receive medals. The winners receive "gold medals." (Though they were solid [[gold]] until 1912, after which they were made of [[Gilding|gilded]] silver, though nowadays [[Gold plating|plated]] silver. However, every gold medal must contain at least 6 grams of pure gold<ref name="BeijingOlymp-1">[http://en.beijing2008.cn/67/83/article214028367.shtml Medals of Beijing Olympic Games unveiled], [http://en.beijing2008.cn Beijing 2008 Website] (accessed 12/Aug/2008)</ref>) The runners-up receive [[silver]] medals, and the third-place athletes [[bronze]] medals. In some events contested by a [[single-elimination tournament]] (most notably [[boxing]]), third place might not be determined, in which case both semi-final losers receive bronze medals. The practice of awarding medals to the top three competitors was introduced in 1904; at the [[1896 Summer Olympics|1896 Olympics]] only the first two received a medal, silver and bronze, while various prizes were awarded in [[1900 Summer Olympics|1900]]. However, the [[1904 Summer Olympics|1904 Olympics]] also awarded silver trophies for first place, which makes [[1906 Summer Olympics|Athens 1906]] the first games that awarded the three medals only. In addition, from 1948 onward athletes placing fourth, fifth and sixth have received certificates which became officially known as "victory diplomas;" since 1976 the medal winners have received these also, and in 1984 victory diplomas for seventh- and eighth-place finishers were added, presumably to ensure that all losing quarter-finalists in events using single-elimination formats would receive diplomas, thus obviating the need for consolation (or officially, "classification") matches to determine fifth through eighth places (though interestingly these latter are still contested in many elimination events anyway). Certificates were awarded also at the 1896 Olympics, but there they were awarded in addition to the medals to first and second place. Commemorative medals and diplomas&mdash;which differ in design from those referred to above&mdash;are also made available to participants finishing lower than third and eighth respectively. At the [[2004 Summer Olympics]] in Athens, the first three were given [[wreath]]s as well as their medals.<br />
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Because the Olympics are held only once every four years, the public and athletes often consider them as more important and valuable than world championships and other international tournaments, which are often held annually. Many athletes have become celebrities or heroes in their own country, or even world-wide, after becoming Olympic champions.<br />
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The diversity of the sports, and the great differences between the Olympic Games in 1896 and today make it difficult to decide which athlete is the most successful Olympic athlete of all time. This is further complicated since the IOC no longer recognises the [[Intercalated Games]] which it originally organised. When measuring by the number of titles won at the Modern Olympic Games, the following athletes may be considered the most successful.<br />
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===All-time Olympic Games individual medal count===<br />
{{See also|List of multiple Olympic gold medalists}}<br />
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{| class="wikitable sortable"<br />
|-<br />
! Athlete !! Nation !! Sport !! Olympics !! [[Image:Gold medal icon.svg]] Gold !! [[Image:Silver medal icon.svg]] Silver !! [[Image:Bronze medal icon.svg]] Bronze !! Total<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Michael|Phelps}}<br />
| {{flag|USA}}<br />
| [[Swimming]]<br />
| 2000&ndash;2008<br />
| align="right"| 12<br />
| align="right"| 0<br />
| align="right"| 2<br />
| align="right"| 14<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Larissa|Latynina}}<br />
| {{flag|USSR|1955}}<br />
| [[Gymnastics]]<br />
| 1956&ndash;1964<br />
| align="right"| 9<br />
| align="right"| 5<br />
| align="right"| 4<br />
| align="right"| 18<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Paavo|Nurmi}}<br />
| {{flag|FIN}}<br />
| [[Athletics (track and field)|Athletics]]<br />
| 1920&ndash;1928<br />
| align="right"| 9<br />
| align="right"| 3<br />
| align="right"| 0<br />
| align="right"| 12<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Mark|Spitz}}<br />
| {{flag|USA}}<br />
| [[Swimming]]<br />
| 1968&ndash;1972<br />
| align="right"| 9<br />
| align="right"| 1<br />
| align="right"| 1<br />
| align="right"| 11<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Carl|Lewis}}<br />
| {{flag|USA}}<br />
| [[Athletics (track and field)|Athletics]]<br />
| 1984&ndash;1996<br />
| align="right"| 9<br />
| align="right"| 1<br />
| align="right"| 0<br />
| align="right"| 10<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Bjørn|Dæhlie}}<br />
| {{flag|NOR}}<br />
| [[Cross-country skiing]]<br />
| 1992&ndash;1998<br />
| align="right"| 8<br />
| align="right"| 4<br />
| align="right"| 0<br />
| align="right"| 12<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Birgit|Fischer}}<br />
| {{flag|GDR}} / {{flag|GER}}<br />
| [[Canoe racing|Canoeing (flatwater)]]<br />
| 1980&ndash;2004<br />
| align="right"| 8<br />
| align="right"| 4<br />
| align="right"| 0<br />
| align="right"| 12<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Sawao|Kato}}<br />
| {{flag|JPN}}<br />
| [[Gymnastics]]<br />
| 1968&ndash;1976<br />
| align="right"| 8<br />
| align="right"| 3<br />
| align="right"| 1<br />
| align="right"| 12<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Jenny|Thompson}}<br />
| {{flag|USA}}<br />
| [[Swimming]]<br />
| 1992&ndash;2004<br />
| align="right"| 8<br />
| align="right"| 3<br />
| align="right"| 1<br />
| align="right"| 12<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Matt|Biondi}}<br />
| {{flag|USA}}<br />
| [[Swimming]]<br />
| 1984&ndash;1992<br />
| align="right"| 8<br />
| align="right"| 2<br />
| align="right"| 1<br />
| align="right"| 11<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Ray|Ewry}}<br />
| {{flag|USA}}<br />
| [[Athletics (track and field)|Athletics]]<br />
| 1900&ndash;1908<br />
| align="right"| 8<br />
| align="right"| 0<br />
| align="right"| 0<br />
| align="right"| 8<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Nikolai|Andrianov}}<br />
| {{flag|USSR|1955}}<br />
| [[Gymnastics]]<br />
| 1972&ndash;1980<br />
| align="right"| 7<br />
| align="right"| 5<br />
| align="right"| 3<br />
| align="right"| 15<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Boris|Shakhlin}}<br />
| {{flag|USSR|1955}}<br />
| [[Gymnastics]]<br />
| 1956&ndash;1964<br />
| align="right"| 7<br />
| align="right"| 4<br />
| align="right"| 2<br />
| align="right"| 13<br />
|-<br />
| {{sortname|Věra|Čáslavská||Caslavska}}<br />
| {{flag|TCH}}<br />
| [[Gymnastics]]<br />
| 1960&ndash;1968<br />
| align="right"| 7<br />
| align="right"| 4<br />
| align="right"| 0<br />
| align="right"| 11<br />
|}<br />
<br />
===Medals per country===<br />
{{See also|All-time Olympic Games medal count}}<br />
The IOC does not publish lists of medals per country, but the media often does. A comparison between countries would be unfair to countries with fewer inhabitants, so some have made calculations of medals per number of inhabitants, such as [http://abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@.nsf/57a31759b55dc970ca2568a1002477b6/be9f47591541e29eca256ef40004f25a!OpenDocument] for the 2004 Olympics and [http://simon.forsyth.net/olympics.html] for a few more. A problem here is that for a very small country, gaining just one medal could mean the difference between the very top and the very bottom of the list (a point illustrated by the [[Bahamas]]' per capita number one position in 2004). On the other hand, a large country may not be able to send a number of athletes that is proportional to its size because a limit is set for the number of participants per country for a specific sport. <br />
<br />
A comparison of the total number of medals ''over time'' is further complicated by the fact that the number of times that countries have participated is not equal, and that many countries have gained and lost territories where medal-winning athletes come from. A case in point is the [[USSR]], which not only participated relatively rarely (18 times, versus 45 times for the [[UK]]), but also ceased to exist in 1991. The resulting [[Russian Federation]] is largely, but not entirely, equal to the former USSR. Also, one would have to use population statistics ''at the time''. <br />
<br />
The IOC medal tally chart is based on the number of gold medals for country. Where states are equal, the number of silver medals (and then bronze medals) are counted to determine rankings.<br />
Since 1996, the only countries that have appeared in the top 10 medal tallies for all three subsequent Summer Olympics have been the [[Russian Federation]], [[United States]], [[China]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Australia]] and [[Italy]]. Since 1994, the only countries that have appeared in the top 10 medal tallies for the subsequent Winter Olympics have been [[Norway]], the [[Russian Federation]], the [[United States]], [[Canada]], [[Germany]], [[Austria]], [[South Korea]], [[Switzerland]], [[France]] and [[Italy]].<br />
<br />
==Olympic Games host cities==<br />
{{main|List of Olympic host cities}}<br />
<!--******** Mention bidding process! **********--><br />
By 2010, the Olympic Games will have been hosted by 41 cities in 22 countries. The [[2008 Summer Olympics]] are currently being held in [[Beijing]], and the [[2010 Winter Olympics]] will be held in [[Vancouver]]. The number in parentheses following the city/country denotes how many times that city/country had then hosted the games, with said exclusions.<br />
<br />
This table does not include the "Olympic Games" organized by [[Evangelos Zappas]] prior to the IOC's creation in 1894. It does list the [[1906 Summer Olympics|"Intercalated Games" of 1906]], but the IOC no longer considers them to be official Olympic Games.<br />
<br />
''NOTE: The bracketed numbers listed beside the cities and nations are the number of times it has hosted the Games.''<br />
<br />
{| bgcolor="#f7f8ff" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="font-size: 90%; border: gray solid 1px; border-collapse: collapse;"<br />
|+'''Olympic Games host cities'''<br />
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center"<br />
!colspan="4" width="50%"| '''[[Summer Olympic Games]]'''<br />
!colspan="4" width="50%"| '''[[Winter Olympic Games]]'''<br />
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"<br />
|| '''''Year''''' || '''''Olympiad''''' || '''''Host city''''' || '''''Country''''' || '''''№''''' || '''''Host city''''' || '''''Country'''''<br />
|- bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
| 1896 || [[1896 Summer Olympics|I]] || [[Athens]] (1) || {{flag|Greece|old}} (1)|| || ||<br />
|-<br />
|1900 || [[1900 Summer Olympics|II]] || [[Paris]] (1) || {{flag|France}} (1)|| || ||<br />
|- bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1904 || [[1904 Summer Olympics|III]] || [[St. Louis, Missouri|St. Louis]], [[Missouri]]<sup>('''[[#WWI|1]]''')</sup> (1) || {{flag|United States|1896}} (1) || || ||<br />
|-<br />
|1906 || [[1906 Summer Olympics|III]] || [[Athens]] (not recognized) || {{flag|Greece|old}} || || ||<br />
|- bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1908 || [[1908 Summer Olympics|IV]] || [[London]] (1) || {{flag|United Kingdom}} (1)|| || ||<br />
|-<br />
|1912 || [[1912 Summer Olympics|V]] || [[Stockholm]] (1) || {{flag|Sweden}} (1) || || ||<br />
|- bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|''1916'' || ''[[1916 Summer Olympics|VI]]'' <sup>('''[[#WWI|2]]''')</sup> || ''[[Berlin]]'' || ''{{flag|Germany|empire}}'' || || ||<br />
|-<br />
|1920 || [[1920 Summer Olympics|VII]] || [[Antwerp]] (1) || {{flag|Belgium}} (1) || || ||<br />
|- bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1924 || [[1924 Summer Olympics|VIII]] || [[Paris]] (2) || {{flag|France}} (2) || [[1924 Winter Olympics|I]] || [[Chamonix]] (1) || {{flag|France}} (1)<br />
|-<br />
|1928 || [[1928 Summer Olympics|IX]] || [[Amsterdam]] (1) || {{flag|Netherlands}} (1) || [[1928 Winter Olympics|II]] || [[St Moritz]] (1) || {{flag|Switzerland}} (1)<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1932 || [[1932 Summer Olympics|X]] || [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]], [[California]](1) || {{flag|United States|1912}} (2)|| [[1932 Winter Olympics|III]] || [[Lake Placid, New York|Lake Placid]], [[New York]] (1) || {{flag|United States|1912}} (1)<br />
|-<br />
|1936 || [[1936 Summer Olympics|XI]] || [[Berlin]] (1) || {{flag|Germany|Nazi}} (1) || [[1936 Winter Olympics|IV]] || [[Garmisch-Partenkirchen]] (1) || {{flag|Germany|Nazi}} (1)<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|''1940'' || ''[[1940 Summer Olympics|XII]]'' <sup>('''[[#WWII|3]]''')</sup> || ''[[Tokyo]]→<br>[[Helsinki]]'' || ''{{flag|Japan}}''→<br>''{{flag|Finland}}'' || ''[[1940 Winter Olympics|V]]'' <sup>('''[[#WWII|3]]''')</sup> || ''[[Sapporo]]→<br>[[St Moritz]]→<br>[[Garmisch-Partenkirchen]]'' || ''{{flag|Japan}}''→<br>''{{flag|Switzerland}}''→<br>''{{flag|Germany|Nazi}}''<br />
|-<br />
|''1944'' || ''[[1944 Summer Olympics|XIII]]'' <sup>('''[[#WWII|3]]''')</sup> || ''[[London]] || ''{{flag|United Kingdom}}'' || ''[[1944 Winter Olympics|V]]'' <sup>('''[[#WWII|3]]''')</sup> || ''[[Cortina d'Ampezzo]]'' || ''{{flag|Italy|1861}}''<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1948 || [[1948 Summer Olympics|XIV]] || [[London]] (2) || {{flag|United Kingdom}} (2) || [[1948 Winter Olympics|V]] || [[St Moritz]] (2) || {{flag|Switzerland}} (2)<br />
|-<br />
|1952 || [[1952 Summer Olympics|XV]] || [[Helsinki]] (1) || {{flag|Finland}} (1) || [[1952 Winter Olympics|VI]] || [[Oslo]] (1) || {{flag|Norway}} (1)<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1956 || [[1956 Summer Olympics|XVI]] || [[Melbourne]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] (1) +<br>[[Stockholm]] (2)<sup>('''[[#Stockholm|4]]''')</sup> || {{flag|Australia}} (1) +<br>{{flag|Sweden}} (2)|| [[1956 Winter Olympics|VII]] || [[Cortina d'Ampezzo]] (1) || {{flag|Italy}} (1)<br />
|-<br />
|1960 || [[1960 Summer Olympics|XVII]] || [[Rome]] (1) || {{flag|Italy}} (1) || [[1960 Winter Olympics|VIII]] || [[Squaw Valley Ski Resort|Squaw Valley]], [[California]] (1) || {{flag|United States|1959}} (2)<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1964 || [[1964 Summer Olympics|XVIII]] || [[Tokyo]] (1) || {{flag|Japan}} (1) || [[1964 Winter Olympics|IX]] || [[Innsbruck]] (1) || {{flag|Austria}} (1)<br />
|-<br />
|1968 || [[1968 Summer Olympics|XIX]] || [[Mexico City]] (1) || {{flag|Mexico}} (1) || [[1968 Winter Olympics|X]] || [[Grenoble]] (1) || {{flag|France}} (2)<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1972 || [[1972 Summer Olympics|XX]] || [[Munich]] (1) || {{flag|West Germany}} (2) || [[1972 Winter Olympics|XI]] || [[Sapporo]] (1) || {{flag|Japan}} (1)<br />
|-<br />
|1976 || [[1976 Summer Olympics|XXI]] || [[Montreal]], [[Quebec]] (1) || {{flag|Canada}} (1) || [[1976 Winter Olympics|XII]] || [[Innsbruck]] (2) || {{flag|Austria}} (2)<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1980 || [[1980 Summer Olympics|XXII]] || [[Moscow]] (1) || {{flag|Soviet Union|1955}} (1) || [[1980 Winter Olympics|XIII]] || [[Lake Placid, New York|Lake Placid]], [[New York]] (2) || {{flag|United States}} (3)<br />
|-<br />
|1984 || [[1984 Summer Olympics|XXIII]] || [[Los Angeles]], [[California]] (2) || {{flag|United States}} (3) || [[1984 Winter Olympics|XIV]] || [[Sarajevo]] (1) || {{YUG}} (1)<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1988 || [[1988 Summer Olympics|XXIV]] || [[Seoul]] (1) || {{flag|South Korea}} (1) || [[1988 Winter Olympics|XV]] || [[Calgary]], [[Alberta]] (1) || {{flag|Canada}} (1)<br />
|-<br />
|1992 || [[1992 Summer Olympics|XXV]] || [[Barcelona]] (1) || {{flag|Spain}} (1) || [[1992 Winter Olympics|XVI]] || [[Albertville]] (1) || {{flag|France}} (3)<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1994 || || || || [[1994 Winter Olympics|XVII]] || [[Lillehammer]] (1) || {{flag|Norway}} (2)<br />
|-<br />
|1996 || [[1996 Summer Olympics|XXVI]] || [[Atlanta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] (1) || {{flag|United States}} (4)|| || ||<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|1998 || || || || [[1998 Winter Olympics|XVIII]] || [[Nagano]] (1) || {{flag|Japan}} (2)<br />
|-<br />
|2000 || [[2000 Summer Olympics|XXVII]] || [[Sydney]], [[New South Wales]] (1) || {{flag|Australia}} (2)|| || ||<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|2002 || || || || [[2002 Winter Olympics|XIX]] || [[Salt Lake City]], [[Utah]] (1) || {{flag|United States}} (4)<br />
|-<br />
|2004 || [[2004 Summer Olympics|XXVIII]] || [[Athens]] (2) || {{flag|Greece}} (2)|| || ||<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|2006 || || || || [[2006 Winter Olympics|XX]] || [[Turin]] (1) || {{flag|Italy}} (2)<br />
|-<br />
|2008 || [[2008 Summer Olympics|XXIX]] || [[Beijing]] (1)<sup>('''[[#Hong Kong|5]]''')</sup> || {{flag|China}} (1) || || ||<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|2010 || || || || [[2010 Winter Olympics|XXI]] || [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia]] (1) || {{flag|Canada}} (2)<br />
|-<br />
|2012 || [[2012 Summer Olympics|XXX]] || [[London]] (3) || {{flag|United Kingdom}} (3)|| || ||<br />
|-bgcolor="#EFEFEF"<br />
|2014 || || || || [[2014 Winter Olympics|XXII]] || [[Sochi]] (1) || {{flag|Russia}} (1)<br />
|}<br />
<div id="WWI"><sup>'''1'''</sup> Originally awarded to [[Chicago]], but moved to [[St. Louis]] to coincide with the [[Louisiana Purchase Exposition|World's Fair]]<br />
<br />
<div id="WWI"><sup>'''2'''</sup> Cancelled due to [[World War I]]<br />
<br />
<div id="WWII"><sup>'''3'''</sup> Cancelled due to [[World War II]]<br />
<br />
<div id="Stockholm"><sup>'''4'''</sup> [[equestrianism|Equestrian]] events were held in [[Stockholm]], [[Sweden]]. Stockholm had to bid for the equestrian competition separately; it received its own Olympic flame and had its own formal invitations and opening & closing ceremonies, just like the regular Summer Olympics.<ref>[http://www.la84foundation.org/6oic/OfficialReports/1956/or1956eq.pdf Official Report of the Equestrian Games of the XVIth Olympiad (Swedish & English)]</ref><br />
<br />
<div id="Hong Kong"><sup>'''5'''</sup> [[equestrianism|Equestrian]] events to be held in China's [[Hong Kong|Hong Kong SAR]]. Although Hong Kong's separate NOC is conducting the equestrian competition, it is an integral part of the Beijing Games; it is not being conducted under a separate bid, flame, etc., as was the 1956 Stockholm equestrian competition. The IOC website lists only Beijing as the host city.<ref>[http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/index_uk.asp IOC website, Beijing 2008 home page]</ref><br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
* [[Olympic Stadium]]<br />
* [[Bids for Olympic Games]]<br />
* [[Bids for Olympic Games (ballots)]]<br />
* [[Olympic Cup]]<br />
* [[Olympic Order]]<br />
* [[Pierre de Coubertin medal]]<br />
* [[Special Olympics]]<br />
* [[Olympic Games scandals]]<br />
<br />
== Notes ==<br />
{{reflist|2}}<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
* {{cite book |last= Buchanan |first= Ian |authorlink= |coauthors= |title= Historical dictionary of the Olympic movement |year= 2001 |publisher= Scarecrow Presz |location= Lanham |isbn= 978-0-8108-4054-6 }}<br />
* {{cite book |last= Kamper |first= Erich |authorlink= |coauthors= Mallon, Bill |title= The Golden Book of the Olympic Games |year= 1992 |publisher= Vallardi & Associati |location= Milan |isbn= 978-88-85202-35-1 }}<br />
* {{cite book |last= Simson |first= Vyv |authorlink= |coauthors= Jennings, Andrew |title= Dishonored Games: Corruption, Money, and Greed at the Olympics |year= 1992 |publisher= S.P.I. Books |location= New Tork |isbn= 978-1-56171-199-4 }}<br />
* {{cite book |last= Wallechinsky |first= David |authorlink= David Wallechinsky |coauthors= |title= The Complete Book of the Summer Olympics, Sydney 2000 Edition |year= 2000 |publisher= Overlook Press |location= |isbn= 978-1-58567-033-8 }}<br />
* {{cite book |last= Wallechinsky |first= David |authorlink= David Wallechinsky |coauthors= |title= The Complete Book of the Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City 2002 Edition |year= 2001 |publisher= Overlook Press |location= |isbn= 978-1-58567-195-3 }}<br />
* {{cite book |last= Wallechinsky |first= David |authorlink= David Wallechinsky |coauthors= |title= The Complete Book of the Summer Olympics, Athens 2004 Edition |year= 2004 |publisher= SportClassic Books |location= |isbn= 978-1-894963-32-9 }}<br />
* {{cite book |last= Wallechinsky |first= David |authorlink= David Wallechinsky |coauthors= |title= The Complete Book of the Winter Olympics, Turin 2006 Edition |year= 2005 |publisher= SportClassic Books |location= |isbn= 978-1-894963-45-9 }}<br />
* {{cite book |last= Preuss |first= Holger |authorlink= |coauthors= Marcia Semitiel García |title= The Economics of Staging the Olympics: A Comparison of the Games 1972-2008 |year= 2005 |publisher= Edward Elgar Publishing |location= |isbn= 978-1-84376-893-7 }}<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
{{commons|Olympic Games}}<br />
{{portal|Olympics}}<br />
=== Official websites ===<br />
* [http://www.olympic.org/ Official website of the Olympic Games]<br />
<br />
=== Other links ===<br />
*{{wikia|olympic|Olympic}}<br />
* [http://www.dicolympic.com/?s=&l=en Dicolympic] - Dictionary about the Games from Olympia to Sotchi 2014<br />
* [http://www.aroundtherings.com/ ATR - Around the Rings - the Business Surrounding the Olympics]<br />
* [http://communications.uwo.ca/western_news/story.html?listing_id=20578 Podiums first used in modern Olympics]<br />
* [http://www.marcolympics.org/ All the daily program and the results of the Olympics]<br />
* [http://wipo.int/clea/docs/en/wo/wo018en.htm Nairobi Treaty on the Protection of the Olympic Symbol]<br />
* [http://www.databaseolympics.com/index.htm Database Olympics]<br />
* [http://www.projectshum.org/Olympics/ The Olympics.] A kid's guide to the Summer and Winter Olympic games.<br />
* [http://www.nccg.org/375Art-Olympics.html Origin Of The Olympic Games]<br />
* [http://www.erasmuspc.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=124&Itemid=58 The Cultural Coalition for the Amsterdam Olympic Area (on ErasmusPC)]<br />
* [http://www.usolympicteam.com/19116_18922.htm#Olympic Olympic Traditions] FAQs from the U.S. Olympic Committee<br />
* [http://www.sydneypinz.com/# Olympic Pins Features pins from many Olympic Games]<br />
* [http://www.cokecans.com/olympic Olympic Games Coca-Cola Cans from all over the world]<br />
* [http://www.sportsbite.com/index.pl News from all the Olympic sports]<br />
*[http://www.sightseebyspace.com/browse_by.php?category=Olympic%20Stadiums Aerial and Satellite Photography of Olympic Stadiums]<br />
* [http://olympicsmemories.com/ Olympics Memories]<br />
* [http://www.olympicgameswinners.com/ Reference book about all Olympic Medalists of the all times]<br />
* [http://www.iamolympian.org/ Official World Olympians Association online community for Olympians]<br />
* [http://www.iamsport.org/ Official online community for Olympians family members and friends]<br />
* [http://www.woaolympians.com/ Official website for the World Olympians Association] <br />
* [http://www.randomhistory.com/1-50/040olympic.html A History of the Olympic Games] <br />
<br />
{{Olympic Games}}<br />
{{International multi-sport events}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Multi-sport events]]<br />
[[Category:Olympics| ]]<br />
[[Category:Sports competitions]]<br />
[[Category:Sport and politics]]<br />
<br />
{{Link FA|bs}}<br />
{{Link FA|de}}<br />
{{Link FA|hr}}<br />
{{Link FA|it}}<br />
{{Link FA|sr}}<br />
[[af:Olimpiese Spele]]<br />
[[ar:ألعاب أولمبية]]<br />
[[an:Chuegos Olimpicos]]<br />
[[ast:Xuegos Olímpicos]]<br />
[[az:Müasir Olimpiya Oyunları]]<br />
[[bn:অলিম্পিক গেমস]]<br />
[[zh-min-nan:Olympia Ūn-tōng-hoē]]<br />
[[map-bms:Olimpiade]]<br />
[[ba:Олимпиада]]<br />
[[bs:Olimpijske igre]]<br />
[[br:C'hoarioù Olimpek]]<br />
[[bg:Олимпийски игри]]<br />
[[ca:Jocs Olímpics]]<br />
[[cs:Olympijské hry]]<br />
[[cy:Gemau Olympaidd Modern]]<br />
[[da:Olympiske lege]]<br />
[[de:Olympische Spiele]]<br />
[[et:Nüüdisaegsed olümpiamängud]]<br />
[[el:Ολυμπιακοί Αγώνες]]<br />
[[es:Juegos Olímpicos]]<br />
[[eo:Olimpiaj ludoj]]<br />
[[eu:Olinpiar Jokoak]]<br />
[[fa:بازیهای المپیک]]<br />
[[ext:Huegus Olímpicus]]<br />
[[fr:Jeux olympiques]]<br />
[[fy:Olympyske Spullen]]<br />
[[ga:Cluichí Oilimpeacha]]<br />
[[gd:Na h-Olympics]]<br />
[[gl:Xogos Olímpicos]]<br />
[[zh-classical:奧林匹克運動會]]<br />
[[ko:올림픽]]<br />
[[hi:ओलम्पिक खेल]]<br />
[[hr:Olimpijske igre]]<br />
[[id:Olimpiade]]<br />
[[ia:Jocos Olympic]]<br />
[[is:Ólympíuleikarnir]]<br />
[[it:Giochi olimpici]]<br />
[[he:המשחקים האולימפיים]]<br />
[[ka:ოლიმპიური თამაშები]]<br />
[[kk:Олимпиялық ойындар]]<br />
[[sw:Michezo ya Olimpiki]]<br />
[[la:Olympia (certamina)]]<br />
[[lv:Olimpiskās spēles]]<br />
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[[li:Olympische Speule]]<br />
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[[ml:ഒളിമ്പിക്സ്]]<br />
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[[si:ඔලිම්පික් ක්රීඩා]]<br />
[[simple:Olympic Games]]<br />
[[sk:Olympijské hry (moderné)]]<br />
[[sl:Olimpijske igre]]<br />
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[[ta:ஒலிம்பிக் விளையாட்டுக்கள்]]<br />
[[tl:Palarong Olimpiko]]<br />
[[tt:Olímpia Uyınnarı]]<br />
[[te:ఒలింపిక్ క్రీడలు]]<br />
[[th:กีฬาโอลิมปิก]]<br />
[[vi:Thế vận hội]]<br />
[[tr:Olimpiyat Oyunları]]<br />
[[uk:Олімпійські ігри]]<br />
[[vec:Xoghi Ołinpeghi]]<br />
[[wa:Djeus olimpikes]]<br />
[[wuu:奧林匹克运动会]]<br />
[[yo:Idije Olympiki]]<br />
[[zh-yue:奧林匹克運動會]]<br />
[[zh:奥林匹克运动会]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Zeng_Jinyan&diff=232045912
Zeng Jinyan
2008-08-15T04:53:37Z
<p>Yupi666: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Orphan|date=January 2008}}<br />
<br />
'''Zeng Jinyan''' (Chinese: 曾金燕; born October 9, 1983), is a Chinese blogger and human rights activist. The wife of AIDS and environmental activist [[Hu Jia (activist)|Hu Jia]], Zeng became famous for a blog she had maintained throughout the disappearance of her husband, which was believed to be the working of China's secret police.<ref>[http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/29-03-2006/78007-China-0/ "Chinese AIDS activist missing for six weeks returns home," Pravda, March 29, 2006]</ref> Zeng was put under house arrest in August 2006 and the blog that details her life under constant surveillance and police harassment has been subsequently blocked in China. Zeng continued to update her blog until July 27 2008, before her disappearance. <br />
<br />
Zeng Jinyan and Hu Jia made a 31-minute documentary, "Prisoners of Freedom City," of their seven-month [[house arrest]] from August 2006 to March 2007. The couple was placed under house arrest again, two months later on May 18 2007 for harming state security. <ref>[http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/05/21/china15979.htm/ "Activist Couple Accoused of Endangering State Security", Human Rights Watch, May 21, 2007]</ref> Zeng Jinyan is dubbed "[[Tiananmen]] 2.0." and selected as [[Time 100|TIME Magazine's 100]] People Who Shape Our World in 2007 as a hero and a pioneer.<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100/article/0,28804,1595326_1615754_1616169,00.html/ "Zeng Jinyan - The TIME 100," TIME Magazine, May 14, 2007]</ref><br />
<br />
One day before the opening ceremony of the [[2008 Olympics in Beijing]], Zeng Jinyan was forcibly dissapeared<ref>[http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/29-03-2006/78007-China-0/ "Chinese rights activist Zeng Jinyan disappears" International Herald Tribune, August 9, 2008]</ref> along with her baby daughter and is suspected to be mistreated by the Chinese police state.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
*[http://www.zengjinyan.org/ Zeng Jinyan's blog (in Chinese)]<br />
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q_rcsoWFRk/ Clip of documentary, "Prisoners of Freedom City" on YouTube]<br />
*The full documentary, "Prisoners of Freedom City" on the WITNESS Hub - [http://hub.witness.org/en/node/3867 Part 1], [http://hub.witness.org/en/node/3864 Part 2] & [http://hub.witness.org/en/node/3861 Part 3]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Chinese activists]]<br />
[[Category:Living people]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2008_Summer_Olympics&diff=232044948
2008 Summer Olympics
2008-08-15T04:47:25Z
<p>Yupi666: /* Concerns and controversies */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{pp-semi-vandalism|small=yes}}<br />
{{Current sport|olympics=Yes}}<br />
{{redirect|Beijing 2008|the video game|Beijing 2008 (video game)}}<br />
{{for|the current medal count|2008 Summer Olympics medal table}}<br />
{{Olympics infobox|2008|Summer|<br />
| Logo = Beijing 2008 Olympics logo.svg<br />
| Size = 150<br />
| Name = Official logo of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games<br />
| Optional caption = 同一个世界 同一个梦想 ('''''One World, One Dream''''')<br />The "[[Dancing Beijing]]" emblem, depicting<br /> a [[Seal (Chinese)|Chinese seal]] inscribed with the <br />character "Jīng" (京, from the name of the <br />host city) in the form of a dancing figure.<br />
| Motto = 同一個世界 同一個夢想 ([[traditional Chinese]])<br />
| Motto = '''''One World, One Dream''''' ([[English]])<br />
| Nations participating = 204 NOCs [[#Participating NOCs|(See below)]]<br />
| Athletes participating = 11,028<ref name="athletes_number">{{cite press release|title=NOC entry forms received|publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]]|date=2008-08-01 |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/official/preparation/n214496035.shtml|accessdate=2008-08-08|quote=(...) confirmed the qualification of 11,028 athletes, including 363 supplement athletes holding a P card.}}</ref><br />
| Officially opened by = [[President of the People's Republic of China|President]] [[Hu Jintao]]<br />
| Athlete's Oath = [[Zhang Yining]]<br />
| Judge's Oath = [[Huang Liping]]<br />
| Olympic Torch = [[Li Ning]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
{{contains Chinese text}}<br />
The '''2008 Summer Olympic Games''', officially known as the '''Games of the XXIX Olympiad''', is a major [[international]] [[multi-sport event]] which is being held in [[Beijing]], [[People's Republic of China]], from [[August 8]] (except [[Football at the 2008 Summer Olympics|football]], which started on [[August 6]]) to [[August 24]], [[2008]], and will be followed by the [[2008 Summer Paralympics]], from [[September 6]] to [[September 17]]. A total of 10,500 athletes are expected to compete in 302 events in 28 sports, one event more than was on the schedule of the [[2004 Summer Olympics|2004 games]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/full_story_uk.asp?id=1805 |title=6th Coordination Commission Visit To Begin Tomorrow |publisher=International Olympic Committee |accessdate=2006-05-20}}</ref> The 2008 Beijing Olympics will also mark the third time that Olympic events will have been held in the territories of two different [[National Olympic Committee]]s (NOC), as the equestrian events will be held in [[Hong Kong]].<br />
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The [[Olympic games]] [[2008 Summer Olympics bids|were awarded]] to Beijing after an [[exhaustive ballot]] of the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC) on [[July 13]], [[2001]]. The official logo of the games, titled "[[Dancing Beijing]]," features a stylised calligraphic character ''jīng'' (京, meaning ''capital''), referring to the host city. The mascots of Beijing 2008 are the five [[Fuwa]] <ref>{{cite web|url=http://watch-olympics-online.co.cc/about.php |title=Fuwa Fact Sheet |accessdate=2008-05-14}}</ref>, each representing both a colour of the [[Olympic symbols#Flag|Olympic rings]] and a symbol of Chinese culture. The Olympic slogan, ''One World, One Dream'', calls upon the world to unite in the Olympic spirit. Several new NOCs have also been recognised by the IOC.<br />
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The [[Government of the People's Republic of China|Chinese government]] has promoted the games to highlight China's emergence on the world stage and has invested heavily in new facilities and transportation systems.<ref>{{cite news|title=China's coming out party |publisher=Toronto Star |month=August | year=2007 |url =http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Olympics/article/242172}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=2008-The Year of China? |publisher=BusinessCenter.TV |date=2007-08-07 |url= http://www.webcastr.com/videos/travel_leisure/2008-the-year-of-china.html|accessdate=2008-01-02}}</ref> A total of 37 venues will be used to host the events including 12 newly constructed venues. Earlier in 2007, former IOC president [[Juan Antonio Samaranch]] had said that he believes that the Beijing games will be "the best in Olympic history,"<ref name="Samaranch">{{cite news |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/culture/festivals/exhibition/n214101234.shtml |title=Beijing 2008 will be best-ever Games: Samaranch |date=[[2007-06-25]] |accessdate=2007-06-25 |publisher=BOCOG}}</ref> and current president [[Jacques Rogge]] asserts that the IOC has "absolutely no regrets" in choosing Beijing to host the 2008 games.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nbcolympics.com/blogs/blog=alanabrahamsonsblog/postid=163687.html |title="Absolutely no regrets" in coming to China, IOC president says |publisher=NBC |date=[[2008-08-02]] |accessdate=2008-08-02 |author=Abrahamson, Alan}}</ref> The choice of China as a host country has been a subject of criticism by politicians and NGOs concerned about China's [[Human rights in the People's Republic of China|human rights]] record.<ref>Ian Traynor and Jonathan Watts: ''[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/mar/29/germany.olympicgames2008 Merkel says she will not attend opening of Beijing Olympics.]'' Guardian on-line. March 29 2008</ref><ref>Amnesty International: ''[http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/ASA17/075/2008/en/1f55daf2-37c8-11dd-9ec6-1d6085451ee8/asa170752008eng.pdf China: The two faces of the Beijing Olympics.]'' 1 June 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
==Bid==<br />
{| class="wikitable" align="right"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" | 2008 Summer Olympics bidding results<br />
|-<br />
! City<br />
! NOC<br />
| bgcolor="silver" |'''Round 1'''<br />
| bgcolor="silver" |'''Round 2'''<br />
|-<br />
| [[Beijing]] || {{flagicon|China}} [[People's Republic of China|China]] || align="center"| '''44''' || align="center"| '''56'''<br />
|-<br />
| [[Toronto]]|| {{flagicon|Canada}} [[Canada]] || align="center"| 20 || align="center"| 22<br />
|-<br />
| [[Paris]] || {{flagicon|France}} [[France]] || align="center"| 15 || align="center"| 18<br />
|-<br />
| [[Istanbul]] || {{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Turkey]] || align="center"| 17 || align="center"| 9<br />
|-<br />
| [[Osaka]] || {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Japan]] || align="center"| 6 || align="center"| —<br />
|}<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics bids|Beijing 2008 Olympic bid}}<br />
Beijing was elected the host city on [[July 13]], [[2001]], during the 112th [[International Olympic Committee|IOC]] Session in [[Moscow]], beating [[Toronto]], [[Paris]], [[Istanbul]], and [[Osaka]]. Prior to the session, five other cities ([[Bangkok]], [[Cairo]], [[Havana]], [[Kuala Lumpur]], and [[Seville]]) submitted bids to the IOC but failed to make the short list in 2000. After the first round of voting, Beijing held a significant lead over the other four candidates. Osaka received only six votes and was eliminated. In the second round, Beijing was supported by an [[absolute majority]] of voters, eliminating the need for subsequent rounds.<ref name="Election">{{cite web|url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/election_uk.asp |title = Beijing 2008: Election |publisher = International Olympic Committee |accessdate = 2006-12-18}}</ref><br />
<br />
After winning the bid, [[Li Lanqing]], the vice premier of China, declared "The winning of the 2008 Olympic bid is an example of the international recognition of China's social stability, economic progress and the healthy life of the Chinese people." Previously, Beijing had [[2000 Summer Olympics bids|lost a close bid]] to [[Sydney]] for the chance to host the [[2000 Summer Olympics]].<br />
<br />
==Development and preparation==<br />
===Venues===<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics venues| Olympic Green}}<br />
By May 2007, construction of all 31 Beijing-based Olympic Games venues had begun.<ref name="Under construction">{{cite news |publisher=BOCOG |date=2007-05-11 |accessdate=2007-05-11 |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/01/32/article214073201.shtml |title=All Beijing-based Olympic venues under construction}}</ref> The [[Chinese language|Chinese]] government has also invested in the renovation and construction of six venues outside Beijing as well as 59 training centres. Its largest [[Architecture|architectural]] pieces are the [[Beijing National Stadium]], [[Beijing National Indoor Stadium]], [[Beijing National Aquatics Centre]], [[Olympic Green Convention Centre]], [[Olympic Green]], and [[Beijing Wukesong Culture & Sports Center]]. Almost 85% of the [[construction]] budget for the six main venues is funded by [[United States dollar|US$]]2.1 billion ([[Renminbi|RMB¥]]17.4 billion) in corporate bids and tenders. Investments are expected from corporations seeking ownership rights after the 2008 Summer Olympics. Some venues will be owned and governed by the ''State General Administration of Sports'', which will use them after the Olympics as facilities for all future national sports teams and events. The 2008 Beijing Olympics are officially the most expensive games in history with a total of $40.9 billion spent between 2001 and 2007 on infrastructure, energy, transportation and water supply projects.<ref>[http://www.2008beijingolimpics.com/the-olympics/the-beijing-olympics-the-most-expensive-games-in-history/ The Most Expensive Games In History], Beijing 2008. Retrieved on August 5, 2008.</ref><br />
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Some events are being held outside Beijing, namely [[Football at the Summer Olympics|football]] in [[Qinhuangdao]], [[Shanghai]], [[Shenyang]], and [[Tianjin]]; [[Sailing at the 2008 Summer Olympics|sailing]] in [[Qingdao]]; and, because of "uncertainties of equine diseases and major difficulties in establishing a disease-free zone", [[Equestrian at the Summer Olympics|equestrian]] in [[Hong Kong]].<ref>[http://en.beijing2008.com/46/67/column211716746.shtml Olympic Venues], Beijing 2008. Retrieved on May 15, 2006.</ref><br />
<br />
====Beijing National Stadium====<br />
{{main|Beijing National Stadium}}<br />
[[Image:Bird's Nest stadium, May 2008.jpg|thumb|right|350px|The Beijing National Stadium.]]<br />
The centrepiece of the 2008 Summer Olympics is the Beijing National Stadium, nicknamed the '''Bird's Nest''' because of its nest-like skeletal structure.<ref name="391 days left">{{cite news |url=http://olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2244 |title=The Olympic Games en route for Beijing |publisher=International Olympic Committee |date=2007-07-13 |accessdate=2007-07-16}}</ref> Construction of the venue began on [[December 24]], [[2003]]. The [[Guangdong Olympic Stadium]] was originally planned, constructed, and completed in 2001 for the games, but a decision was made to construct a new stadium in Beijing.{{Clarifyme|date=May 2008}}<ref>[http://www.architectureweek.com/2002/0501/design_1-1.html ArchitectureWeek - Design - China's Banner Stadium - 2002.0501<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Government officials engaged architects worldwide in a design competition. A [[Switzerland|Swiss]] firm, [[Herzog & de Meuron]] Architekten AG, collaborated with China Architecture Design & Research Group to win the competition. The stadium features a lattice-like concrete skeleton forming the stadium bowl and will have a seating capacity of over 90,000 people during the Olympics. Architects originally described the overall design as resembling a bird nest with an immense ocular—an opening with a [[retractable roof]] over the stadium. However, in 2004, the idea of retractable roof was abandoned for economic and safety reasons. The Beijing National Stadium will be the site of the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the athletics events and soccer finals. The stadium's designer [[Ai Weiwei]] has since withdrawn his support for China's Olympic games, saying "he wants nothing to do with them anymore".<ref>{{Clarifyme|date=May 2008}}{{cite news |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-CdWcszb_8|title=Stadium designer blasts China Olympics|publisher=Aljazeera|date=2007-08-12 |accessdate=2007-07-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/08/13/china.olympics.reut/?iref=mpstoryview|title= Chinese architect slams Olympic 'pretend smile'|accessdate=2007-08-16 |publisher= Reuters}}</ref><br />
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Most recently, the [[Beijing Olympic Village]] opened on [[July 16]], [[2008]] and to the public on [[July 26]], [[2008]].<br />
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===Transport===<br />
[[Image:Beijing 2008 olympic venues.png|thumb|right|250px|A map of the Olympic venues in Beijing. Several expressways [[Beltway|encircle]] the center of the city, providing for quick transportation around the city and between venues.]]<br />
In preparation for the huge rush during the games, [[Beijing Subway|Beijing's subway]] system underwent a major expansion which increased its capacity to more than twice its previous size. The previous system was composed of 4 lines and 64 stations. An additional 7 lines and more than 80 new stations were constructed, including a direct link to [[Beijing Capital International Airport]]. In the airport itself, 11 unmanned trains, each transporting a maximum of 83 passengers, will expedite the movement of people throughout the new terminal building.<ref name="Airport trains">{{cite news |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/olympiccities/beijing/n214096864.shtml |title=Un-manned trains to operate at new airport terminal building |date=[[2007-06-13]] |publisher=[[BOCOG]] |accessdate=2007-06-17}}</ref> Most of them are scheduled to operate from [[June 30]], [[2008]], one month before the start of the games. In 2007 January, the [[BOCOG]] announced that the Metro cars will be fitted with video screens showing the latest news and events during the games. Additionally, cellphone signals would be made available, so that people can use their communication devices in the metro stations or underground.<ref name="Video screen">{{cite news |url = http://en.beijing2008.cn/31/45/article214014531.shtml |title = Official: passengers can watch the Games in Beijing metro |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |date = [[2007-01-31]] |accessdate = 2006-02-15}}</ref> On August 1, [[Beijing South Railway Station]] was reopened after two years of construction. The 120-km long [[Beijing–Tianjin Intercity Rail]] opened on the same day that connects the new railway station with Olympic co-host city Tianjin with world's [[Land speed record for railed vehicles|fastest]] scheduled train service at 350&nbsp;km/h.<ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/olympics/article4442873.ece China inaugurates 220mph fastest rail service in world in time for Olympics]</ref><br />
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According to the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China, a new five-level [[Emergency population warning|emergency alert system]] for [[extreme weather]] and security threats will be implemented in the airport. This system is designed to ensure smooth and safe transportation for the estimated 3 million domestic and overseas visitors who will flock to Beijing for the games in 2008 August.<ref name="Airport security system">{{cite news |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/dynamics/headlines/n214101265.shtml |title=Beijing airport to launch emergency alert mechanism for Olympics |date=[[2007-06-25]] |accessdate=2007-06-25 |publisher=[[BOCOG]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
On the ground, Beijing is set to designate 38 official public transit routes that will link the Olympic venues. During the games, 2,500 large-size [[bus]]es and 4,500 [[minibus]]es will be operated by a total of 8,000 drivers to transport people across various venues. Prior to the games, public transport will be optimised in order to reduce the existing 110 overlapping routes.<ref name="Transportation">{{cite news |url = http://en.beijing2008.cn/05/25/article214012505.shtml |title = 38 public transit routes to the Olympic venues |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |date = [[2007-01-22]] |accessdate = 2007-01-29}}</ref><br />
<br />
Athletes, Olympic guests and media will be moved around the city in a fleet of 5,000 Volkswagen "low-emission, low-consumption" vehicles.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.ausmotive.com/2008/08/02/volkswagen-claims-green-medal-at-2008-olympic-games-in-beijing.html|title=Volkswagen claims ‘Green’ medal at 2008 Olympic Games | author= AUSmotive.com | date=2008-08-02 | accessdate=2008-08-02 | language= }}</ref><br />
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[[Beijing]] will be implementing a temporary [[road space rationing]] based on plate numbers during the Games in order to significantly improve air quality in the city.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/world/asia/15china.html?hp|title=Traffic Beijing Stops Construction for Olympics | author= Andrew Jacobs | date=2008-04-14 | publisher= New York Times | accessdate=2008-04-14 | language= }}</ref> Under the traffic plan made public on [[June 20]], [[2008]], the rationing will be enforced for two months, between July 20 to September 20, as the Olympics will begin on August 8, and then will be followed by the 2008 [[Paralympics]], from September 6 until 17.<ref name="Examiner08">{{cite news| url=http://www.examiner.com/a-1451114~Beijing_sets_restrictions_on_cars_during_Olympics.html |title=Beijing sets restrictions on cars during Olympics | author= Stephen Wade | date=2008-06-20 | publisher=National Examiner | accessdate=2008-06-23 | language= }}</ref>{{Dead link|date=August 2008}} The restrictions will be in placed on alternate days depending on the plates ending in odd or even numbers. This measure is expected to take 45% of the 3.3 million car fleet off the streets. In addition, 300,000 heavy polluting vehicles will be banned from July 1, and the plan also prohibits access to most vehicles coming from outside Beijing. The boosted public transport network is expected to absorb this additional demand, estimated in more than 4 million extra passengers per day.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/23/2282484.htm?site=olympics/2008 |title=Beijing to launch Olympic 'odd-even' car ban | author= Reuters | date=2008-06-23 | publisher=ABC news | accessdate=2008-06-23 | language= }}</ref><ref name="Examiner08"/><br />
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===Marketing===<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics marketing}}<br />
The 2008 Summer Olympics emblem is known as [[Dancing Beijing]] ({{zh-s|舞动的北京}}). The emblem combines a traditional Chinese red seal and a representation of the [[Chinese calligraphy|calligraphic]] [[Chinese character|character]] ''jīng'' ([[wikt:京|京]], "national capital", also the second character of Beijing's Chinese name) with athletic features. The open arms of the calligraphic word symbolises the invitation of China to the world to share in its culture. IOC president [[Jacques Rogge]] was very happy with the emblem, saying, "Your new emblem immediately conveys the awesome beauty and power of China which are embodied in your heritage and your people."<ref name="Message">{{cite news |url = http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200308/03/eng20030803_121618.shtml |title = Rogge's Message for Beijing Olympics Emblem Unveiling |publisher = People's Daily Online |date = 2003-08-03 |accessdate = 2006-12-19}}</ref><br />
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The slogan for the 2008 Olympics is "''One World, One Dream''" ({{zh-stp|s=同一个世界 同一个梦想|t=同一個世界 同一個夢想|p=Tóng Yíge Shìjiè Tóng Yíge Mèngxiǎng}}.)<ref name="Slogan">{{cite news|title='One World One Dream' selected as the Theme Slogan for Beijing 2008 Olympic Games |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/75/66/article211996675.shtml |date=[[2005-12-25]] |publisher=[[BOCOG]] |accessdate=2007-05-05}}</ref> The slogan calls upon the whole world to join in the Olympic spirit and build a better future for humanity. It was chosen from over 210,000 entries submitted from around the world.<ref name="391 days left" /><br />
<br />
===Broadcasting===<br />
These games will be the first to be produced and broadcast entirely in [[High-definition television|high definition television]], and will likely garner upwards of 4 billion viewers.<ref name="HDTV">{{cite news |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/2008/2007-07/06/content_911825.htm |title=Seeing clearly: Panasonic ushers in first HDTV Game |publisher = China Daily |date=[[2007-07-06]] |accessdate=2008-03-24}}</ref> In their bid for the Olympic games in 2001, Beijing confirmed to the Olympic Evaluation Commission "that there will be no restrictions on media reporting and movement of journalists up to and including the Olympic Games,"<ref>[http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_299.pdf Report] of the IOC Evaluation Commission for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in 2008, pg.73</ref> but according to a report in ''[[The New York Times]]'', "[[Beijing 2008 Olympic bid|these promises]] have been contradicted by strict visa rules, lengthy application processes and worries about censorship."<ref name="Networks Fight"/><br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics Broadcasting}}<br />
<br />
===Online coverage===<br />
<br />
The 2008 Olympics marks the debut of online and on-demand video, roughly 200 hours of coverage per day for the duration of the games. "Exclusive broadcast rights holders in large markets in Europe, North America and Australia have plans to show thousands of hours online." Furthermore, for the first time "live online video rights in some markets for the Olympics have been separately negotiated, not part of the overall 'broadcast rights,'"; these new media of the [[digital economy]] are growing "nine times faster than the rest of the advertising market."<ref>http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/07/09/oly.media/index.html</ref><br />
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Globally, however, the 2008 Olympics is subject to extensive copyright restriction &ndash;which amounts to territorial restrictions&ndash; whilst still being covered extensively online within various exclusive copyright [[autarky|autarkies]]. Thus despite the international nature of the event and the global reach of the [[Internet]], the coverage world wide of assorted nation-states and television networks is not readily accessible; there is no global or [[supranational]] media coverage as such. The [[international]] [[European Broadcasting Union]] (EBU), for example, provides live coverage and highlights of all arenas only for certain of its own territories<ref>http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/olympics/geoerror/geoerror.html</ref> on their website eurovisionsports.tv.<ref>[http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/olympics/ Beijing Live], Beijing 2008. Retrieved on August 9, 2008.</ref> Many national broadcasters likewise restrict online events to their domestic audiences.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/cycling/7552544.stm</ref> <br />
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Despite the contractual obligations of the [[digital economy]], some of the same technologies used to circumvent the [[Great Firewall of China]] (such as [[Internet_censorship_in_China#Efforts_at_breaking_through|UltraSurf]]) can be used to subvert the Olympic media autarkies on the Internet as well.<br />
<br />
[[YouTube]] has removed a video of a regional German network's ([[Norddeutscher Rundfunk|NDR]]) coverage of the opening ceremonies as "This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by a third party.<ref>http://community.livejournal.com/olympicgames08/28771.html</ref><ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1nmR8Ndj7g</ref>; a video from Australia's [[Seven Network]] has been removed "for violation of terms of service." Furthermore, the General National Copyright Administration of China has announced that "individual (''sic'') and websites will face fines as high as 100,000 yuan for uploading recordings of Olympic Games video to the internet,"<ref>http://www.danwei.org/2008_beijing_olympic_games/china_copywrites_the_olympics.php</ref> part of an extensive campaign to protect the pertinent intellectual property rights.<ref>http://olympics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/16/for-olympics-china-ramps-up-copyright-infringement-campaign/</ref><ref>http://news.xinhuanet.com/newmedia/2008-06/13/content_8359170.htm</ref><ref>http://english.ipr.gov.cn/ipr/en/info/Article.jsp?a_no=142611&col_no=926&dir=200711</ref><br />
<br />
==Torch relay==<br />
[[Image:Official 2008 Summer Olympics Torch in Vilnius.jpg|right|thumb|2008 Olympic Torch]]<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics torch relay|2008 Summer Olympics torch relay route}}<br />
The design of the [[Olympic Torch]] is based on traditional scrolls and uses a traditional Chinese design known as the "Propitious Clouds" (祥云). The torch is designed to remain lit in 65 kph (40 mph) winds, temperatures of up to -40°C and in rain of up to 50 mm (2 in) per hour.<br />
<br />
The relay, with the theme '''Journey of Harmony''', lasted 130 days and carried the torch {{convert|137000|km|mi|abbr=on}}—the longest distance of any Olympic torch relay since the tradition began at the [[1936 Berlin Games]].<ref name="IOC torch">{{cite news |date=[[2007-04-26]] |title=Beijing 2008: BOCOG Announces Olympic Torch Relay Route |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2147 |publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]] |accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/09/world/09torch.html?_r=1&ex=1365393600&en=2c75ea71d3f9215b&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin|title=Officials Expect Olympic Torch to Continue on Route}}</ref> The torch relay was called a "public relations disaster" for China by ''The Times''<ref name="Public Relations Disaster">{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/olympics/article3811649.ece |title=Britain sends mandarins to China on subtle mission |date=[[2008-04-25]] |accessdate=2007-04-27 |publisher=The Times}}</ref>, with protests of [[Human rights in the People's Republic of China|China's human rights record]], particularly about [[2008 Tibetan unrest|Tibet]].<br />
[[Image:Beijing 2008 Torch Relay Route.png|left|250px|thumb|Route of the 2008 Olympic Torch Relay]]<br />
<br />
The relay began [[March 24]], [[2008]], in [[Olympia, Greece]]. From there, it traveled across Greece to [[Panathinaiko Stadium]] in [[Athens]], and then to Beijing, arriving on [[March 31]]. From Beijing, the torch followed a route passing through every continent except Antarctica. The torch visited cities on the [[Silk Road]], symbolizing ancient links between China and the rest of the world. A total of 21,880 torchbearers have been selected from around the world by various organizations and entities.<ref name="BOCOG relay">{{cite news |publisher=[[BOCOG]] |url=http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/news/headlines/n214042288.shtml |title=Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay Planned Route and Torch Design unveiled |date=[[2007-04-26]] |accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref><br />
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The international portion of the relay was problematic. The month-long world tour saw wide-scale protests to China's human rights abuses and recent crackdown in Tibet. After trouble in London saw several attempts to put out the flame, the flame was extinguished in Paris the following day.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article3697392.ece| title=Tibet protests force organisers to snuff out Olympic flame in Paris| date=[[2008-04-07]]| publisher=[[The Times]]| last=Bremner| first=Charles}}</ref> The American leg in San Francisco on [[9 April]] was altered without prior warning to avoid such scenes, although there were still demonstrations along the original route.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7339380.stm?| title= Confusion strikes US torch relay| date=[[2008-04-09]]| publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> The relay was further delayed and simplified after the [[2008 Sichuan earthquake]] affecting western China.<br />
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The flame was [[2008 Summer Olympics summit of Mt. Everest|carried to the top of Mount Everest]]<ref name="BOCOG relay" /> on a 108 km (67 mi) long "highway" scaling the Tibetan side of the mountain especially built for the relay. The $19.7 million blacktop project spanned from [[Tingri County]] of [[Xigazê Prefecture]] to the [[Everest Base Camp]].<ref name="Everest road">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200706200340.htm |title=China to build highway on Mt Everest for 2008 Olympics |date=[[2007-06-20]] |accessdate=2007-06-25 |publisher=The Hindu}}</ref> In 2008 March, China banned mountaineers from climbing its side of Mount Everest and later persuaded the Nepalese government to close their side as well, officially citing environmental concerns.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/climbers-banned-from-everest-as-china-seeks-to-stop-protests-on-summit-796782.html|title=Climbers banned from Everest as China seeks to stop protests on summit|date=[[2008-03-17]] |accessdate=2008-03-23 |publisher=The Independent}}</ref> It also reflected concerns by the Chinese government that [[Tibet]] activists may try to disrupt its plans to carry the Olympic torch up the world's tallest peak.<ref name="cnn13mar08">{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/12/china.everest.ap/index.html |title=China closes its side of Everest to climbers |date=[[2008-03-12]] |accessdate=2008-03-13 |publisher=CNN}}</ref><br />
<br />
The originally proposed route would have seen the torch carried through [[Taipei]] after leaving [[Vietnam]] and before heading for Hong Kong. Taiwan authorities, however, objected to this proposal, claiming that this route would make the portion of the relay in Taiwan appear to be part of the torch's domestic journey through China, rather than a leg on the international route.<ref name="Taiwan relay">{{cite news |publisher=Taiwan Journal |title=Taiwan rejects 'domestic' Olympic torch route |url=http://taiwanjournal.nat.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=24170&CtNode=122 |date=[[2007-05-04]] |accessdate=2007-08-15}}</ref> This dispute as well as demands that the [[flag of the Republic of China]] and the [[National Anthem of the Republic of China]] be banned along the route<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7005984.stm BBC NEWS Asia-Pacific | Olympic torch will bypass Taiwan]</ref> led the Taiwan authorities to reject the proposal that it be part of the relay route, and the two sides of the Taiwan Strait subsequently blamed each other for injecting politics into the event.<ref name="China torch Taipei">{{cite news |publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Canada Sports]] |title=China blames Taiwan for scuttling Olympic torch relay through Taipei, labels 'vile precedent'|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=ap-china-torchrelay&prov=ap&type=lgns |date=[[2007-09-21]] |accessdate=2007-09-24}}</ref><br />
<br />
==The Games==<br />
{{Further|[[2008 Summer Olympics highlights]], [[2008 Summer Olympics medal count|medal count]], and [[2008 Summer Olympics medal winners|medal winners]]}}<br />
===Opening ceremony===<br />
[[Image:BeijingOlimpicGames2008-08-08.jpg|thumb|right|A scene from the opening ceremony.]]<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony|2008 Summer Olympics national flag bearers}}<br />
The opening ceremony was held at the [[Beijing National Stadium]]. It began at 8:00 pm [[China Standard Time]] ([[UTC+8]]) on [[8 August]] [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tickets.beijing2008.cn/browse?category=8224&major_category=8224&game_type=olympic|title=Tickets Information - The official ticketing website of the BEIJING 2008 Olympic Games}}</ref><ref>[http://www.travelchinaguide.com/news/show.asp?nid=138 "Beijing Confirms the Opening Ceremony Time for 2008 Olympics"], Travel China Guide. Retrieved on [[August 2]], [[2008]]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/ceremonies/n214508163.shtml|title=Opening Ceremony plan released|date=2008-08-06|publisher=Official website|accessdate=2008-08-08}}</ref> The [[8 (number)#As a lucky or unlucky number|number 8]] is associated with prosperity and confidence in [[Numbers in Chinese culture|Chinese culture]].<ref name="Eight">{{cite web |url=http://afgen.com/china8.html |title=The Number Eight And The Chinese |accessdate=2007-04-22}}</ref> The ceremony was co-directed by Chinese filmmaker [[Zhang Yimou]] and Chinese choreographer [[Zhang Jigang]].<ref>http://en.beijing2008.cn/culture/ceremonies/n214143744.shtml</ref> It featured a cast of over 15,000 performers, and was dubbed beforehand as "the most spectacular Olympics Opening Ceremony ever produced".<ref>[http://www.thrfeed.com/2008/07/olympics-openin.html Olympics opening ceremony to have 15,000 performers -- The Live Feed <!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><br />
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A rich assembly of ancient Chinese art and culture dominated the ceremony. It opened with the beating of [[Fou]] drums for the countdown. Subsequently, a giant [[scroll]] was unveiled and became the show's centerpiece. The official song of the 2008 Olympics was performed by Britain's [[Sarah Brightman]] and China's [[Liu Huan]], and was titled ''[[You and Me (theme song)|You and Me]]''.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUST29313420080807 FACTBOX: Fears, foul-ups and triumphs at past Olympic openings<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Former Chinese [[gymnastics|gymnast]] [[Li Ning]] ignited the [[cauldron]].<br />
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The entry parade of the competing athletes differed in order from previous Olympic ceremonies, as the national teams did not enter in [[latin alphabet]]ical order. Instead, teams entered the stadium in order (lowest first) of the number of strokes in their [[Simplified Chinese character]] transcriptions. As a result, Australia (normally one of the first teams to enter the stadium) became one of the final teams to arrive, as the first character of the Chinese name of Australia (澳大利亚) has 16 strokes. The Olympic traditions of Greece entering first and the host nation (China) entering last were still observed. <br />
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A review of the opening ceremony from around the world called it "spectacular and devoid of politics"<ref>[http://www.thrfeed.com/2008/08/olympics-review.html Olympics opening ceremony reviews -- The Live Feed <!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> though it was later revealed that the televised fireworks were enhanced with computer animation. Another cosmetic enhancement in China's quest for a perfect Summer Games was using a cute girl to lip-sync over the singing voice of a girl with "chubby face and crooked baby teeth" during the opening ceremony song [[Ode to the Motherland]].<ref>[http://www.wopular.com/node/980390 Olympic opening uses girl's voice, not face]</ref><br />
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More than 100 sovereigns, heads of state and heads of government as well as 170 Ministers of Sport will be attending the Beijing Olympic Games.<ref>[http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2698 IOC President to meet with world leaders]</ref><br />
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=== Closing ceremony ===<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony}}<br />
The 2008 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony will conclude the Beijing Games on [[August 24]], [[2008]]. It is planned to begin at 8:00pm [[China Standard Time]] ([[UTC+8]]), and to take place at the [[Beijing National Stadium]].<br />
<br />
[[British]] singer [[Leona Lewis]] is scheduled to perform at the closing ceremony, representing the change from Beijing to [[London]].<ref>Knight, Tom. [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/2303411/London-rap-troupe-fly-flag-at-Beijing-Olympics.html London rap troupe fly flag at Beijing Olympics] ''The Telegraph''. 16 June, 2008. Accessed 24 July, 2008.</ref> The Ceremony will also include the handover of the games from Beijing to [[London]]. [[Guo Jinlong]], the [[Mayor of Beijing]] will hand over the [[Olympic symbols#Flag|Olympic flag]] to the Mayor of London [[Boris Johnson]], and there will be a performance by the [[London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games]] (LOCOG).<br />
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===Participating NOCs===<br />
[[Image:2008 Olympic games countries.svg|thumb|250px|Participating nations]]<br />
Following the Opening Ceremony on [[August 8]], [[2008]], all but one (Brunei) of the current 205 [[National Olympic Committee]]s (NOCs)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/organisation/noc/index_uk.asp |title=National Olympic Committees |publisher=International Olympic Committee |accessdate=2008-03-11}}</ref> will participate. [[China at the 2008 Summer Olympics|China]] and the [[United States at the 2008 Summer Olympics|United States]] have the largest teams, with 639 and 596<ref name="USOC Delegation">[http://teamusa.org/news/article/2744 2008 United States Olympic Team Entered Into XXVIV Olympic Games in Beijing, China], USOC, July 24, 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.asianweek.com/2008/08/08/asian-americans-going-for-the-gold-in/ "Asian Americans Going for the Gold in…"]. [[AsianWeek]]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[08-11]].</ref>competitors respectively. Several countries are represented at the games by a single athlete.<br />
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Three countries participated for their first time in history: The [[Marshall Islands]], [[Montenegro]] and [[Tuvalu]].<br />
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[[South Africa]]n swimmer [[Natalie du Toit]], five time gold medalist at the [[2004 Summer Paralympics|Athens Paralympics in 2004]], has qualified to compete at the Beijing Olympics, thus making history by becoming the first [[amputee]] to qualify for the Olympic Games since [[Olivér Halassy]] in 1936.<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/05/04/sbswim104.xml "Dreams carry Natalie Du Toit to Beijing"], ''The Telegraph'', May 4, 2008</ref><ref>[http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/swimming/news/story?id=3379722 "Du Toit, who lost leg in scooter accident, will swim in Beijing Games"], Reuters, May 3, 2008</ref> [[Natalia Partyka]] (who was born without a right forearm) will compete in Table Tennis for Poland.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.london2012.com/blog/2008/06/18/natalia-paralympic-and-olympic-athlete.php |title=Natalia: Paralympic AND Olympic athlete |accessdate=2008-07-15}}</ref><br />
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[[Image:Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg|80px|thumb|border|right|TPE]]<br />
As in the previous games since 1984, athletes from the [[Republic of China]] ([[Taiwan]]) are competing at the Olympics as "[[Chinese Taipei]]" (TPE) <ref>[http://en.olympic.cn/china_oly/history/2004-03-27/121827.html "Reinstatement in the Olympic Movement"], Chinese Olympic Committee, March 27, 2004</ref> under the "Chinese Taipei Olympic flag" and using the [[National Banner Song]] as their official anthem. The participation of Taiwan had been in doubt due to disagreements over the designation of the team in the Chinese language, and concerns that Taiwan would march in the Opening Ceremony next to the Chinese Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong.<ref>[http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24123163-5013406,00.html "Taiwan clears Games hurdle"], ''[[The Australian]]'', August 4, 2008</ref> Supporters inside and outside of the venues will not be able to display the [[flag of the Republic of China]].<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/08/12/asia/AS-OLY-Taiwan-China.php "Taiwanese plan to skirt Olympics flag ban"], ''[[International Herald Tribune]] - Asia-Pacific'', August 12, 2008</ref><br />
<div align="center"><br />
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" style="width:100%"<br />
! List of Participating NOCs<br />
|-<br />
|<br />
Below is a list of all the participating NOCs (where available, the number of competitors per delegation is indicated in parentheses):<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics NOCs}}<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
====Participation changes====<br />
The [[Marshall Islands]] and [[Tuvalu]] gained National Olympic Committee status in 2006 and 2007 respectively, and are participating in the Games.<ref name="Tuvalu">{{cite news | title = Robert Meets IOC President| url = http://www.oceaniasport.com/tuvalu/| publisher =[[ONOC]] | date = [[2005-04-02]] | accessdate = 2006-12-17 }}</ref><ref name="New NOCs accepted">{{cite news |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2237 |title=Two new National Olympic Committees on board! |publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]] |date=[[2007-07-06]] |accessdate=2007-07-08}}</ref><br />
<br />
The states of [[Serbia]] and [[Montenegro]], which participated at the 2004 Games jointly as [[Serbia and Montenegro]], are now competing separately. The Montenegrin Olympic Committee was accepted as a new National Olympic Committee in 2007.<ref name="New NOCs accepted" /> IOC has promised to recognise the newly independent Republic of [[Kosovo]], but not in time for the nation to compete in the Olympics.<ref>{{cite news|title=IOC to recognise Kosovo |publisher=News24 |date=2008-02-17|url=http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/More_Sport/0,,2-9-32_2272369,00.html|accessdate=2008-02-17}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[North Korea]] and [[South Korea]] held meetings to discuss the possibility of sending a united team to the 2008 Olympics,<ref name="Korea1">{{cite news | title = Koreas 'to unify Olympics teams'| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4396170.stm| publisher =[[BBC]] | date = [[2006-05-14]] | accessdate = 2006-12-17 }}</ref><ref name="Korea2">{{cite news | title = Two Koreas Make Progress in Creation of Unified Team| url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=1893| publisher =[[International Olympic Committee]] | date = [[2006-09-05]] | accessdate = 2006-09-10 }}</ref> but the proposal failed, due to disagreements between the two NOCs on the proportion of athletes from the two countries within the team.<br />
<br />
On [[July 24]], [[2008]], the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC) banned [[Iraq at the 2008 Summer Olympics|Iraq]] from competing in the 2008 Olympic Summer Games due to "political interference by the government in sports."<ref>{{cite news | title = Iraq banned from Summer Olympics | publisher = [[CNN]] | date = 2008-07-24 | url = http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/07/24/iraq.olympics/index.html | accessdate = 2008-07-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Iraq banned from Beijing Olympics | publisher = [[BBC Sport]] | date = 2008-07-24 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympics/7523708.stm | accessdate = 2008-07-24}}</ref> On [[July 29]], the IOC reversed its decision and will allow the nation to compete after a pledge by Iraq to ensure "the independence of its national Olympics panel" by instituting fair elections before the end of November. Until then, Iraq's Olympic Organisation will be run by "an interim committee proposed by its national sports federations and approved by the IOC."<ref>[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/olympics/2008/07/29/bc.oly.iraq.olympicstops.ap/index.html?cnn=yes IOC lifts Iraq's Olympic suspension]</ref><br />
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[[Brunei|Brunei Darussalam]] were due to take part in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. However, they were disqualified on [[August 8]], having failed to register either of their athletes.<ref>{{cite news | title = Brunei Darussalam excluded from Beijing Olympic Games | publisher = [[Xinhua]] | date = 2008-08-08 | url = http://www.china.org.cn/olympics/news/2008-08/08/content_16167337.htm | accessdate = 2008-08-08}}</ref> The [[International Olympic Committee|IOC]] spokeswoman [[Emmanuelle Moreau]] said in a statement that "it is a great shame and very sad for the athletes who lose out because of the decision by their team not to register them. The IOC tried up until the last minute, midday Friday [[8 August]] [[2008]], the day of the official opening, to have them register, but to no avail."<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-Olympics/idUSPEK32791920080808 Brunei excluded from Beijing Games]</ref> Brunei's Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports submitted a Press release why Brunei decided not to participate in Beijing, stated that "one athlete competing in the shot putt event Mohd Yazid Yatimi Yusof (who) has undergone intensive training since March ... injured himself in June (right liotibial strain with mild lateral ministrial knee injury), when he was competing in the Pesta Sukan Kebangsaan (National Sports Festival)". The Brunei Darussalam Olympic Council (BNOC) issued a Press release stating that "it had to wait for approval from the Youth and Sports Department under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports as to whether Brunei Darussalam could be represented at the Olympic Games".<ref>[http://www.bt.com.bn/en/sport/2008/08/10/brunei_not_in_china_because]</ref> It is also noted that the withdrawal can lead Brunei to being sanctioned and appropriate action will be taken after the closing of the Olympics on August 24.<ref>[http://www.ranoadidas.com/?p=1576]</ref><br />
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[[Democratic Republic of Georgia|Georgia]] announced on August 9, 2008 that it is considering withdrawing from the Beijing Olympic Games due to [[2008 South Ossetia War|current military conflict in South Ossetia]]. Certain participating Georgian athletes have made known they want to leave the Olympics in order to fight with the Georgian army.<ref>[http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Olympics2008/0,,2-9-2370_2372929,00.html]</ref><br />
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===Sports===<br />
[[Image:Swimming 2008.gif|thumb|110px|left|This pictogram depicts ''Swimming''.]]<br />
[[Image:Beijingolympicsmedals.jpg|thumb|right|The reverse side of the medals of the 2008 Summer Olympics: silver (left), gold (center), bronze (right)]]<br />
The program for the Beijing 2008 Games is quite similar to that of the [[2004 Summer Olympics|Athens Games]] held in 2004. The 2008 Olympics will see the return of 28 sports, and will hold 302 events (165 men’s events, 127 women’s events, and 10 mixed events), one event more in total than in Athens.<br />
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Overall 9 new events will be held, which include 2 from the new [[Cycling at the Summer Olympics|cycling]] discipline of [[BMX at the Summer Olympics|BMX]]. Women will compete in the 3000 m [[steeplechase (athletics)|steeplechase]] for the first time. In addition, marathon swimming events for men and women, over the distance of 10 kilometres, will be added to the swimming discipline. Team events (men and women) in [[table tennis]] will replace the doubles events. In [[fencing]], women's team foil and women's team sabre will replace men's team foil and women's team [[epee]].<ref>The fencing programme will again include all six individual events and four team events, though the team events will be a different set than were held in 2004. The [[Fédération Internationale d'Escrime|International Fencing Federation's]] rules call for events not held in the previous Games to receive automatic selection and for at least one team event in each weapon to be held. Voting is conducted to determine the fourth event. In 2004, the three men's team events and the women's épée were held. Thus, in 2008, the women's foil and sabre events and men's épée were automatically selected. Men's sabre was chosen over foil by a 45–20 vote.</ref><ref name="FencingTeam">{{cite web |type=pdf |url=http://www.fie.ch/download/letters/2006/urgent/09/en/decisions%20ANG.pdf |title=List of decisions of the 2006 General Assembly |date=[[2006-04-08]] |publisher=[[Federation Internationale d'Escrime]] |accessdate=2007-04-22|format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=2008programme>{{cite news |url = http://olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=1797 |title = Beijing 2008: Games Programme Finalised |publisher = International Olympic Committee |date = [[2006-04-27]] |accessdate = 2006-05-10}}</ref><ref>[http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_1056.pdf Programme of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, Beijing 2008], International Olympic Committee. Retrieved on May 15, 2006.</ref><br />
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The [[Beijing Organizing Committee]] have released [[pictogram]]s of the 35 Olympic disciplines. This set of sport icons is named ''the beauty of seal characters'', due to each pictogram's likeness to Chinese [[seal script]].<ref name="pictograms">{{cite news |url = http://en.beijing2008.com/37/34/article212033437.shtml |title = Pictograms of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games unveiled |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |date = [[2006-08-07]] |accessdate = 2006-08-09}}</ref><br />
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The following are the sports to be contested at these Games. The number of events to be contested in each sport is indicated in parentheses.<br />
{{Col-begin}}<br />
{{Col-1-of-4}}<br />
* Aquatics<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Diving|2008 Summer|8}}<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Swimming|2008 Summer|34}}<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Synchronized swimming|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Water polo|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Archery|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Athletics|2008 Summer|47}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Badminton|2008 Summer|5}}<br />
{{Col-2-of-4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Baseball|2008 Summer|1}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Basketball|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Boxing|2008 Summer|11}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Canoeing|2008 Summer|16}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Cycling|2008 Summer|18}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Equestrian|2008 Summer|6}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Fencing|2008 Summer|10}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Field hockey|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
{{Col-3-of-4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Football|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Gymnastics|2008 Summer|18}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Handball|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Judo|2008 Summer|14}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Modern pentathlon|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Rowing|2008 Summer|14}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Sailing|2008 Summer|11}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Shooting|2008 Summer|15}}<br />
{{Col-4-of-4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Softball|2008 Summer|1}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Table tennis|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Taekwondo|2008 Summer|8}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Tennis|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Triathlon|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Volleyball|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Weightlifting|2008 Summer|15}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Wrestling|2008 Summer|18}}<br />
{{Col-end}}<br />
<br />
===Calendar===<br />
In the following calendar for the 2008 Olympic Games, each blue box represents an event competition, such as a qualification round, on that day. The yellow boxes represent days during which medal-awarding finals for a sport are held. Each bullet in these boxes is an event final, the number of bullets per box representing the number of finals that will be contested on that day.<ref name="Calendar">{{cite web|url = http://en.beijing2008.cn/cptvenues/schedule/ |title = Olympic Games Competition Schedule |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |accessdate = 2007-07-05 }}</ref><br />
<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics Calendar}}<br />
<br />
===Medal table===<br />
{{Main|2008 Summer Olympics medal table}}<br />
These are the top-ten positions so far:<br />
<br />
{| {{RankedMedalTable|class=wikitable sortable}}<br />
|- bgcolor=ccccff<br />
| 1 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|CHN|2008 Summer}} || '''22''' || 8 || 5 || 35<br />
|-<br />
| 2 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|USA|2008 Summer}} || 13 || '''11''' || '''17''' || '''41'''<br />
|-<br />
| 3 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|GER|2008 Summer}} || 8 || 2 || 3 || 13<br />
|-<br />
| 4 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|KOR|2008 Summer}} || 6 || 7 || 3 || 16<br />
|-<br />
| 5 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|ITA|2008 Summer}} || 6 || 4 || 3 || 13<br />
|-<br />
| 6 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|AUS|2008 Summer}} || 5 || 6 || 7 || 18<br />
|-<br />
| 7||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|JPN|2008 Summer}} || 5 || 3 || 3 || 11<br />
|-<br />
| 8 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|RUS|2008 Summer}} || 3 || 8 || 4 || 15<br />
|-<br />
| 9 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|FRA|2008 Summer}} || 2 || 7 || 6 || 15<br />
|-<br />
| 10 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|GBR|2008 Summer}} || 2 || 2 || 3 || 7<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Concerns and controversies==<br />
[[Image:Human Rights Abuse Cannot Co-exist with Beijing Olympics.jpg|thumb|right|The banner reads: "Human Rights Abuse Cannot Co-exist with Beijing Olympics", picture taken during the opening of the [[Human Rights Torch Relay]] event]]<br />
{{main|Concerns over the 2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
A variety of concerns over the games have been expressed by various entities; including allegations that China violated its [[Beijing 2008 Olympic bid|pledge]] to allow open media access,<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/sports/olympics/09beijing.html?ref=olympics Two Concerns for Olympics - Air and Access - NYTimes.com]</ref> various alleged human rights violations,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3545274,00.html|title=Protestors Rally in Europe on Eve of China Olympics|date=2008-08-07 |publisher=Deutsche Welle|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=c06e4f24-ea77-467c-960e-abc94721e094|title=China's un-Olympic human rights record||publisher=Calgary Herald|date=2008-08-09|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iM4HoqRxdb5TWSCC16uQuHn2_q7g|title=Canadian protests over China's human-rights record continue prior to Games|date=2008-08-08 |publisher=Haaretz|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> [[air pollution]] in both the city of Beijing and in neighbouring areas,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-08/07/content_6912755.htm|title=Ji Xinpeng: Beijing welcomes you with its blue sky|accessdate=2008-08-08|work=China Daily|date=2008-08-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/world/20080727dy01.htm|title=Beijing failing to clear the air|date= 2008-07-27|publisher=The Daily Yomiuri|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> proposed [[Olympic boycotts|boycotts]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Kosyrev|first=Dmitry |url=http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20080806/115849259.html|title=Beijing Olympics as a diplomatic convention|accessdate=2008-08-09|work=RIA Novosti|date=2008-08-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1009630.html|first=Saul|last=Newman|title=Why Grandpa boycotted the Olympics|date= |publisher=Haaretz|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> warnings of the possibility that the Beijing Olympics could be targeted by terrorist groups,<ref>[http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080425.wolyminterpol0425/BNStory/International/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20080425.wolyminterpol0425 ''Interpol says Olympic terror attack 'real possibility'.'' The Globe and Mail. Accessed: April 25, 2008]</ref> foiled [[2008 Xinjiang attack|sabotage attempt]], potentially violent disruption from pro-Tibetan protesters,<ref name="interpol">[http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/25042008/3/interpol-chief-warns-olympic-terror-threat.html ''Interpol chief warns of Olympic terror threat''. Yahoo! Eurosport UK. Accessed: August 8, 2008]</ref> the banning of ethnic Tibetans from working in Beijing for the duration of the games,<ref>[http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008087495_olystrict02.html ''Seattle Times'' article]</ref> criticisms of policies mandating the electronic surveillance of internationally owned hotels,<ref>[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gAkDaSkHWHboscdhQZwdRBt6hZnw AFP: China plans to spy on Olympic hotel guests: US senator]</ref><ref>[http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-olyspy30-2008jul30,0,5823677.story Sen. Brownback says China monitoring Internet access in hotels - Los Angeles Times]</ref><ref>[http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jiZadkVJSv7CQ7lHqBOIlkTqVmzgD927QP880 The Associated Press: Senator: China spying on Internet use in hotels]</ref> displacement of residents,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/19/AR2008021901612.html|title=China Defends Relocation Policy|first=Maureen|last=Fan|work=[[The Washington Post]]|publisher =[[The Washington Post Company]]|date=2008-02-20|accessdate=2008-08-09|coauthors=Jie, Zhang}}</ref> and ticket adversities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/web/british-fraud-ran-beijing-ticket-scam/2008/08/06/1217702097417.html|title=British fraud ran Beijing ticket scam|date=2008-08-06|publisher=theage.com.au |accessdate=2008-07-12}}</ref> <br />
<br />
Additionally, [[International Tibet Independence Movement|pro-Tibetan independence]] proponents have exhibited disdain and protested the games,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7550802.stm |title=Protest attempt at Olympic event|date= |publisher=[[BBC News]]|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> [[human rights]] activists critical of China's role in the [[Darfur conflict]] have sought policy change,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7503428.stm? |title=China 'is fuelling war in Darfur' |date= |publisher=[[BBC News]] |accessdate=2008-07-12}}</ref> and Christian advocates have voiced concerns regarding the persecution of [[Christianity in China|Christians in China]].<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/440097402.html|title=4 Winds Allows Olympic Testimonies Underground -- China is Hypocritical in Treatment of Christians on the Streets|accessdate=2008-08-08|work=Christian Newswire|date=2008-08-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Colson|first=Chuck|url=http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080803/bush-china-and-the-olympics.htm|title=Bush, China, and the Olympics|accessdate=2008-08-08|work=The Christian Post|date=2008-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.epochtimes.com/n2/china/china-church-leader-olympics-2336.html|author=Qin Yue & Li Mingcai|title=Beijing Intensifies Suppression of House Churches Ahead of Olympics|date=2008-08-07|accessdate=2008-08-11|work=Sound of Hope Radio|publisher=Epoch Times}}</ref><ref name="cna">{{cite web|url=http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=13474|title=Chinese bishop explains reasons for participating in Olympic opening ceremonies|publisher=Catholic News Agency|accessdate=2008-08-10|date=2008-08-08}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Hu Jia and Zen Jinyan===<br />
<br />
On February 2008 [[AIDS]] and [[Human Rights]] activist Hu Jia was arrested for criticizing China as the Host of the Olympics, comparing them to the Nazi hosting the Berlin Olympics.<ref>[http://observers.france24.com/en/content/blogger_put_prison_criticising_olympic_games "Blogger put in prison for criticizing the Olympic Games" The Observers by France, August 15, 2008]</ref><br />
<br />
His wife [[Zeng Jinyan]] and their baby daughter were harassed and kept under constant surveillance and house arrest while she kept blogging in favor of her husband<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100/article/0,28804,1595326_1615754_1616169,00.html/ "Zeng Jinyan - The TIME 100," TIME Magazine, May 14, 2007]</ref>.<br />
<br />
One day before the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Zeng Jinyan was forcibly dissapeared<ref>[http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/29-03-2006/78007-China-0/ "Chinese rights activist Zeng Jinyan disappears" International Herald Tribune, August 9, 2008]</ref> along with her baby daughter and is suspected to be mistreated by the Chinese police state.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{portalpar|Olympics|Olympic Rings.svg}}<br />
*[[2008 Summer Olympics highlights]]<br />
*[[2008 Summer Olympics medal table]]<br />
*[[2008 Summer Paralympics]]<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
{{reflist|3}}<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
{{Commons cat|2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
* [http://en.beijing2008.cn/ Official Website of the 2008 Summer Olympics]<br />
* [http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/index_uk.asp IOC Official 2008 Summer Olympics Website]<br />
* [http://results.beijing2008.cn/WRM/ENG/INF/GL/95A/GL0000000.shtml 2008 Olympics Medal Count]<br />
<br />
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{{start box}}<br />
{{succession box|title=''[[Summer Olympic Games]]'' <br> Host City|before=[[2004 Summer Olympics|Athens]]|after=[[2012 Summer Olympics|London]]|years=''XXIX Olympiad'' (2008)}}<br />
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{{Olympic Games}}<br />
{{NOCin2008SummerOlympics}}<br />
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{{2008 Summer Olympics venues}}<br />
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[[Category:2008 Summer Olympics| ]]<br />
[[Category:Sports festivals in China]]<br />
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[[wuu:第29屆夏季奧林匹克运动会]]<br />
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Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2008_Summer_Olympics&diff=232044376
2008 Summer Olympics
2008-08-15T04:43:16Z
<p>Yupi666: /* Concerns and controversies */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{pp-semi-vandalism|small=yes}}<br />
{{Current sport|olympics=Yes}}<br />
{{redirect|Beijing 2008|the video game|Beijing 2008 (video game)}}<br />
{{for|the current medal count|2008 Summer Olympics medal table}}<br />
{{Olympics infobox|2008|Summer|<br />
| Logo = Beijing 2008 Olympics logo.svg<br />
| Size = 150<br />
| Name = Official logo of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games<br />
| Optional caption = 同一个世界 同一个梦想 ('''''One World, One Dream''''')<br />The "[[Dancing Beijing]]" emblem, depicting<br /> a [[Seal (Chinese)|Chinese seal]] inscribed with the <br />character "Jīng" (京, from the name of the <br />host city) in the form of a dancing figure.<br />
| Motto = 同一個世界 同一個夢想 ([[traditional Chinese]])<br />
| Motto = '''''One World, One Dream''''' ([[English]])<br />
| Nations participating = 204 NOCs [[#Participating NOCs|(See below)]]<br />
| Athletes participating = 11,028<ref name="athletes_number">{{cite press release|title=NOC entry forms received|publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]]|date=2008-08-01 |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/official/preparation/n214496035.shtml|accessdate=2008-08-08|quote=(...) confirmed the qualification of 11,028 athletes, including 363 supplement athletes holding a P card.}}</ref><br />
| Officially opened by = [[President of the People's Republic of China|President]] [[Hu Jintao]]<br />
| Athlete's Oath = [[Zhang Yining]]<br />
| Judge's Oath = [[Huang Liping]]<br />
| Olympic Torch = [[Li Ning]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
{{contains Chinese text}}<br />
The '''2008 Summer Olympic Games''', officially known as the '''Games of the XXIX Olympiad''', is a major [[international]] [[multi-sport event]] which is being held in [[Beijing]], [[People's Republic of China]], from [[August 8]] (except [[Football at the 2008 Summer Olympics|football]], which started on [[August 6]]) to [[August 24]], [[2008]], and will be followed by the [[2008 Summer Paralympics]], from [[September 6]] to [[September 17]]. A total of 10,500 athletes are expected to compete in 302 events in 28 sports, one event more than was on the schedule of the [[2004 Summer Olympics|2004 games]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/full_story_uk.asp?id=1805 |title=6th Coordination Commission Visit To Begin Tomorrow |publisher=International Olympic Committee |accessdate=2006-05-20}}</ref> The 2008 Beijing Olympics will also mark the third time that Olympic events will have been held in the territories of two different [[National Olympic Committee]]s (NOC), as the equestrian events will be held in [[Hong Kong]].<br />
<br />
The [[Olympic games]] [[2008 Summer Olympics bids|were awarded]] to Beijing after an [[exhaustive ballot]] of the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC) on [[July 13]], [[2001]]. The official logo of the games, titled "[[Dancing Beijing]]," features a stylised calligraphic character ''jīng'' (京, meaning ''capital''), referring to the host city. The mascots of Beijing 2008 are the five [[Fuwa]] <ref>{{cite web|url=http://watch-olympics-online.co.cc/about.php |title=Fuwa Fact Sheet |accessdate=2008-05-14}}</ref>, each representing both a colour of the [[Olympic symbols#Flag|Olympic rings]] and a symbol of Chinese culture. The Olympic slogan, ''One World, One Dream'', calls upon the world to unite in the Olympic spirit. Several new NOCs have also been recognised by the IOC.<br />
<br />
The [[Government of the People's Republic of China|Chinese government]] has promoted the games to highlight China's emergence on the world stage and has invested heavily in new facilities and transportation systems.<ref>{{cite news|title=China's coming out party |publisher=Toronto Star |month=August | year=2007 |url =http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Olympics/article/242172}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=2008-The Year of China? |publisher=BusinessCenter.TV |date=2007-08-07 |url= http://www.webcastr.com/videos/travel_leisure/2008-the-year-of-china.html|accessdate=2008-01-02}}</ref> A total of 37 venues will be used to host the events including 12 newly constructed venues. Earlier in 2007, former IOC president [[Juan Antonio Samaranch]] had said that he believes that the Beijing games will be "the best in Olympic history,"<ref name="Samaranch">{{cite news |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/culture/festivals/exhibition/n214101234.shtml |title=Beijing 2008 will be best-ever Games: Samaranch |date=[[2007-06-25]] |accessdate=2007-06-25 |publisher=BOCOG}}</ref> and current president [[Jacques Rogge]] asserts that the IOC has "absolutely no regrets" in choosing Beijing to host the 2008 games.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nbcolympics.com/blogs/blog=alanabrahamsonsblog/postid=163687.html |title="Absolutely no regrets" in coming to China, IOC president says |publisher=NBC |date=[[2008-08-02]] |accessdate=2008-08-02 |author=Abrahamson, Alan}}</ref> The choice of China as a host country has been a subject of criticism by politicians and NGOs concerned about China's [[Human rights in the People's Republic of China|human rights]] record.<ref>Ian Traynor and Jonathan Watts: ''[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/mar/29/germany.olympicgames2008 Merkel says she will not attend opening of Beijing Olympics.]'' Guardian on-line. March 29 2008</ref><ref>Amnesty International: ''[http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/ASA17/075/2008/en/1f55daf2-37c8-11dd-9ec6-1d6085451ee8/asa170752008eng.pdf China: The two faces of the Beijing Olympics.]'' 1 June 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
==Bid==<br />
{| class="wikitable" align="right"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" | 2008 Summer Olympics bidding results<br />
|-<br />
! City<br />
! NOC<br />
| bgcolor="silver" |'''Round 1'''<br />
| bgcolor="silver" |'''Round 2'''<br />
|-<br />
| [[Beijing]] || {{flagicon|China}} [[People's Republic of China|China]] || align="center"| '''44''' || align="center"| '''56'''<br />
|-<br />
| [[Toronto]]|| {{flagicon|Canada}} [[Canada]] || align="center"| 20 || align="center"| 22<br />
|-<br />
| [[Paris]] || {{flagicon|France}} [[France]] || align="center"| 15 || align="center"| 18<br />
|-<br />
| [[Istanbul]] || {{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Turkey]] || align="center"| 17 || align="center"| 9<br />
|-<br />
| [[Osaka]] || {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Japan]] || align="center"| 6 || align="center"| —<br />
|}<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics bids|Beijing 2008 Olympic bid}}<br />
Beijing was elected the host city on [[July 13]], [[2001]], during the 112th [[International Olympic Committee|IOC]] Session in [[Moscow]], beating [[Toronto]], [[Paris]], [[Istanbul]], and [[Osaka]]. Prior to the session, five other cities ([[Bangkok]], [[Cairo]], [[Havana]], [[Kuala Lumpur]], and [[Seville]]) submitted bids to the IOC but failed to make the short list in 2000. After the first round of voting, Beijing held a significant lead over the other four candidates. Osaka received only six votes and was eliminated. In the second round, Beijing was supported by an [[absolute majority]] of voters, eliminating the need for subsequent rounds.<ref name="Election">{{cite web|url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/election_uk.asp |title = Beijing 2008: Election |publisher = International Olympic Committee |accessdate = 2006-12-18}}</ref><br />
<br />
After winning the bid, [[Li Lanqing]], the vice premier of China, declared "The winning of the 2008 Olympic bid is an example of the international recognition of China's social stability, economic progress and the healthy life of the Chinese people." Previously, Beijing had [[2000 Summer Olympics bids|lost a close bid]] to [[Sydney]] for the chance to host the [[2000 Summer Olympics]].<br />
<br />
==Development and preparation==<br />
===Venues===<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics venues| Olympic Green}}<br />
By May 2007, construction of all 31 Beijing-based Olympic Games venues had begun.<ref name="Under construction">{{cite news |publisher=BOCOG |date=2007-05-11 |accessdate=2007-05-11 |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/01/32/article214073201.shtml |title=All Beijing-based Olympic venues under construction}}</ref> The [[Chinese language|Chinese]] government has also invested in the renovation and construction of six venues outside Beijing as well as 59 training centres. Its largest [[Architecture|architectural]] pieces are the [[Beijing National Stadium]], [[Beijing National Indoor Stadium]], [[Beijing National Aquatics Centre]], [[Olympic Green Convention Centre]], [[Olympic Green]], and [[Beijing Wukesong Culture & Sports Center]]. Almost 85% of the [[construction]] budget for the six main venues is funded by [[United States dollar|US$]]2.1 billion ([[Renminbi|RMB¥]]17.4 billion) in corporate bids and tenders. Investments are expected from corporations seeking ownership rights after the 2008 Summer Olympics. Some venues will be owned and governed by the ''State General Administration of Sports'', which will use them after the Olympics as facilities for all future national sports teams and events. The 2008 Beijing Olympics are officially the most expensive games in history with a total of $40.9 billion spent between 2001 and 2007 on infrastructure, energy, transportation and water supply projects.<ref>[http://www.2008beijingolimpics.com/the-olympics/the-beijing-olympics-the-most-expensive-games-in-history/ The Most Expensive Games In History], Beijing 2008. Retrieved on August 5, 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
Some events are being held outside Beijing, namely [[Football at the Summer Olympics|football]] in [[Qinhuangdao]], [[Shanghai]], [[Shenyang]], and [[Tianjin]]; [[Sailing at the 2008 Summer Olympics|sailing]] in [[Qingdao]]; and, because of "uncertainties of equine diseases and major difficulties in establishing a disease-free zone", [[Equestrian at the Summer Olympics|equestrian]] in [[Hong Kong]].<ref>[http://en.beijing2008.com/46/67/column211716746.shtml Olympic Venues], Beijing 2008. Retrieved on May 15, 2006.</ref><br />
<br />
====Beijing National Stadium====<br />
{{main|Beijing National Stadium}}<br />
[[Image:Bird's Nest stadium, May 2008.jpg|thumb|right|350px|The Beijing National Stadium.]]<br />
The centrepiece of the 2008 Summer Olympics is the Beijing National Stadium, nicknamed the '''Bird's Nest''' because of its nest-like skeletal structure.<ref name="391 days left">{{cite news |url=http://olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2244 |title=The Olympic Games en route for Beijing |publisher=International Olympic Committee |date=2007-07-13 |accessdate=2007-07-16}}</ref> Construction of the venue began on [[December 24]], [[2003]]. The [[Guangdong Olympic Stadium]] was originally planned, constructed, and completed in 2001 for the games, but a decision was made to construct a new stadium in Beijing.{{Clarifyme|date=May 2008}}<ref>[http://www.architectureweek.com/2002/0501/design_1-1.html ArchitectureWeek - Design - China's Banner Stadium - 2002.0501<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Government officials engaged architects worldwide in a design competition. A [[Switzerland|Swiss]] firm, [[Herzog & de Meuron]] Architekten AG, collaborated with China Architecture Design & Research Group to win the competition. The stadium features a lattice-like concrete skeleton forming the stadium bowl and will have a seating capacity of over 90,000 people during the Olympics. Architects originally described the overall design as resembling a bird nest with an immense ocular—an opening with a [[retractable roof]] over the stadium. However, in 2004, the idea of retractable roof was abandoned for economic and safety reasons. The Beijing National Stadium will be the site of the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the athletics events and soccer finals. The stadium's designer [[Ai Weiwei]] has since withdrawn his support for China's Olympic games, saying "he wants nothing to do with them anymore".<ref>{{Clarifyme|date=May 2008}}{{cite news |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-CdWcszb_8|title=Stadium designer blasts China Olympics|publisher=Aljazeera|date=2007-08-12 |accessdate=2007-07-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/08/13/china.olympics.reut/?iref=mpstoryview|title= Chinese architect slams Olympic 'pretend smile'|accessdate=2007-08-16 |publisher= Reuters}}</ref><br />
<br />
Most recently, the [[Beijing Olympic Village]] opened on [[July 16]], [[2008]] and to the public on [[July 26]], [[2008]].<br />
<br />
===Transport===<br />
[[Image:Beijing 2008 olympic venues.png|thumb|right|250px|A map of the Olympic venues in Beijing. Several expressways [[Beltway|encircle]] the center of the city, providing for quick transportation around the city and between venues.]]<br />
In preparation for the huge rush during the games, [[Beijing Subway|Beijing's subway]] system underwent a major expansion which increased its capacity to more than twice its previous size. The previous system was composed of 4 lines and 64 stations. An additional 7 lines and more than 80 new stations were constructed, including a direct link to [[Beijing Capital International Airport]]. In the airport itself, 11 unmanned trains, each transporting a maximum of 83 passengers, will expedite the movement of people throughout the new terminal building.<ref name="Airport trains">{{cite news |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/olympiccities/beijing/n214096864.shtml |title=Un-manned trains to operate at new airport terminal building |date=[[2007-06-13]] |publisher=[[BOCOG]] |accessdate=2007-06-17}}</ref> Most of them are scheduled to operate from [[June 30]], [[2008]], one month before the start of the games. In 2007 January, the [[BOCOG]] announced that the Metro cars will be fitted with video screens showing the latest news and events during the games. Additionally, cellphone signals would be made available, so that people can use their communication devices in the metro stations or underground.<ref name="Video screen">{{cite news |url = http://en.beijing2008.cn/31/45/article214014531.shtml |title = Official: passengers can watch the Games in Beijing metro |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |date = [[2007-01-31]] |accessdate = 2006-02-15}}</ref> On August 1, [[Beijing South Railway Station]] was reopened after two years of construction. The 120-km long [[Beijing–Tianjin Intercity Rail]] opened on the same day that connects the new railway station with Olympic co-host city Tianjin with world's [[Land speed record for railed vehicles|fastest]] scheduled train service at 350&nbsp;km/h.<ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/olympics/article4442873.ece China inaugurates 220mph fastest rail service in world in time for Olympics]</ref><br />
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According to the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China, a new five-level [[Emergency population warning|emergency alert system]] for [[extreme weather]] and security threats will be implemented in the airport. This system is designed to ensure smooth and safe transportation for the estimated 3 million domestic and overseas visitors who will flock to Beijing for the games in 2008 August.<ref name="Airport security system">{{cite news |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/dynamics/headlines/n214101265.shtml |title=Beijing airport to launch emergency alert mechanism for Olympics |date=[[2007-06-25]] |accessdate=2007-06-25 |publisher=[[BOCOG]]}}</ref><br />
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On the ground, Beijing is set to designate 38 official public transit routes that will link the Olympic venues. During the games, 2,500 large-size [[bus]]es and 4,500 [[minibus]]es will be operated by a total of 8,000 drivers to transport people across various venues. Prior to the games, public transport will be optimised in order to reduce the existing 110 overlapping routes.<ref name="Transportation">{{cite news |url = http://en.beijing2008.cn/05/25/article214012505.shtml |title = 38 public transit routes to the Olympic venues |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |date = [[2007-01-22]] |accessdate = 2007-01-29}}</ref><br />
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Athletes, Olympic guests and media will be moved around the city in a fleet of 5,000 Volkswagen "low-emission, low-consumption" vehicles.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.ausmotive.com/2008/08/02/volkswagen-claims-green-medal-at-2008-olympic-games-in-beijing.html|title=Volkswagen claims ‘Green’ medal at 2008 Olympic Games | author= AUSmotive.com | date=2008-08-02 | accessdate=2008-08-02 | language= }}</ref><br />
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[[Beijing]] will be implementing a temporary [[road space rationing]] based on plate numbers during the Games in order to significantly improve air quality in the city.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/world/asia/15china.html?hp|title=Traffic Beijing Stops Construction for Olympics | author= Andrew Jacobs | date=2008-04-14 | publisher= New York Times | accessdate=2008-04-14 | language= }}</ref> Under the traffic plan made public on [[June 20]], [[2008]], the rationing will be enforced for two months, between July 20 to September 20, as the Olympics will begin on August 8, and then will be followed by the 2008 [[Paralympics]], from September 6 until 17.<ref name="Examiner08">{{cite news| url=http://www.examiner.com/a-1451114~Beijing_sets_restrictions_on_cars_during_Olympics.html |title=Beijing sets restrictions on cars during Olympics | author= Stephen Wade | date=2008-06-20 | publisher=National Examiner | accessdate=2008-06-23 | language= }}</ref>{{Dead link|date=August 2008}} The restrictions will be in placed on alternate days depending on the plates ending in odd or even numbers. This measure is expected to take 45% of the 3.3 million car fleet off the streets. In addition, 300,000 heavy polluting vehicles will be banned from July 1, and the plan also prohibits access to most vehicles coming from outside Beijing. The boosted public transport network is expected to absorb this additional demand, estimated in more than 4 million extra passengers per day.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/23/2282484.htm?site=olympics/2008 |title=Beijing to launch Olympic 'odd-even' car ban | author= Reuters | date=2008-06-23 | publisher=ABC news | accessdate=2008-06-23 | language= }}</ref><ref name="Examiner08"/><br />
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===Marketing===<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics marketing}}<br />
The 2008 Summer Olympics emblem is known as [[Dancing Beijing]] ({{zh-s|舞动的北京}}). The emblem combines a traditional Chinese red seal and a representation of the [[Chinese calligraphy|calligraphic]] [[Chinese character|character]] ''jīng'' ([[wikt:京|京]], "national capital", also the second character of Beijing's Chinese name) with athletic features. The open arms of the calligraphic word symbolises the invitation of China to the world to share in its culture. IOC president [[Jacques Rogge]] was very happy with the emblem, saying, "Your new emblem immediately conveys the awesome beauty and power of China which are embodied in your heritage and your people."<ref name="Message">{{cite news |url = http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200308/03/eng20030803_121618.shtml |title = Rogge's Message for Beijing Olympics Emblem Unveiling |publisher = People's Daily Online |date = 2003-08-03 |accessdate = 2006-12-19}}</ref><br />
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The slogan for the 2008 Olympics is "''One World, One Dream''" ({{zh-stp|s=同一个世界 同一个梦想|t=同一個世界 同一個夢想|p=Tóng Yíge Shìjiè Tóng Yíge Mèngxiǎng}}.)<ref name="Slogan">{{cite news|title='One World One Dream' selected as the Theme Slogan for Beijing 2008 Olympic Games |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/75/66/article211996675.shtml |date=[[2005-12-25]] |publisher=[[BOCOG]] |accessdate=2007-05-05}}</ref> The slogan calls upon the whole world to join in the Olympic spirit and build a better future for humanity. It was chosen from over 210,000 entries submitted from around the world.<ref name="391 days left" /><br />
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===Broadcasting===<br />
These games will be the first to be produced and broadcast entirely in [[High-definition television|high definition television]], and will likely garner upwards of 4 billion viewers.<ref name="HDTV">{{cite news |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/2008/2007-07/06/content_911825.htm |title=Seeing clearly: Panasonic ushers in first HDTV Game |publisher = China Daily |date=[[2007-07-06]] |accessdate=2008-03-24}}</ref> In their bid for the Olympic games in 2001, Beijing confirmed to the Olympic Evaluation Commission "that there will be no restrictions on media reporting and movement of journalists up to and including the Olympic Games,"<ref>[http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_299.pdf Report] of the IOC Evaluation Commission for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in 2008, pg.73</ref> but according to a report in ''[[The New York Times]]'', "[[Beijing 2008 Olympic bid|these promises]] have been contradicted by strict visa rules, lengthy application processes and worries about censorship."<ref name="Networks Fight"/><br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics Broadcasting}}<br />
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===Online coverage===<br />
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The 2008 Olympics marks the debut of online and on-demand video, roughly 200 hours of coverage per day for the duration of the games. "Exclusive broadcast rights holders in large markets in Europe, North America and Australia have plans to show thousands of hours online." Furthermore, for the first time "live online video rights in some markets for the Olympics have been separately negotiated, not part of the overall 'broadcast rights,'"; these new media of the [[digital economy]] are growing "nine times faster than the rest of the advertising market."<ref>http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/07/09/oly.media/index.html</ref><br />
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Globally, however, the 2008 Olympics is subject to extensive copyright restriction &ndash;which amounts to territorial restrictions&ndash; whilst still being covered extensively online within various exclusive copyright [[autarky|autarkies]]. Thus despite the international nature of the event and the global reach of the [[Internet]], the coverage world wide of assorted nation-states and television networks is not readily accessible; there is no global or [[supranational]] media coverage as such. The [[international]] [[European Broadcasting Union]] (EBU), for example, provides live coverage and highlights of all arenas only for certain of its own territories<ref>http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/olympics/geoerror/geoerror.html</ref> on their website eurovisionsports.tv.<ref>[http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/olympics/ Beijing Live], Beijing 2008. Retrieved on August 9, 2008.</ref> Many national broadcasters likewise restrict online events to their domestic audiences.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/cycling/7552544.stm</ref> <br />
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Despite the contractual obligations of the [[digital economy]], some of the same technologies used to circumvent the [[Great Firewall of China]] (such as [[Internet_censorship_in_China#Efforts_at_breaking_through|UltraSurf]]) can be used to subvert the Olympic media autarkies on the Internet as well.<br />
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[[YouTube]] has removed a video of a regional German network's ([[Norddeutscher Rundfunk|NDR]]) coverage of the opening ceremonies as "This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by a third party.<ref>http://community.livejournal.com/olympicgames08/28771.html</ref><ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1nmR8Ndj7g</ref>; a video from Australia's [[Seven Network]] has been removed "for violation of terms of service." Furthermore, the General National Copyright Administration of China has announced that "individual (''sic'') and websites will face fines as high as 100,000 yuan for uploading recordings of Olympic Games video to the internet,"<ref>http://www.danwei.org/2008_beijing_olympic_games/china_copywrites_the_olympics.php</ref> part of an extensive campaign to protect the pertinent intellectual property rights.<ref>http://olympics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/16/for-olympics-china-ramps-up-copyright-infringement-campaign/</ref><ref>http://news.xinhuanet.com/newmedia/2008-06/13/content_8359170.htm</ref><ref>http://english.ipr.gov.cn/ipr/en/info/Article.jsp?a_no=142611&col_no=926&dir=200711</ref><br />
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==Torch relay==<br />
[[Image:Official 2008 Summer Olympics Torch in Vilnius.jpg|right|thumb|2008 Olympic Torch]]<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics torch relay|2008 Summer Olympics torch relay route}}<br />
The design of the [[Olympic Torch]] is based on traditional scrolls and uses a traditional Chinese design known as the "Propitious Clouds" (祥云). The torch is designed to remain lit in 65 kph (40 mph) winds, temperatures of up to -40°C and in rain of up to 50 mm (2 in) per hour.<br />
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The relay, with the theme '''Journey of Harmony''', lasted 130 days and carried the torch {{convert|137000|km|mi|abbr=on}}—the longest distance of any Olympic torch relay since the tradition began at the [[1936 Berlin Games]].<ref name="IOC torch">{{cite news |date=[[2007-04-26]] |title=Beijing 2008: BOCOG Announces Olympic Torch Relay Route |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2147 |publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]] |accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/09/world/09torch.html?_r=1&ex=1365393600&en=2c75ea71d3f9215b&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin|title=Officials Expect Olympic Torch to Continue on Route}}</ref> The torch relay was called a "public relations disaster" for China by ''The Times''<ref name="Public Relations Disaster">{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/olympics/article3811649.ece |title=Britain sends mandarins to China on subtle mission |date=[[2008-04-25]] |accessdate=2007-04-27 |publisher=The Times}}</ref>, with protests of [[Human rights in the People's Republic of China|China's human rights record]], particularly about [[2008 Tibetan unrest|Tibet]].<br />
[[Image:Beijing 2008 Torch Relay Route.png|left|250px|thumb|Route of the 2008 Olympic Torch Relay]]<br />
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The relay began [[March 24]], [[2008]], in [[Olympia, Greece]]. From there, it traveled across Greece to [[Panathinaiko Stadium]] in [[Athens]], and then to Beijing, arriving on [[March 31]]. From Beijing, the torch followed a route passing through every continent except Antarctica. The torch visited cities on the [[Silk Road]], symbolizing ancient links between China and the rest of the world. A total of 21,880 torchbearers have been selected from around the world by various organizations and entities.<ref name="BOCOG relay">{{cite news |publisher=[[BOCOG]] |url=http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/news/headlines/n214042288.shtml |title=Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay Planned Route and Torch Design unveiled |date=[[2007-04-26]] |accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref><br />
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The international portion of the relay was problematic. The month-long world tour saw wide-scale protests to China's human rights abuses and recent crackdown in Tibet. After trouble in London saw several attempts to put out the flame, the flame was extinguished in Paris the following day.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article3697392.ece| title=Tibet protests force organisers to snuff out Olympic flame in Paris| date=[[2008-04-07]]| publisher=[[The Times]]| last=Bremner| first=Charles}}</ref> The American leg in San Francisco on [[9 April]] was altered without prior warning to avoid such scenes, although there were still demonstrations along the original route.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7339380.stm?| title= Confusion strikes US torch relay| date=[[2008-04-09]]| publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> The relay was further delayed and simplified after the [[2008 Sichuan earthquake]] affecting western China.<br />
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The flame was [[2008 Summer Olympics summit of Mt. Everest|carried to the top of Mount Everest]]<ref name="BOCOG relay" /> on a 108 km (67 mi) long "highway" scaling the Tibetan side of the mountain especially built for the relay. The $19.7 million blacktop project spanned from [[Tingri County]] of [[Xigazê Prefecture]] to the [[Everest Base Camp]].<ref name="Everest road">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200706200340.htm |title=China to build highway on Mt Everest for 2008 Olympics |date=[[2007-06-20]] |accessdate=2007-06-25 |publisher=The Hindu}}</ref> In 2008 March, China banned mountaineers from climbing its side of Mount Everest and later persuaded the Nepalese government to close their side as well, officially citing environmental concerns.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/climbers-banned-from-everest-as-china-seeks-to-stop-protests-on-summit-796782.html|title=Climbers banned from Everest as China seeks to stop protests on summit|date=[[2008-03-17]] |accessdate=2008-03-23 |publisher=The Independent}}</ref> It also reflected concerns by the Chinese government that [[Tibet]] activists may try to disrupt its plans to carry the Olympic torch up the world's tallest peak.<ref name="cnn13mar08">{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/12/china.everest.ap/index.html |title=China closes its side of Everest to climbers |date=[[2008-03-12]] |accessdate=2008-03-13 |publisher=CNN}}</ref><br />
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The originally proposed route would have seen the torch carried through [[Taipei]] after leaving [[Vietnam]] and before heading for Hong Kong. Taiwan authorities, however, objected to this proposal, claiming that this route would make the portion of the relay in Taiwan appear to be part of the torch's domestic journey through China, rather than a leg on the international route.<ref name="Taiwan relay">{{cite news |publisher=Taiwan Journal |title=Taiwan rejects 'domestic' Olympic torch route |url=http://taiwanjournal.nat.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=24170&CtNode=122 |date=[[2007-05-04]] |accessdate=2007-08-15}}</ref> This dispute as well as demands that the [[flag of the Republic of China]] and the [[National Anthem of the Republic of China]] be banned along the route<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7005984.stm BBC NEWS Asia-Pacific | Olympic torch will bypass Taiwan]</ref> led the Taiwan authorities to reject the proposal that it be part of the relay route, and the two sides of the Taiwan Strait subsequently blamed each other for injecting politics into the event.<ref name="China torch Taipei">{{cite news |publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Canada Sports]] |title=China blames Taiwan for scuttling Olympic torch relay through Taipei, labels 'vile precedent'|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=ap-china-torchrelay&prov=ap&type=lgns |date=[[2007-09-21]] |accessdate=2007-09-24}}</ref><br />
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==The Games==<br />
{{Further|[[2008 Summer Olympics highlights]], [[2008 Summer Olympics medal count|medal count]], and [[2008 Summer Olympics medal winners|medal winners]]}}<br />
===Opening ceremony===<br />
[[Image:BeijingOlimpicGames2008-08-08.jpg|thumb|right|A scene from the opening ceremony.]]<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony|2008 Summer Olympics national flag bearers}}<br />
The opening ceremony was held at the [[Beijing National Stadium]]. It began at 8:00 pm [[China Standard Time]] ([[UTC+8]]) on [[8 August]] [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tickets.beijing2008.cn/browse?category=8224&major_category=8224&game_type=olympic|title=Tickets Information - The official ticketing website of the BEIJING 2008 Olympic Games}}</ref><ref>[http://www.travelchinaguide.com/news/show.asp?nid=138 "Beijing Confirms the Opening Ceremony Time for 2008 Olympics"], Travel China Guide. Retrieved on [[August 2]], [[2008]]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/ceremonies/n214508163.shtml|title=Opening Ceremony plan released|date=2008-08-06|publisher=Official website|accessdate=2008-08-08}}</ref> The [[8 (number)#As a lucky or unlucky number|number 8]] is associated with prosperity and confidence in [[Numbers in Chinese culture|Chinese culture]].<ref name="Eight">{{cite web |url=http://afgen.com/china8.html |title=The Number Eight And The Chinese |accessdate=2007-04-22}}</ref> The ceremony was co-directed by Chinese filmmaker [[Zhang Yimou]] and Chinese choreographer [[Zhang Jigang]].<ref>http://en.beijing2008.cn/culture/ceremonies/n214143744.shtml</ref> It featured a cast of over 15,000 performers, and was dubbed beforehand as "the most spectacular Olympics Opening Ceremony ever produced".<ref>[http://www.thrfeed.com/2008/07/olympics-openin.html Olympics opening ceremony to have 15,000 performers -- The Live Feed <!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><br />
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A rich assembly of ancient Chinese art and culture dominated the ceremony. It opened with the beating of [[Fou]] drums for the countdown. Subsequently, a giant [[scroll]] was unveiled and became the show's centerpiece. The official song of the 2008 Olympics was performed by Britain's [[Sarah Brightman]] and China's [[Liu Huan]], and was titled ''[[You and Me (theme song)|You and Me]]''.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUST29313420080807 FACTBOX: Fears, foul-ups and triumphs at past Olympic openings<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Former Chinese [[gymnastics|gymnast]] [[Li Ning]] ignited the [[cauldron]].<br />
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The entry parade of the competing athletes differed in order from previous Olympic ceremonies, as the national teams did not enter in [[latin alphabet]]ical order. Instead, teams entered the stadium in order (lowest first) of the number of strokes in their [[Simplified Chinese character]] transcriptions. As a result, Australia (normally one of the first teams to enter the stadium) became one of the final teams to arrive, as the first character of the Chinese name of Australia (澳大利亚) has 16 strokes. The Olympic traditions of Greece entering first and the host nation (China) entering last were still observed. <br />
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A review of the opening ceremony from around the world called it "spectacular and devoid of politics"<ref>[http://www.thrfeed.com/2008/08/olympics-review.html Olympics opening ceremony reviews -- The Live Feed <!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> though it was later revealed that the televised fireworks were enhanced with computer animation. Another cosmetic enhancement in China's quest for a perfect Summer Games was using a cute girl to lip-sync over the singing voice of a girl with "chubby face and crooked baby teeth" during the opening ceremony song [[Ode to the Motherland]].<ref>[http://www.wopular.com/node/980390 Olympic opening uses girl's voice, not face]</ref><br />
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More than 100 sovereigns, heads of state and heads of government as well as 170 Ministers of Sport will be attending the Beijing Olympic Games.<ref>[http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2698 IOC President to meet with world leaders]</ref><br />
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=== Closing ceremony ===<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony}}<br />
The 2008 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony will conclude the Beijing Games on [[August 24]], [[2008]]. It is planned to begin at 8:00pm [[China Standard Time]] ([[UTC+8]]), and to take place at the [[Beijing National Stadium]].<br />
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[[British]] singer [[Leona Lewis]] is scheduled to perform at the closing ceremony, representing the change from Beijing to [[London]].<ref>Knight, Tom. [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/2303411/London-rap-troupe-fly-flag-at-Beijing-Olympics.html London rap troupe fly flag at Beijing Olympics] ''The Telegraph''. 16 June, 2008. Accessed 24 July, 2008.</ref> The Ceremony will also include the handover of the games from Beijing to [[London]]. [[Guo Jinlong]], the [[Mayor of Beijing]] will hand over the [[Olympic symbols#Flag|Olympic flag]] to the Mayor of London [[Boris Johnson]], and there will be a performance by the [[London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games]] (LOCOG).<br />
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===Participating NOCs===<br />
[[Image:2008 Olympic games countries.svg|thumb|250px|Participating nations]]<br />
Following the Opening Ceremony on [[August 8]], [[2008]], all but one (Brunei) of the current 205 [[National Olympic Committee]]s (NOCs)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/organisation/noc/index_uk.asp |title=National Olympic Committees |publisher=International Olympic Committee |accessdate=2008-03-11}}</ref> will participate. [[China at the 2008 Summer Olympics|China]] and the [[United States at the 2008 Summer Olympics|United States]] have the largest teams, with 639 and 596<ref name="USOC Delegation">[http://teamusa.org/news/article/2744 2008 United States Olympic Team Entered Into XXVIV Olympic Games in Beijing, China], USOC, July 24, 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.asianweek.com/2008/08/08/asian-americans-going-for-the-gold-in/ "Asian Americans Going for the Gold in…"]. [[AsianWeek]]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[08-11]].</ref>competitors respectively. Several countries are represented at the games by a single athlete.<br />
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Three countries participated for their first time in history: The [[Marshall Islands]], [[Montenegro]] and [[Tuvalu]].<br />
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[[South Africa]]n swimmer [[Natalie du Toit]], five time gold medalist at the [[2004 Summer Paralympics|Athens Paralympics in 2004]], has qualified to compete at the Beijing Olympics, thus making history by becoming the first [[amputee]] to qualify for the Olympic Games since [[Olivér Halassy]] in 1936.<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/05/04/sbswim104.xml "Dreams carry Natalie Du Toit to Beijing"], ''The Telegraph'', May 4, 2008</ref><ref>[http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/swimming/news/story?id=3379722 "Du Toit, who lost leg in scooter accident, will swim in Beijing Games"], Reuters, May 3, 2008</ref> [[Natalia Partyka]] (who was born without a right forearm) will compete in Table Tennis for Poland.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.london2012.com/blog/2008/06/18/natalia-paralympic-and-olympic-athlete.php |title=Natalia: Paralympic AND Olympic athlete |accessdate=2008-07-15}}</ref><br />
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[[Image:Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg|80px|thumb|border|right|TPE]]<br />
As in the previous games since 1984, athletes from the [[Republic of China]] ([[Taiwan]]) are competing at the Olympics as "[[Chinese Taipei]]" (TPE) <ref>[http://en.olympic.cn/china_oly/history/2004-03-27/121827.html "Reinstatement in the Olympic Movement"], Chinese Olympic Committee, March 27, 2004</ref> under the "Chinese Taipei Olympic flag" and using the [[National Banner Song]] as their official anthem. The participation of Taiwan had been in doubt due to disagreements over the designation of the team in the Chinese language, and concerns that Taiwan would march in the Opening Ceremony next to the Chinese Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong.<ref>[http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24123163-5013406,00.html "Taiwan clears Games hurdle"], ''[[The Australian]]'', August 4, 2008</ref> Supporters inside and outside of the venues will not be able to display the [[flag of the Republic of China]].<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/08/12/asia/AS-OLY-Taiwan-China.php "Taiwanese plan to skirt Olympics flag ban"], ''[[International Herald Tribune]] - Asia-Pacific'', August 12, 2008</ref><br />
<div align="center"><br />
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" style="width:100%"<br />
! List of Participating NOCs<br />
|-<br />
|<br />
Below is a list of all the participating NOCs (where available, the number of competitors per delegation is indicated in parentheses):<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics NOCs}}<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
====Participation changes====<br />
The [[Marshall Islands]] and [[Tuvalu]] gained National Olympic Committee status in 2006 and 2007 respectively, and are participating in the Games.<ref name="Tuvalu">{{cite news | title = Robert Meets IOC President| url = http://www.oceaniasport.com/tuvalu/| publisher =[[ONOC]] | date = [[2005-04-02]] | accessdate = 2006-12-17 }}</ref><ref name="New NOCs accepted">{{cite news |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2237 |title=Two new National Olympic Committees on board! |publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]] |date=[[2007-07-06]] |accessdate=2007-07-08}}</ref><br />
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The states of [[Serbia]] and [[Montenegro]], which participated at the 2004 Games jointly as [[Serbia and Montenegro]], are now competing separately. The Montenegrin Olympic Committee was accepted as a new National Olympic Committee in 2007.<ref name="New NOCs accepted" /> IOC has promised to recognise the newly independent Republic of [[Kosovo]], but not in time for the nation to compete in the Olympics.<ref>{{cite news|title=IOC to recognise Kosovo |publisher=News24 |date=2008-02-17|url=http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/More_Sport/0,,2-9-32_2272369,00.html|accessdate=2008-02-17}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[North Korea]] and [[South Korea]] held meetings to discuss the possibility of sending a united team to the 2008 Olympics,<ref name="Korea1">{{cite news | title = Koreas 'to unify Olympics teams'| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4396170.stm| publisher =[[BBC]] | date = [[2006-05-14]] | accessdate = 2006-12-17 }}</ref><ref name="Korea2">{{cite news | title = Two Koreas Make Progress in Creation of Unified Team| url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=1893| publisher =[[International Olympic Committee]] | date = [[2006-09-05]] | accessdate = 2006-09-10 }}</ref> but the proposal failed, due to disagreements between the two NOCs on the proportion of athletes from the two countries within the team.<br />
<br />
On [[July 24]], [[2008]], the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC) banned [[Iraq at the 2008 Summer Olympics|Iraq]] from competing in the 2008 Olympic Summer Games due to "political interference by the government in sports."<ref>{{cite news | title = Iraq banned from Summer Olympics | publisher = [[CNN]] | date = 2008-07-24 | url = http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/07/24/iraq.olympics/index.html | accessdate = 2008-07-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Iraq banned from Beijing Olympics | publisher = [[BBC Sport]] | date = 2008-07-24 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympics/7523708.stm | accessdate = 2008-07-24}}</ref> On [[July 29]], the IOC reversed its decision and will allow the nation to compete after a pledge by Iraq to ensure "the independence of its national Olympics panel" by instituting fair elections before the end of November. Until then, Iraq's Olympic Organisation will be run by "an interim committee proposed by its national sports federations and approved by the IOC."<ref>[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/olympics/2008/07/29/bc.oly.iraq.olympicstops.ap/index.html?cnn=yes IOC lifts Iraq's Olympic suspension]</ref><br />
<br />
[[Brunei|Brunei Darussalam]] were due to take part in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. However, they were disqualified on [[August 8]], having failed to register either of their athletes.<ref>{{cite news | title = Brunei Darussalam excluded from Beijing Olympic Games | publisher = [[Xinhua]] | date = 2008-08-08 | url = http://www.china.org.cn/olympics/news/2008-08/08/content_16167337.htm | accessdate = 2008-08-08}}</ref> The [[International Olympic Committee|IOC]] spokeswoman [[Emmanuelle Moreau]] said in a statement that "it is a great shame and very sad for the athletes who lose out because of the decision by their team not to register them. The IOC tried up until the last minute, midday Friday [[8 August]] [[2008]], the day of the official opening, to have them register, but to no avail."<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-Olympics/idUSPEK32791920080808 Brunei excluded from Beijing Games]</ref> Brunei's Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports submitted a Press release why Brunei decided not to participate in Beijing, stated that "one athlete competing in the shot putt event Mohd Yazid Yatimi Yusof (who) has undergone intensive training since March ... injured himself in June (right liotibial strain with mild lateral ministrial knee injury), when he was competing in the Pesta Sukan Kebangsaan (National Sports Festival)". The Brunei Darussalam Olympic Council (BNOC) issued a Press release stating that "it had to wait for approval from the Youth and Sports Department under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports as to whether Brunei Darussalam could be represented at the Olympic Games".<ref>[http://www.bt.com.bn/en/sport/2008/08/10/brunei_not_in_china_because]</ref> It is also noted that the withdrawal can lead Brunei to being sanctioned and appropriate action will be taken after the closing of the Olympics on August 24.<ref>[http://www.ranoadidas.com/?p=1576]</ref><br />
<br />
[[Democratic Republic of Georgia|Georgia]] announced on August 9, 2008 that it is considering withdrawing from the Beijing Olympic Games due to [[2008 South Ossetia War|current military conflict in South Ossetia]]. Certain participating Georgian athletes have made known they want to leave the Olympics in order to fight with the Georgian army.<ref>[http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Olympics2008/0,,2-9-2370_2372929,00.html]</ref><br />
<br />
===Sports===<br />
[[Image:Swimming 2008.gif|thumb|110px|left|This pictogram depicts ''Swimming''.]]<br />
[[Image:Beijingolympicsmedals.jpg|thumb|right|The reverse side of the medals of the 2008 Summer Olympics: silver (left), gold (center), bronze (right)]]<br />
The program for the Beijing 2008 Games is quite similar to that of the [[2004 Summer Olympics|Athens Games]] held in 2004. The 2008 Olympics will see the return of 28 sports, and will hold 302 events (165 men’s events, 127 women’s events, and 10 mixed events), one event more in total than in Athens.<br />
<br />
Overall 9 new events will be held, which include 2 from the new [[Cycling at the Summer Olympics|cycling]] discipline of [[BMX at the Summer Olympics|BMX]]. Women will compete in the 3000 m [[steeplechase (athletics)|steeplechase]] for the first time. In addition, marathon swimming events for men and women, over the distance of 10 kilometres, will be added to the swimming discipline. Team events (men and women) in [[table tennis]] will replace the doubles events. In [[fencing]], women's team foil and women's team sabre will replace men's team foil and women's team [[epee]].<ref>The fencing programme will again include all six individual events and four team events, though the team events will be a different set than were held in 2004. The [[Fédération Internationale d'Escrime|International Fencing Federation's]] rules call for events not held in the previous Games to receive automatic selection and for at least one team event in each weapon to be held. Voting is conducted to determine the fourth event. In 2004, the three men's team events and the women's épée were held. Thus, in 2008, the women's foil and sabre events and men's épée were automatically selected. Men's sabre was chosen over foil by a 45–20 vote.</ref><ref name="FencingTeam">{{cite web |type=pdf |url=http://www.fie.ch/download/letters/2006/urgent/09/en/decisions%20ANG.pdf |title=List of decisions of the 2006 General Assembly |date=[[2006-04-08]] |publisher=[[Federation Internationale d'Escrime]] |accessdate=2007-04-22|format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=2008programme>{{cite news |url = http://olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=1797 |title = Beijing 2008: Games Programme Finalised |publisher = International Olympic Committee |date = [[2006-04-27]] |accessdate = 2006-05-10}}</ref><ref>[http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_1056.pdf Programme of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, Beijing 2008], International Olympic Committee. Retrieved on May 15, 2006.</ref><br />
<br />
The [[Beijing Organizing Committee]] have released [[pictogram]]s of the 35 Olympic disciplines. This set of sport icons is named ''the beauty of seal characters'', due to each pictogram's likeness to Chinese [[seal script]].<ref name="pictograms">{{cite news |url = http://en.beijing2008.com/37/34/article212033437.shtml |title = Pictograms of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games unveiled |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |date = [[2006-08-07]] |accessdate = 2006-08-09}}</ref><br />
<br />
The following are the sports to be contested at these Games. The number of events to be contested in each sport is indicated in parentheses.<br />
{{Col-begin}}<br />
{{Col-1-of-4}}<br />
* Aquatics<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Diving|2008 Summer|8}}<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Swimming|2008 Summer|34}}<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Synchronized swimming|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Water polo|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Archery|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Athletics|2008 Summer|47}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Badminton|2008 Summer|5}}<br />
{{Col-2-of-4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Baseball|2008 Summer|1}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Basketball|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Boxing|2008 Summer|11}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Canoeing|2008 Summer|16}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Cycling|2008 Summer|18}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Equestrian|2008 Summer|6}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Fencing|2008 Summer|10}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Field hockey|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
{{Col-3-of-4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Football|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Gymnastics|2008 Summer|18}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Handball|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Judo|2008 Summer|14}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Modern pentathlon|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Rowing|2008 Summer|14}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Sailing|2008 Summer|11}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Shooting|2008 Summer|15}}<br />
{{Col-4-of-4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Softball|2008 Summer|1}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Table tennis|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Taekwondo|2008 Summer|8}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Tennis|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Triathlon|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Volleyball|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Weightlifting|2008 Summer|15}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Wrestling|2008 Summer|18}}<br />
{{Col-end}}<br />
<br />
===Calendar===<br />
In the following calendar for the 2008 Olympic Games, each blue box represents an event competition, such as a qualification round, on that day. The yellow boxes represent days during which medal-awarding finals for a sport are held. Each bullet in these boxes is an event final, the number of bullets per box representing the number of finals that will be contested on that day.<ref name="Calendar">{{cite web|url = http://en.beijing2008.cn/cptvenues/schedule/ |title = Olympic Games Competition Schedule |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |accessdate = 2007-07-05 }}</ref><br />
<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics Calendar}}<br />
<br />
===Medal table===<br />
{{Main|2008 Summer Olympics medal table}}<br />
These are the top-ten positions so far:<br />
<br />
{| {{RankedMedalTable|class=wikitable sortable}}<br />
|- bgcolor=ccccff<br />
| 1 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|CHN|2008 Summer}} || '''22''' || 8 || 5 || 35<br />
|-<br />
| 2 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|USA|2008 Summer}} || 13 || '''11''' || '''17''' || '''41'''<br />
|-<br />
| 3 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|GER|2008 Summer}} || 8 || 2 || 3 || 13<br />
|-<br />
| 4 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|KOR|2008 Summer}} || 6 || 7 || 3 || 16<br />
|-<br />
| 5 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|ITA|2008 Summer}} || 6 || 4 || 3 || 13<br />
|-<br />
| 6 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|AUS|2008 Summer}} || 5 || 6 || 7 || 18<br />
|-<br />
| 7||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|JPN|2008 Summer}} || 5 || 3 || 3 || 11<br />
|-<br />
| 8 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|RUS|2008 Summer}} || 3 || 8 || 4 || 15<br />
|-<br />
| 9 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|FRA|2008 Summer}} || 2 || 7 || 6 || 15<br />
|-<br />
| 10 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|GBR|2008 Summer}} || 2 || 2 || 3 || 7<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Concerns and controversies==<br />
[[Image:Human Rights Abuse Cannot Co-exist with Beijing Olympics.jpg|thumb|right|The banner reads: "Human Rights Abuse Cannot Co-exist with Beijing Olympics", picture taken during the opening of the [[Human Rights Torch Relay]] event]]<br />
{{main|Concerns over the 2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
A variety of concerns over the games have been expressed by various entities; including allegations that China violated its [[Beijing 2008 Olympic bid|pledge]] to allow open media access,<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/sports/olympics/09beijing.html?ref=olympics Two Concerns for Olympics - Air and Access - NYTimes.com]</ref> various alleged human rights violations,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3545274,00.html|title=Protestors Rally in Europe on Eve of China Olympics|date=2008-08-07 |publisher=Deutsche Welle|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=c06e4f24-ea77-467c-960e-abc94721e094|title=China's un-Olympic human rights record||publisher=Calgary Herald|date=2008-08-09|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iM4HoqRxdb5TWSCC16uQuHn2_q7g|title=Canadian protests over China's human-rights record continue prior to Games|date=2008-08-08 |publisher=Haaretz|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> [[air pollution]] in both the city of Beijing and in neighbouring areas,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-08/07/content_6912755.htm|title=Ji Xinpeng: Beijing welcomes you with its blue sky|accessdate=2008-08-08|work=China Daily|date=2008-08-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/world/20080727dy01.htm|title=Beijing failing to clear the air|date= 2008-07-27|publisher=The Daily Yomiuri|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> proposed [[Olympic boycotts|boycotts]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Kosyrev|first=Dmitry |url=http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20080806/115849259.html|title=Beijing Olympics as a diplomatic convention|accessdate=2008-08-09|work=RIA Novosti|date=2008-08-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1009630.html|first=Saul|last=Newman|title=Why Grandpa boycotted the Olympics|date= |publisher=Haaretz|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> warnings of the possibility that the Beijing Olympics could be targeted by terrorist groups,<ref>[http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080425.wolyminterpol0425/BNStory/International/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20080425.wolyminterpol0425 ''Interpol says Olympic terror attack 'real possibility'.'' The Globe and Mail. Accessed: April 25, 2008]</ref> foiled [[2008 Xinjiang attack|sabotage attempt]], potentially violent disruption from pro-Tibetan protesters,<ref name="interpol">[http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/25042008/3/interpol-chief-warns-olympic-terror-threat.html ''Interpol chief warns of Olympic terror threat''. Yahoo! Eurosport UK. Accessed: August 8, 2008]</ref> the banning of ethnic Tibetans from working in Beijing for the duration of the games,<ref>[http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008087495_olystrict02.html ''Seattle Times'' article]</ref> criticisms of policies mandating the electronic surveillance of internationally owned hotels,<ref>[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gAkDaSkHWHboscdhQZwdRBt6hZnw AFP: China plans to spy on Olympic hotel guests: US senator]</ref><ref>[http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-olyspy30-2008jul30,0,5823677.story Sen. Brownback says China monitoring Internet access in hotels - Los Angeles Times]</ref><ref>[http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jiZadkVJSv7CQ7lHqBOIlkTqVmzgD927QP880 The Associated Press: Senator: China spying on Internet use in hotels]</ref> displacement of residents,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/19/AR2008021901612.html|title=China Defends Relocation Policy|first=Maureen|last=Fan|work=[[The Washington Post]]|publisher =[[The Washington Post Company]]|date=2008-02-20|accessdate=2008-08-09|coauthors=Jie, Zhang}}</ref> and ticket adversities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/web/british-fraud-ran-beijing-ticket-scam/2008/08/06/1217702097417.html|title=British fraud ran Beijing ticket scam|date=2008-08-06|publisher=theage.com.au |accessdate=2008-07-12}}</ref> <br />
<br />
Additionally, [[International Tibet Independence Movement|pro-Tibetan independence]] proponents have exhibited disdain and protested the games,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7550802.stm |title=Protest attempt at Olympic event|date= |publisher=[[BBC News]]|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> [[human rights]] activists critical of China's role in the [[Darfur conflict]] have sought policy change,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7503428.stm? |title=China 'is fuelling war in Darfur' |date= |publisher=[[BBC News]] |accessdate=2008-07-12}}</ref> and Christian advocates have voiced concerns regarding the persecution of [[Christianity in China|Christians in China]].<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/440097402.html|title=4 Winds Allows Olympic Testimonies Underground -- China is Hypocritical in Treatment of Christians on the Streets|accessdate=2008-08-08|work=Christian Newswire|date=2008-08-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Colson|first=Chuck|url=http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080803/bush-china-and-the-olympics.htm|title=Bush, China, and the Olympics|accessdate=2008-08-08|work=The Christian Post|date=2008-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.epochtimes.com/n2/china/china-church-leader-olympics-2336.html|author=Qin Yue & Li Mingcai|title=Beijing Intensifies Suppression of House Churches Ahead of Olympics|date=2008-08-07|accessdate=2008-08-11|work=Sound of Hope Radio|publisher=Epoch Times}}</ref><ref name="cna">{{cite web|url=http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=13474|title=Chinese bishop explains reasons for participating in Olympic opening ceremonies|publisher=Catholic News Agency|accessdate=2008-08-10|date=2008-08-08}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Hu Jia and Zen Jinyan===<br />
<br />
On February 2008 [[AIDS]] and [[Human Rights]] activist Hu Jia was arrested for criticizing China as the Host of the Olympics, comparing them to the Nazi hosting the Berlin Olympics.<ref>[http://observers.france24.com/en/content/blogger_put_prison_criticising_olympic_games "Blogger put in prison for criticising the Olympic Games" The Observers by France, August 15, 2008]</ref><br />
<br />
His wife [[Zeng Jinyan]] and their baby daughter were harassed and kept under constant surveillance and house arrest while she kept blogging in favor of her husband<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100/article/0,28804,1595326_1615754_1616169,00.html/ "Zeng Jinyan - The TIME 100," TIME Magazine, May 14, 2007]</ref>.<br />
<br />
One day before the opening ceremony of the 2008 olympics in Beijing, Zeng Jinyan was forcibly dissapeared<ref>[http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/29-03-2006/78007-China-0/ "Chinese rights activist Zeng Jinyan disappears" International Herald Tribune, August 9, 2008]</ref> along with her baby daughter and is suspected to be mistreated by the Chinese police state.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{portalpar|Olympics|Olympic Rings.svg}}<br />
*[[2008 Summer Olympics highlights]]<br />
*[[2008 Summer Olympics medal table]]<br />
*[[2008 Summer Paralympics]]<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
{{reflist|3}}<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
{{Commons cat|2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
* [http://en.beijing2008.cn/ Official Website of the 2008 Summer Olympics]<br />
* [http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/index_uk.asp IOC Official 2008 Summer Olympics Website]<br />
* [http://results.beijing2008.cn/WRM/ENG/INF/GL/95A/GL0000000.shtml 2008 Olympics Medal Count]<br />
<br />
<!--spacing, please do not remove--><br />
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{{succession box|title=''[[Summer Olympic Games]]'' <br> Host City|before=[[2004 Summer Olympics|Athens]]|after=[[2012 Summer Olympics|London]]|years=''XXIX Olympiad'' (2008)}}<br />
{{end box}}<br />
{{Olympic Games}}<br />
{{NOCin2008SummerOlympics}}<br />
{{EventsAt2008SummerOlympics}}<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics venues}}<br />
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[[Category:2008 Summer Olympics| ]]<br />
[[Category:Sports festivals in China]]<br />
[[Category:Articles to be split]]<br />
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[[af:Olimpiese Somerspele 2008]]<br />
[[ar:ألعاب أولمبية صيفية 2008]]<br />
[[az:2008 il Yay Olimpiya oyunları]]<br />
[[bs:XXIX Olimpijske igre - Peking 2008.]]<br />
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[[bg:Летни олимпийски игри 2008]]<br />
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[[el:Θερινοί Ολυμπιακοί Αγώνες 2008]]<br />
[[es:Juegos Olímpicos de Pekín 2008]]<br />
[[eo:Somera Olimpiko 2008]]<br />
[[eu:2008ko Olinpiar Jokoak]]<br />
[[fa:بازیهای المپیک تابستانی ۲۰۰۸]]<br />
[[fr:Jeux olympiques d'été de 2008]]<br />
[[gl:Xogos Olímpicos de 2008]]<br />
[[ko:2008년 하계 올림픽]]<br />
[[hr:XXIX. Olimpijske igre - Peking 2008.]]<br />
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[[ml:2008-ലെ ബെയ്ജിങ്ങ് ഒളിമ്പിക്സ്]]<br />
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[[wuu:第29屆夏季奧林匹克运动会]]<br />
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[[zh-yue:2008年北京夏季奧運會]]<br />
[[bat-smg:2008 m. vasaras uolėmpėnės žaidīnės]]<br />
[[zh:2008年夏季奥林匹克运动会]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2008_Summer_Olympics&diff=232044053
2008 Summer Olympics
2008-08-15T04:41:11Z
<p>Yupi666: /* Concerns and controversies */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{pp-semi-vandalism|small=yes}}<br />
{{Current sport|olympics=Yes}}<br />
{{redirect|Beijing 2008|the video game|Beijing 2008 (video game)}}<br />
{{for|the current medal count|2008 Summer Olympics medal table}}<br />
{{Olympics infobox|2008|Summer|<br />
| Logo = Beijing 2008 Olympics logo.svg<br />
| Size = 150<br />
| Name = Official logo of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games<br />
| Optional caption = 同一个世界 同一个梦想 ('''''One World, One Dream''''')<br />The "[[Dancing Beijing]]" emblem, depicting<br /> a [[Seal (Chinese)|Chinese seal]] inscribed with the <br />character "Jīng" (京, from the name of the <br />host city) in the form of a dancing figure.<br />
| Motto = 同一個世界 同一個夢想 ([[traditional Chinese]])<br />
| Motto = '''''One World, One Dream''''' ([[English]])<br />
| Nations participating = 204 NOCs [[#Participating NOCs|(See below)]]<br />
| Athletes participating = 11,028<ref name="athletes_number">{{cite press release|title=NOC entry forms received|publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]]|date=2008-08-01 |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/official/preparation/n214496035.shtml|accessdate=2008-08-08|quote=(...) confirmed the qualification of 11,028 athletes, including 363 supplement athletes holding a P card.}}</ref><br />
| Officially opened by = [[President of the People's Republic of China|President]] [[Hu Jintao]]<br />
| Athlete's Oath = [[Zhang Yining]]<br />
| Judge's Oath = [[Huang Liping]]<br />
| Olympic Torch = [[Li Ning]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
{{contains Chinese text}}<br />
The '''2008 Summer Olympic Games''', officially known as the '''Games of the XXIX Olympiad''', is a major [[international]] [[multi-sport event]] which is being held in [[Beijing]], [[People's Republic of China]], from [[August 8]] (except [[Football at the 2008 Summer Olympics|football]], which started on [[August 6]]) to [[August 24]], [[2008]], and will be followed by the [[2008 Summer Paralympics]], from [[September 6]] to [[September 17]]. A total of 10,500 athletes are expected to compete in 302 events in 28 sports, one event more than was on the schedule of the [[2004 Summer Olympics|2004 games]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/full_story_uk.asp?id=1805 |title=6th Coordination Commission Visit To Begin Tomorrow |publisher=International Olympic Committee |accessdate=2006-05-20}}</ref> The 2008 Beijing Olympics will also mark the third time that Olympic events will have been held in the territories of two different [[National Olympic Committee]]s (NOC), as the equestrian events will be held in [[Hong Kong]].<br />
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The [[Olympic games]] [[2008 Summer Olympics bids|were awarded]] to Beijing after an [[exhaustive ballot]] of the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC) on [[July 13]], [[2001]]. The official logo of the games, titled "[[Dancing Beijing]]," features a stylised calligraphic character ''jīng'' (京, meaning ''capital''), referring to the host city. The mascots of Beijing 2008 are the five [[Fuwa]] <ref>{{cite web|url=http://watch-olympics-online.co.cc/about.php |title=Fuwa Fact Sheet |accessdate=2008-05-14}}</ref>, each representing both a colour of the [[Olympic symbols#Flag|Olympic rings]] and a symbol of Chinese culture. The Olympic slogan, ''One World, One Dream'', calls upon the world to unite in the Olympic spirit. Several new NOCs have also been recognised by the IOC.<br />
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The [[Government of the People's Republic of China|Chinese government]] has promoted the games to highlight China's emergence on the world stage and has invested heavily in new facilities and transportation systems.<ref>{{cite news|title=China's coming out party |publisher=Toronto Star |month=August | year=2007 |url =http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Olympics/article/242172}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=2008-The Year of China? |publisher=BusinessCenter.TV |date=2007-08-07 |url= http://www.webcastr.com/videos/travel_leisure/2008-the-year-of-china.html|accessdate=2008-01-02}}</ref> A total of 37 venues will be used to host the events including 12 newly constructed venues. Earlier in 2007, former IOC president [[Juan Antonio Samaranch]] had said that he believes that the Beijing games will be "the best in Olympic history,"<ref name="Samaranch">{{cite news |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/culture/festivals/exhibition/n214101234.shtml |title=Beijing 2008 will be best-ever Games: Samaranch |date=[[2007-06-25]] |accessdate=2007-06-25 |publisher=BOCOG}}</ref> and current president [[Jacques Rogge]] asserts that the IOC has "absolutely no regrets" in choosing Beijing to host the 2008 games.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nbcolympics.com/blogs/blog=alanabrahamsonsblog/postid=163687.html |title="Absolutely no regrets" in coming to China, IOC president says |publisher=NBC |date=[[2008-08-02]] |accessdate=2008-08-02 |author=Abrahamson, Alan}}</ref> The choice of China as a host country has been a subject of criticism by politicians and NGOs concerned about China's [[Human rights in the People's Republic of China|human rights]] record.<ref>Ian Traynor and Jonathan Watts: ''[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/mar/29/germany.olympicgames2008 Merkel says she will not attend opening of Beijing Olympics.]'' Guardian on-line. March 29 2008</ref><ref>Amnesty International: ''[http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/ASA17/075/2008/en/1f55daf2-37c8-11dd-9ec6-1d6085451ee8/asa170752008eng.pdf China: The two faces of the Beijing Olympics.]'' 1 June 2008.</ref><br />
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==Bid==<br />
{| class="wikitable" align="right"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" | 2008 Summer Olympics bidding results<br />
|-<br />
! City<br />
! NOC<br />
| bgcolor="silver" |'''Round 1'''<br />
| bgcolor="silver" |'''Round 2'''<br />
|-<br />
| [[Beijing]] || {{flagicon|China}} [[People's Republic of China|China]] || align="center"| '''44''' || align="center"| '''56'''<br />
|-<br />
| [[Toronto]]|| {{flagicon|Canada}} [[Canada]] || align="center"| 20 || align="center"| 22<br />
|-<br />
| [[Paris]] || {{flagicon|France}} [[France]] || align="center"| 15 || align="center"| 18<br />
|-<br />
| [[Istanbul]] || {{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Turkey]] || align="center"| 17 || align="center"| 9<br />
|-<br />
| [[Osaka]] || {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Japan]] || align="center"| 6 || align="center"| —<br />
|}<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics bids|Beijing 2008 Olympic bid}}<br />
Beijing was elected the host city on [[July 13]], [[2001]], during the 112th [[International Olympic Committee|IOC]] Session in [[Moscow]], beating [[Toronto]], [[Paris]], [[Istanbul]], and [[Osaka]]. Prior to the session, five other cities ([[Bangkok]], [[Cairo]], [[Havana]], [[Kuala Lumpur]], and [[Seville]]) submitted bids to the IOC but failed to make the short list in 2000. After the first round of voting, Beijing held a significant lead over the other four candidates. Osaka received only six votes and was eliminated. In the second round, Beijing was supported by an [[absolute majority]] of voters, eliminating the need for subsequent rounds.<ref name="Election">{{cite web|url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/election_uk.asp |title = Beijing 2008: Election |publisher = International Olympic Committee |accessdate = 2006-12-18}}</ref><br />
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After winning the bid, [[Li Lanqing]], the vice premier of China, declared "The winning of the 2008 Olympic bid is an example of the international recognition of China's social stability, economic progress and the healthy life of the Chinese people." Previously, Beijing had [[2000 Summer Olympics bids|lost a close bid]] to [[Sydney]] for the chance to host the [[2000 Summer Olympics]].<br />
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==Development and preparation==<br />
===Venues===<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics venues| Olympic Green}}<br />
By May 2007, construction of all 31 Beijing-based Olympic Games venues had begun.<ref name="Under construction">{{cite news |publisher=BOCOG |date=2007-05-11 |accessdate=2007-05-11 |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/01/32/article214073201.shtml |title=All Beijing-based Olympic venues under construction}}</ref> The [[Chinese language|Chinese]] government has also invested in the renovation and construction of six venues outside Beijing as well as 59 training centres. Its largest [[Architecture|architectural]] pieces are the [[Beijing National Stadium]], [[Beijing National Indoor Stadium]], [[Beijing National Aquatics Centre]], [[Olympic Green Convention Centre]], [[Olympic Green]], and [[Beijing Wukesong Culture & Sports Center]]. Almost 85% of the [[construction]] budget for the six main venues is funded by [[United States dollar|US$]]2.1 billion ([[Renminbi|RMB¥]]17.4 billion) in corporate bids and tenders. Investments are expected from corporations seeking ownership rights after the 2008 Summer Olympics. Some venues will be owned and governed by the ''State General Administration of Sports'', which will use them after the Olympics as facilities for all future national sports teams and events. The 2008 Beijing Olympics are officially the most expensive games in history with a total of $40.9 billion spent between 2001 and 2007 on infrastructure, energy, transportation and water supply projects.<ref>[http://www.2008beijingolimpics.com/the-olympics/the-beijing-olympics-the-most-expensive-games-in-history/ The Most Expensive Games In History], Beijing 2008. Retrieved on August 5, 2008.</ref><br />
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Some events are being held outside Beijing, namely [[Football at the Summer Olympics|football]] in [[Qinhuangdao]], [[Shanghai]], [[Shenyang]], and [[Tianjin]]; [[Sailing at the 2008 Summer Olympics|sailing]] in [[Qingdao]]; and, because of "uncertainties of equine diseases and major difficulties in establishing a disease-free zone", [[Equestrian at the Summer Olympics|equestrian]] in [[Hong Kong]].<ref>[http://en.beijing2008.com/46/67/column211716746.shtml Olympic Venues], Beijing 2008. Retrieved on May 15, 2006.</ref><br />
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====Beijing National Stadium====<br />
{{main|Beijing National Stadium}}<br />
[[Image:Bird's Nest stadium, May 2008.jpg|thumb|right|350px|The Beijing National Stadium.]]<br />
The centrepiece of the 2008 Summer Olympics is the Beijing National Stadium, nicknamed the '''Bird's Nest''' because of its nest-like skeletal structure.<ref name="391 days left">{{cite news |url=http://olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2244 |title=The Olympic Games en route for Beijing |publisher=International Olympic Committee |date=2007-07-13 |accessdate=2007-07-16}}</ref> Construction of the venue began on [[December 24]], [[2003]]. The [[Guangdong Olympic Stadium]] was originally planned, constructed, and completed in 2001 for the games, but a decision was made to construct a new stadium in Beijing.{{Clarifyme|date=May 2008}}<ref>[http://www.architectureweek.com/2002/0501/design_1-1.html ArchitectureWeek - Design - China's Banner Stadium - 2002.0501<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Government officials engaged architects worldwide in a design competition. A [[Switzerland|Swiss]] firm, [[Herzog & de Meuron]] Architekten AG, collaborated with China Architecture Design & Research Group to win the competition. The stadium features a lattice-like concrete skeleton forming the stadium bowl and will have a seating capacity of over 90,000 people during the Olympics. Architects originally described the overall design as resembling a bird nest with an immense ocular—an opening with a [[retractable roof]] over the stadium. However, in 2004, the idea of retractable roof was abandoned for economic and safety reasons. The Beijing National Stadium will be the site of the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the athletics events and soccer finals. The stadium's designer [[Ai Weiwei]] has since withdrawn his support for China's Olympic games, saying "he wants nothing to do with them anymore".<ref>{{Clarifyme|date=May 2008}}{{cite news |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-CdWcszb_8|title=Stadium designer blasts China Olympics|publisher=Aljazeera|date=2007-08-12 |accessdate=2007-07-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/08/13/china.olympics.reut/?iref=mpstoryview|title= Chinese architect slams Olympic 'pretend smile'|accessdate=2007-08-16 |publisher= Reuters}}</ref><br />
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Most recently, the [[Beijing Olympic Village]] opened on [[July 16]], [[2008]] and to the public on [[July 26]], [[2008]].<br />
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===Transport===<br />
[[Image:Beijing 2008 olympic venues.png|thumb|right|250px|A map of the Olympic venues in Beijing. Several expressways [[Beltway|encircle]] the center of the city, providing for quick transportation around the city and between venues.]]<br />
In preparation for the huge rush during the games, [[Beijing Subway|Beijing's subway]] system underwent a major expansion which increased its capacity to more than twice its previous size. The previous system was composed of 4 lines and 64 stations. An additional 7 lines and more than 80 new stations were constructed, including a direct link to [[Beijing Capital International Airport]]. In the airport itself, 11 unmanned trains, each transporting a maximum of 83 passengers, will expedite the movement of people throughout the new terminal building.<ref name="Airport trains">{{cite news |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/olympiccities/beijing/n214096864.shtml |title=Un-manned trains to operate at new airport terminal building |date=[[2007-06-13]] |publisher=[[BOCOG]] |accessdate=2007-06-17}}</ref> Most of them are scheduled to operate from [[June 30]], [[2008]], one month before the start of the games. In 2007 January, the [[BOCOG]] announced that the Metro cars will be fitted with video screens showing the latest news and events during the games. Additionally, cellphone signals would be made available, so that people can use their communication devices in the metro stations or underground.<ref name="Video screen">{{cite news |url = http://en.beijing2008.cn/31/45/article214014531.shtml |title = Official: passengers can watch the Games in Beijing metro |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |date = [[2007-01-31]] |accessdate = 2006-02-15}}</ref> On August 1, [[Beijing South Railway Station]] was reopened after two years of construction. The 120-km long [[Beijing–Tianjin Intercity Rail]] opened on the same day that connects the new railway station with Olympic co-host city Tianjin with world's [[Land speed record for railed vehicles|fastest]] scheduled train service at 350&nbsp;km/h.<ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/olympics/article4442873.ece China inaugurates 220mph fastest rail service in world in time for Olympics]</ref><br />
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According to the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China, a new five-level [[Emergency population warning|emergency alert system]] for [[extreme weather]] and security threats will be implemented in the airport. This system is designed to ensure smooth and safe transportation for the estimated 3 million domestic and overseas visitors who will flock to Beijing for the games in 2008 August.<ref name="Airport security system">{{cite news |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/dynamics/headlines/n214101265.shtml |title=Beijing airport to launch emergency alert mechanism for Olympics |date=[[2007-06-25]] |accessdate=2007-06-25 |publisher=[[BOCOG]]}}</ref><br />
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On the ground, Beijing is set to designate 38 official public transit routes that will link the Olympic venues. During the games, 2,500 large-size [[bus]]es and 4,500 [[minibus]]es will be operated by a total of 8,000 drivers to transport people across various venues. Prior to the games, public transport will be optimised in order to reduce the existing 110 overlapping routes.<ref name="Transportation">{{cite news |url = http://en.beijing2008.cn/05/25/article214012505.shtml |title = 38 public transit routes to the Olympic venues |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |date = [[2007-01-22]] |accessdate = 2007-01-29}}</ref><br />
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Athletes, Olympic guests and media will be moved around the city in a fleet of 5,000 Volkswagen "low-emission, low-consumption" vehicles.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.ausmotive.com/2008/08/02/volkswagen-claims-green-medal-at-2008-olympic-games-in-beijing.html|title=Volkswagen claims ‘Green’ medal at 2008 Olympic Games | author= AUSmotive.com | date=2008-08-02 | accessdate=2008-08-02 | language= }}</ref><br />
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[[Beijing]] will be implementing a temporary [[road space rationing]] based on plate numbers during the Games in order to significantly improve air quality in the city.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/world/asia/15china.html?hp|title=Traffic Beijing Stops Construction for Olympics | author= Andrew Jacobs | date=2008-04-14 | publisher= New York Times | accessdate=2008-04-14 | language= }}</ref> Under the traffic plan made public on [[June 20]], [[2008]], the rationing will be enforced for two months, between July 20 to September 20, as the Olympics will begin on August 8, and then will be followed by the 2008 [[Paralympics]], from September 6 until 17.<ref name="Examiner08">{{cite news| url=http://www.examiner.com/a-1451114~Beijing_sets_restrictions_on_cars_during_Olympics.html |title=Beijing sets restrictions on cars during Olympics | author= Stephen Wade | date=2008-06-20 | publisher=National Examiner | accessdate=2008-06-23 | language= }}</ref>{{Dead link|date=August 2008}} The restrictions will be in placed on alternate days depending on the plates ending in odd or even numbers. This measure is expected to take 45% of the 3.3 million car fleet off the streets. In addition, 300,000 heavy polluting vehicles will be banned from July 1, and the plan also prohibits access to most vehicles coming from outside Beijing. The boosted public transport network is expected to absorb this additional demand, estimated in more than 4 million extra passengers per day.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/23/2282484.htm?site=olympics/2008 |title=Beijing to launch Olympic 'odd-even' car ban | author= Reuters | date=2008-06-23 | publisher=ABC news | accessdate=2008-06-23 | language= }}</ref><ref name="Examiner08"/><br />
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===Marketing===<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics marketing}}<br />
The 2008 Summer Olympics emblem is known as [[Dancing Beijing]] ({{zh-s|舞动的北京}}). The emblem combines a traditional Chinese red seal and a representation of the [[Chinese calligraphy|calligraphic]] [[Chinese character|character]] ''jīng'' ([[wikt:京|京]], "national capital", also the second character of Beijing's Chinese name) with athletic features. The open arms of the calligraphic word symbolises the invitation of China to the world to share in its culture. IOC president [[Jacques Rogge]] was very happy with the emblem, saying, "Your new emblem immediately conveys the awesome beauty and power of China which are embodied in your heritage and your people."<ref name="Message">{{cite news |url = http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200308/03/eng20030803_121618.shtml |title = Rogge's Message for Beijing Olympics Emblem Unveiling |publisher = People's Daily Online |date = 2003-08-03 |accessdate = 2006-12-19}}</ref><br />
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The slogan for the 2008 Olympics is "''One World, One Dream''" ({{zh-stp|s=同一个世界 同一个梦想|t=同一個世界 同一個夢想|p=Tóng Yíge Shìjiè Tóng Yíge Mèngxiǎng}}.)<ref name="Slogan">{{cite news|title='One World One Dream' selected as the Theme Slogan for Beijing 2008 Olympic Games |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/75/66/article211996675.shtml |date=[[2005-12-25]] |publisher=[[BOCOG]] |accessdate=2007-05-05}}</ref> The slogan calls upon the whole world to join in the Olympic spirit and build a better future for humanity. It was chosen from over 210,000 entries submitted from around the world.<ref name="391 days left" /><br />
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===Broadcasting===<br />
These games will be the first to be produced and broadcast entirely in [[High-definition television|high definition television]], and will likely garner upwards of 4 billion viewers.<ref name="HDTV">{{cite news |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/2008/2007-07/06/content_911825.htm |title=Seeing clearly: Panasonic ushers in first HDTV Game |publisher = China Daily |date=[[2007-07-06]] |accessdate=2008-03-24}}</ref> In their bid for the Olympic games in 2001, Beijing confirmed to the Olympic Evaluation Commission "that there will be no restrictions on media reporting and movement of journalists up to and including the Olympic Games,"<ref>[http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_299.pdf Report] of the IOC Evaluation Commission for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in 2008, pg.73</ref> but according to a report in ''[[The New York Times]]'', "[[Beijing 2008 Olympic bid|these promises]] have been contradicted by strict visa rules, lengthy application processes and worries about censorship."<ref name="Networks Fight"/><br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics Broadcasting}}<br />
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===Online coverage===<br />
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The 2008 Olympics marks the debut of online and on-demand video, roughly 200 hours of coverage per day for the duration of the games. "Exclusive broadcast rights holders in large markets in Europe, North America and Australia have plans to show thousands of hours online." Furthermore, for the first time "live online video rights in some markets for the Olympics have been separately negotiated, not part of the overall 'broadcast rights,'"; these new media of the [[digital economy]] are growing "nine times faster than the rest of the advertising market."<ref>http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/07/09/oly.media/index.html</ref><br />
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Globally, however, the 2008 Olympics is subject to extensive copyright restriction &ndash;which amounts to territorial restrictions&ndash; whilst still being covered extensively online within various exclusive copyright [[autarky|autarkies]]. Thus despite the international nature of the event and the global reach of the [[Internet]], the coverage world wide of assorted nation-states and television networks is not readily accessible; there is no global or [[supranational]] media coverage as such. The [[international]] [[European Broadcasting Union]] (EBU), for example, provides live coverage and highlights of all arenas only for certain of its own territories<ref>http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/olympics/geoerror/geoerror.html</ref> on their website eurovisionsports.tv.<ref>[http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/olympics/ Beijing Live], Beijing 2008. Retrieved on August 9, 2008.</ref> Many national broadcasters likewise restrict online events to their domestic audiences.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/cycling/7552544.stm</ref> <br />
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Despite the contractual obligations of the [[digital economy]], some of the same technologies used to circumvent the [[Great Firewall of China]] (such as [[Internet_censorship_in_China#Efforts_at_breaking_through|UltraSurf]]) can be used to subvert the Olympic media autarkies on the Internet as well.<br />
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[[YouTube]] has removed a video of a regional German network's ([[Norddeutscher Rundfunk|NDR]]) coverage of the opening ceremonies as "This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by a third party.<ref>http://community.livejournal.com/olympicgames08/28771.html</ref><ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1nmR8Ndj7g</ref>; a video from Australia's [[Seven Network]] has been removed "for violation of terms of service." Furthermore, the General National Copyright Administration of China has announced that "individual (''sic'') and websites will face fines as high as 100,000 yuan for uploading recordings of Olympic Games video to the internet,"<ref>http://www.danwei.org/2008_beijing_olympic_games/china_copywrites_the_olympics.php</ref> part of an extensive campaign to protect the pertinent intellectual property rights.<ref>http://olympics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/16/for-olympics-china-ramps-up-copyright-infringement-campaign/</ref><ref>http://news.xinhuanet.com/newmedia/2008-06/13/content_8359170.htm</ref><ref>http://english.ipr.gov.cn/ipr/en/info/Article.jsp?a_no=142611&col_no=926&dir=200711</ref><br />
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==Torch relay==<br />
[[Image:Official 2008 Summer Olympics Torch in Vilnius.jpg|right|thumb|2008 Olympic Torch]]<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics torch relay|2008 Summer Olympics torch relay route}}<br />
The design of the [[Olympic Torch]] is based on traditional scrolls and uses a traditional Chinese design known as the "Propitious Clouds" (祥云). The torch is designed to remain lit in 65 kph (40 mph) winds, temperatures of up to -40°C and in rain of up to 50 mm (2 in) per hour.<br />
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The relay, with the theme '''Journey of Harmony''', lasted 130 days and carried the torch {{convert|137000|km|mi|abbr=on}}—the longest distance of any Olympic torch relay since the tradition began at the [[1936 Berlin Games]].<ref name="IOC torch">{{cite news |date=[[2007-04-26]] |title=Beijing 2008: BOCOG Announces Olympic Torch Relay Route |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2147 |publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]] |accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/09/world/09torch.html?_r=1&ex=1365393600&en=2c75ea71d3f9215b&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin|title=Officials Expect Olympic Torch to Continue on Route}}</ref> The torch relay was called a "public relations disaster" for China by ''The Times''<ref name="Public Relations Disaster">{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/olympics/article3811649.ece |title=Britain sends mandarins to China on subtle mission |date=[[2008-04-25]] |accessdate=2007-04-27 |publisher=The Times}}</ref>, with protests of [[Human rights in the People's Republic of China|China's human rights record]], particularly about [[2008 Tibetan unrest|Tibet]].<br />
[[Image:Beijing 2008 Torch Relay Route.png|left|250px|thumb|Route of the 2008 Olympic Torch Relay]]<br />
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The relay began [[March 24]], [[2008]], in [[Olympia, Greece]]. From there, it traveled across Greece to [[Panathinaiko Stadium]] in [[Athens]], and then to Beijing, arriving on [[March 31]]. From Beijing, the torch followed a route passing through every continent except Antarctica. The torch visited cities on the [[Silk Road]], symbolizing ancient links between China and the rest of the world. A total of 21,880 torchbearers have been selected from around the world by various organizations and entities.<ref name="BOCOG relay">{{cite news |publisher=[[BOCOG]] |url=http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/news/headlines/n214042288.shtml |title=Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay Planned Route and Torch Design unveiled |date=[[2007-04-26]] |accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref><br />
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The international portion of the relay was problematic. The month-long world tour saw wide-scale protests to China's human rights abuses and recent crackdown in Tibet. After trouble in London saw several attempts to put out the flame, the flame was extinguished in Paris the following day.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article3697392.ece| title=Tibet protests force organisers to snuff out Olympic flame in Paris| date=[[2008-04-07]]| publisher=[[The Times]]| last=Bremner| first=Charles}}</ref> The American leg in San Francisco on [[9 April]] was altered without prior warning to avoid such scenes, although there were still demonstrations along the original route.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7339380.stm?| title= Confusion strikes US torch relay| date=[[2008-04-09]]| publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> The relay was further delayed and simplified after the [[2008 Sichuan earthquake]] affecting western China.<br />
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The flame was [[2008 Summer Olympics summit of Mt. Everest|carried to the top of Mount Everest]]<ref name="BOCOG relay" /> on a 108 km (67 mi) long "highway" scaling the Tibetan side of the mountain especially built for the relay. The $19.7 million blacktop project spanned from [[Tingri County]] of [[Xigazê Prefecture]] to the [[Everest Base Camp]].<ref name="Everest road">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200706200340.htm |title=China to build highway on Mt Everest for 2008 Olympics |date=[[2007-06-20]] |accessdate=2007-06-25 |publisher=The Hindu}}</ref> In 2008 March, China banned mountaineers from climbing its side of Mount Everest and later persuaded the Nepalese government to close their side as well, officially citing environmental concerns.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/climbers-banned-from-everest-as-china-seeks-to-stop-protests-on-summit-796782.html|title=Climbers banned from Everest as China seeks to stop protests on summit|date=[[2008-03-17]] |accessdate=2008-03-23 |publisher=The Independent}}</ref> It also reflected concerns by the Chinese government that [[Tibet]] activists may try to disrupt its plans to carry the Olympic torch up the world's tallest peak.<ref name="cnn13mar08">{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/12/china.everest.ap/index.html |title=China closes its side of Everest to climbers |date=[[2008-03-12]] |accessdate=2008-03-13 |publisher=CNN}}</ref><br />
<br />
The originally proposed route would have seen the torch carried through [[Taipei]] after leaving [[Vietnam]] and before heading for Hong Kong. Taiwan authorities, however, objected to this proposal, claiming that this route would make the portion of the relay in Taiwan appear to be part of the torch's domestic journey through China, rather than a leg on the international route.<ref name="Taiwan relay">{{cite news |publisher=Taiwan Journal |title=Taiwan rejects 'domestic' Olympic torch route |url=http://taiwanjournal.nat.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=24170&CtNode=122 |date=[[2007-05-04]] |accessdate=2007-08-15}}</ref> This dispute as well as demands that the [[flag of the Republic of China]] and the [[National Anthem of the Republic of China]] be banned along the route<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7005984.stm BBC NEWS Asia-Pacific | Olympic torch will bypass Taiwan]</ref> led the Taiwan authorities to reject the proposal that it be part of the relay route, and the two sides of the Taiwan Strait subsequently blamed each other for injecting politics into the event.<ref name="China torch Taipei">{{cite news |publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Canada Sports]] |title=China blames Taiwan for scuttling Olympic torch relay through Taipei, labels 'vile precedent'|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=ap-china-torchrelay&prov=ap&type=lgns |date=[[2007-09-21]] |accessdate=2007-09-24}}</ref><br />
<br />
==The Games==<br />
{{Further|[[2008 Summer Olympics highlights]], [[2008 Summer Olympics medal count|medal count]], and [[2008 Summer Olympics medal winners|medal winners]]}}<br />
===Opening ceremony===<br />
[[Image:BeijingOlimpicGames2008-08-08.jpg|thumb|right|A scene from the opening ceremony.]]<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony|2008 Summer Olympics national flag bearers}}<br />
The opening ceremony was held at the [[Beijing National Stadium]]. It began at 8:00 pm [[China Standard Time]] ([[UTC+8]]) on [[8 August]] [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tickets.beijing2008.cn/browse?category=8224&major_category=8224&game_type=olympic|title=Tickets Information - The official ticketing website of the BEIJING 2008 Olympic Games}}</ref><ref>[http://www.travelchinaguide.com/news/show.asp?nid=138 "Beijing Confirms the Opening Ceremony Time for 2008 Olympics"], Travel China Guide. Retrieved on [[August 2]], [[2008]]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/ceremonies/n214508163.shtml|title=Opening Ceremony plan released|date=2008-08-06|publisher=Official website|accessdate=2008-08-08}}</ref> The [[8 (number)#As a lucky or unlucky number|number 8]] is associated with prosperity and confidence in [[Numbers in Chinese culture|Chinese culture]].<ref name="Eight">{{cite web |url=http://afgen.com/china8.html |title=The Number Eight And The Chinese |accessdate=2007-04-22}}</ref> The ceremony was co-directed by Chinese filmmaker [[Zhang Yimou]] and Chinese choreographer [[Zhang Jigang]].<ref>http://en.beijing2008.cn/culture/ceremonies/n214143744.shtml</ref> It featured a cast of over 15,000 performers, and was dubbed beforehand as "the most spectacular Olympics Opening Ceremony ever produced".<ref>[http://www.thrfeed.com/2008/07/olympics-openin.html Olympics opening ceremony to have 15,000 performers -- The Live Feed <!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><br />
<br />
A rich assembly of ancient Chinese art and culture dominated the ceremony. It opened with the beating of [[Fou]] drums for the countdown. Subsequently, a giant [[scroll]] was unveiled and became the show's centerpiece. The official song of the 2008 Olympics was performed by Britain's [[Sarah Brightman]] and China's [[Liu Huan]], and was titled ''[[You and Me (theme song)|You and Me]]''.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUST29313420080807 FACTBOX: Fears, foul-ups and triumphs at past Olympic openings<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Former Chinese [[gymnastics|gymnast]] [[Li Ning]] ignited the [[cauldron]].<br />
<br />
The entry parade of the competing athletes differed in order from previous Olympic ceremonies, as the national teams did not enter in [[latin alphabet]]ical order. Instead, teams entered the stadium in order (lowest first) of the number of strokes in their [[Simplified Chinese character]] transcriptions. As a result, Australia (normally one of the first teams to enter the stadium) became one of the final teams to arrive, as the first character of the Chinese name of Australia (澳大利亚) has 16 strokes. The Olympic traditions of Greece entering first and the host nation (China) entering last were still observed. <br />
<br />
A review of the opening ceremony from around the world called it "spectacular and devoid of politics"<ref>[http://www.thrfeed.com/2008/08/olympics-review.html Olympics opening ceremony reviews -- The Live Feed <!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> though it was later revealed that the televised fireworks were enhanced with computer animation. Another cosmetic enhancement in China's quest for a perfect Summer Games was using a cute girl to lip-sync over the singing voice of a girl with "chubby face and crooked baby teeth" during the opening ceremony song [[Ode to the Motherland]].<ref>[http://www.wopular.com/node/980390 Olympic opening uses girl's voice, not face]</ref><br />
<br />
More than 100 sovereigns, heads of state and heads of government as well as 170 Ministers of Sport will be attending the Beijing Olympic Games.<ref>[http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2698 IOC President to meet with world leaders]</ref><br />
<br />
=== Closing ceremony ===<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony}}<br />
The 2008 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony will conclude the Beijing Games on [[August 24]], [[2008]]. It is planned to begin at 8:00pm [[China Standard Time]] ([[UTC+8]]), and to take place at the [[Beijing National Stadium]].<br />
<br />
[[British]] singer [[Leona Lewis]] is scheduled to perform at the closing ceremony, representing the change from Beijing to [[London]].<ref>Knight, Tom. [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/2303411/London-rap-troupe-fly-flag-at-Beijing-Olympics.html London rap troupe fly flag at Beijing Olympics] ''The Telegraph''. 16 June, 2008. Accessed 24 July, 2008.</ref> The Ceremony will also include the handover of the games from Beijing to [[London]]. [[Guo Jinlong]], the [[Mayor of Beijing]] will hand over the [[Olympic symbols#Flag|Olympic flag]] to the Mayor of London [[Boris Johnson]], and there will be a performance by the [[London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games]] (LOCOG).<br />
<br />
===Participating NOCs===<br />
[[Image:2008 Olympic games countries.svg|thumb|250px|Participating nations]]<br />
Following the Opening Ceremony on [[August 8]], [[2008]], all but one (Brunei) of the current 205 [[National Olympic Committee]]s (NOCs)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/organisation/noc/index_uk.asp |title=National Olympic Committees |publisher=International Olympic Committee |accessdate=2008-03-11}}</ref> will participate. [[China at the 2008 Summer Olympics|China]] and the [[United States at the 2008 Summer Olympics|United States]] have the largest teams, with 639 and 596<ref name="USOC Delegation">[http://teamusa.org/news/article/2744 2008 United States Olympic Team Entered Into XXVIV Olympic Games in Beijing, China], USOC, July 24, 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.asianweek.com/2008/08/08/asian-americans-going-for-the-gold-in/ "Asian Americans Going for the Gold in…"]. [[AsianWeek]]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[08-11]].</ref>competitors respectively. Several countries are represented at the games by a single athlete.<br />
<br />
Three countries participated for their first time in history: The [[Marshall Islands]], [[Montenegro]] and [[Tuvalu]].<br />
<br />
[[South Africa]]n swimmer [[Natalie du Toit]], five time gold medalist at the [[2004 Summer Paralympics|Athens Paralympics in 2004]], has qualified to compete at the Beijing Olympics, thus making history by becoming the first [[amputee]] to qualify for the Olympic Games since [[Olivér Halassy]] in 1936.<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/05/04/sbswim104.xml "Dreams carry Natalie Du Toit to Beijing"], ''The Telegraph'', May 4, 2008</ref><ref>[http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/swimming/news/story?id=3379722 "Du Toit, who lost leg in scooter accident, will swim in Beijing Games"], Reuters, May 3, 2008</ref> [[Natalia Partyka]] (who was born without a right forearm) will compete in Table Tennis for Poland.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.london2012.com/blog/2008/06/18/natalia-paralympic-and-olympic-athlete.php |title=Natalia: Paralympic AND Olympic athlete |accessdate=2008-07-15}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[Image:Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg|80px|thumb|border|right|TPE]]<br />
As in the previous games since 1984, athletes from the [[Republic of China]] ([[Taiwan]]) are competing at the Olympics as "[[Chinese Taipei]]" (TPE) <ref>[http://en.olympic.cn/china_oly/history/2004-03-27/121827.html "Reinstatement in the Olympic Movement"], Chinese Olympic Committee, March 27, 2004</ref> under the "Chinese Taipei Olympic flag" and using the [[National Banner Song]] as their official anthem. The participation of Taiwan had been in doubt due to disagreements over the designation of the team in the Chinese language, and concerns that Taiwan would march in the Opening Ceremony next to the Chinese Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong.<ref>[http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24123163-5013406,00.html "Taiwan clears Games hurdle"], ''[[The Australian]]'', August 4, 2008</ref> Supporters inside and outside of the venues will not be able to display the [[flag of the Republic of China]].<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/08/12/asia/AS-OLY-Taiwan-China.php "Taiwanese plan to skirt Olympics flag ban"], ''[[International Herald Tribune]] - Asia-Pacific'', August 12, 2008</ref><br />
<div align="center"><br />
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" style="width:100%"<br />
! List of Participating NOCs<br />
|-<br />
|<br />
Below is a list of all the participating NOCs (where available, the number of competitors per delegation is indicated in parentheses):<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics NOCs}}<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
====Participation changes====<br />
The [[Marshall Islands]] and [[Tuvalu]] gained National Olympic Committee status in 2006 and 2007 respectively, and are participating in the Games.<ref name="Tuvalu">{{cite news | title = Robert Meets IOC President| url = http://www.oceaniasport.com/tuvalu/| publisher =[[ONOC]] | date = [[2005-04-02]] | accessdate = 2006-12-17 }}</ref><ref name="New NOCs accepted">{{cite news |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2237 |title=Two new National Olympic Committees on board! |publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]] |date=[[2007-07-06]] |accessdate=2007-07-08}}</ref><br />
<br />
The states of [[Serbia]] and [[Montenegro]], which participated at the 2004 Games jointly as [[Serbia and Montenegro]], are now competing separately. The Montenegrin Olympic Committee was accepted as a new National Olympic Committee in 2007.<ref name="New NOCs accepted" /> IOC has promised to recognise the newly independent Republic of [[Kosovo]], but not in time for the nation to compete in the Olympics.<ref>{{cite news|title=IOC to recognise Kosovo |publisher=News24 |date=2008-02-17|url=http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/More_Sport/0,,2-9-32_2272369,00.html|accessdate=2008-02-17}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[North Korea]] and [[South Korea]] held meetings to discuss the possibility of sending a united team to the 2008 Olympics,<ref name="Korea1">{{cite news | title = Koreas 'to unify Olympics teams'| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4396170.stm| publisher =[[BBC]] | date = [[2006-05-14]] | accessdate = 2006-12-17 }}</ref><ref name="Korea2">{{cite news | title = Two Koreas Make Progress in Creation of Unified Team| url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=1893| publisher =[[International Olympic Committee]] | date = [[2006-09-05]] | accessdate = 2006-09-10 }}</ref> but the proposal failed, due to disagreements between the two NOCs on the proportion of athletes from the two countries within the team.<br />
<br />
On [[July 24]], [[2008]], the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC) banned [[Iraq at the 2008 Summer Olympics|Iraq]] from competing in the 2008 Olympic Summer Games due to "political interference by the government in sports."<ref>{{cite news | title = Iraq banned from Summer Olympics | publisher = [[CNN]] | date = 2008-07-24 | url = http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/07/24/iraq.olympics/index.html | accessdate = 2008-07-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Iraq banned from Beijing Olympics | publisher = [[BBC Sport]] | date = 2008-07-24 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympics/7523708.stm | accessdate = 2008-07-24}}</ref> On [[July 29]], the IOC reversed its decision and will allow the nation to compete after a pledge by Iraq to ensure "the independence of its national Olympics panel" by instituting fair elections before the end of November. Until then, Iraq's Olympic Organisation will be run by "an interim committee proposed by its national sports federations and approved by the IOC."<ref>[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/olympics/2008/07/29/bc.oly.iraq.olympicstops.ap/index.html?cnn=yes IOC lifts Iraq's Olympic suspension]</ref><br />
<br />
[[Brunei|Brunei Darussalam]] were due to take part in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. However, they were disqualified on [[August 8]], having failed to register either of their athletes.<ref>{{cite news | title = Brunei Darussalam excluded from Beijing Olympic Games | publisher = [[Xinhua]] | date = 2008-08-08 | url = http://www.china.org.cn/olympics/news/2008-08/08/content_16167337.htm | accessdate = 2008-08-08}}</ref> The [[International Olympic Committee|IOC]] spokeswoman [[Emmanuelle Moreau]] said in a statement that "it is a great shame and very sad for the athletes who lose out because of the decision by their team not to register them. The IOC tried up until the last minute, midday Friday [[8 August]] [[2008]], the day of the official opening, to have them register, but to no avail."<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-Olympics/idUSPEK32791920080808 Brunei excluded from Beijing Games]</ref> Brunei's Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports submitted a Press release why Brunei decided not to participate in Beijing, stated that "one athlete competing in the shot putt event Mohd Yazid Yatimi Yusof (who) has undergone intensive training since March ... injured himself in June (right liotibial strain with mild lateral ministrial knee injury), when he was competing in the Pesta Sukan Kebangsaan (National Sports Festival)". The Brunei Darussalam Olympic Council (BNOC) issued a Press release stating that "it had to wait for approval from the Youth and Sports Department under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports as to whether Brunei Darussalam could be represented at the Olympic Games".<ref>[http://www.bt.com.bn/en/sport/2008/08/10/brunei_not_in_china_because]</ref> It is also noted that the withdrawal can lead Brunei to being sanctioned and appropriate action will be taken after the closing of the Olympics on August 24.<ref>[http://www.ranoadidas.com/?p=1576]</ref><br />
<br />
[[Democratic Republic of Georgia|Georgia]] announced on August 9, 2008 that it is considering withdrawing from the Beijing Olympic Games due to [[2008 South Ossetia War|current military conflict in South Ossetia]]. Certain participating Georgian athletes have made known they want to leave the Olympics in order to fight with the Georgian army.<ref>[http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Olympics2008/0,,2-9-2370_2372929,00.html]</ref><br />
<br />
===Sports===<br />
[[Image:Swimming 2008.gif|thumb|110px|left|This pictogram depicts ''Swimming''.]]<br />
[[Image:Beijingolympicsmedals.jpg|thumb|right|The reverse side of the medals of the 2008 Summer Olympics: silver (left), gold (center), bronze (right)]]<br />
The program for the Beijing 2008 Games is quite similar to that of the [[2004 Summer Olympics|Athens Games]] held in 2004. The 2008 Olympics will see the return of 28 sports, and will hold 302 events (165 men’s events, 127 women’s events, and 10 mixed events), one event more in total than in Athens.<br />
<br />
Overall 9 new events will be held, which include 2 from the new [[Cycling at the Summer Olympics|cycling]] discipline of [[BMX at the Summer Olympics|BMX]]. Women will compete in the 3000 m [[steeplechase (athletics)|steeplechase]] for the first time. In addition, marathon swimming events for men and women, over the distance of 10 kilometres, will be added to the swimming discipline. Team events (men and women) in [[table tennis]] will replace the doubles events. In [[fencing]], women's team foil and women's team sabre will replace men's team foil and women's team [[epee]].<ref>The fencing programme will again include all six individual events and four team events, though the team events will be a different set than were held in 2004. The [[Fédération Internationale d'Escrime|International Fencing Federation's]] rules call for events not held in the previous Games to receive automatic selection and for at least one team event in each weapon to be held. Voting is conducted to determine the fourth event. In 2004, the three men's team events and the women's épée were held. Thus, in 2008, the women's foil and sabre events and men's épée were automatically selected. Men's sabre was chosen over foil by a 45–20 vote.</ref><ref name="FencingTeam">{{cite web |type=pdf |url=http://www.fie.ch/download/letters/2006/urgent/09/en/decisions%20ANG.pdf |title=List of decisions of the 2006 General Assembly |date=[[2006-04-08]] |publisher=[[Federation Internationale d'Escrime]] |accessdate=2007-04-22|format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=2008programme>{{cite news |url = http://olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=1797 |title = Beijing 2008: Games Programme Finalised |publisher = International Olympic Committee |date = [[2006-04-27]] |accessdate = 2006-05-10}}</ref><ref>[http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_1056.pdf Programme of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, Beijing 2008], International Olympic Committee. Retrieved on May 15, 2006.</ref><br />
<br />
The [[Beijing Organizing Committee]] have released [[pictogram]]s of the 35 Olympic disciplines. This set of sport icons is named ''the beauty of seal characters'', due to each pictogram's likeness to Chinese [[seal script]].<ref name="pictograms">{{cite news |url = http://en.beijing2008.com/37/34/article212033437.shtml |title = Pictograms of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games unveiled |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |date = [[2006-08-07]] |accessdate = 2006-08-09}}</ref><br />
<br />
The following are the sports to be contested at these Games. The number of events to be contested in each sport is indicated in parentheses.<br />
{{Col-begin}}<br />
{{Col-1-of-4}}<br />
* Aquatics<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Diving|2008 Summer|8}}<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Swimming|2008 Summer|34}}<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Synchronized swimming|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Water polo|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Archery|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Athletics|2008 Summer|47}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Badminton|2008 Summer|5}}<br />
{{Col-2-of-4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Baseball|2008 Summer|1}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Basketball|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Boxing|2008 Summer|11}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Canoeing|2008 Summer|16}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Cycling|2008 Summer|18}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Equestrian|2008 Summer|6}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Fencing|2008 Summer|10}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Field hockey|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
{{Col-3-of-4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Football|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Gymnastics|2008 Summer|18}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Handball|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Judo|2008 Summer|14}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Modern pentathlon|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Rowing|2008 Summer|14}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Sailing|2008 Summer|11}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Shooting|2008 Summer|15}}<br />
{{Col-4-of-4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Softball|2008 Summer|1}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Table tennis|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Taekwondo|2008 Summer|8}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Tennis|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Triathlon|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Volleyball|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Weightlifting|2008 Summer|15}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Wrestling|2008 Summer|18}}<br />
{{Col-end}}<br />
<br />
===Calendar===<br />
In the following calendar for the 2008 Olympic Games, each blue box represents an event competition, such as a qualification round, on that day. The yellow boxes represent days during which medal-awarding finals for a sport are held. Each bullet in these boxes is an event final, the number of bullets per box representing the number of finals that will be contested on that day.<ref name="Calendar">{{cite web|url = http://en.beijing2008.cn/cptvenues/schedule/ |title = Olympic Games Competition Schedule |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |accessdate = 2007-07-05 }}</ref><br />
<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics Calendar}}<br />
<br />
===Medal table===<br />
{{Main|2008 Summer Olympics medal table}}<br />
These are the top-ten positions so far:<br />
<br />
{| {{RankedMedalTable|class=wikitable sortable}}<br />
|- bgcolor=ccccff<br />
| 1 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|CHN|2008 Summer}} || '''22''' || 8 || 5 || 35<br />
|-<br />
| 2 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|USA|2008 Summer}} || 13 || '''11''' || '''17''' || '''41'''<br />
|-<br />
| 3 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|GER|2008 Summer}} || 8 || 2 || 3 || 13<br />
|-<br />
| 4 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|KOR|2008 Summer}} || 6 || 7 || 3 || 16<br />
|-<br />
| 5 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|ITA|2008 Summer}} || 6 || 4 || 3 || 13<br />
|-<br />
| 6 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|AUS|2008 Summer}} || 5 || 6 || 7 || 18<br />
|-<br />
| 7||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|JPN|2008 Summer}} || 5 || 3 || 3 || 11<br />
|-<br />
| 8 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|RUS|2008 Summer}} || 3 || 8 || 4 || 15<br />
|-<br />
| 9 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|FRA|2008 Summer}} || 2 || 7 || 6 || 15<br />
|-<br />
| 10 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|GBR|2008 Summer}} || 2 || 2 || 3 || 7<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Concerns and controversies==<br />
[[Image:Human Rights Abuse Cannot Co-exist with Beijing Olympics.jpg|thumb|right|The banner reads: "Human Rights Abuse Cannot Co-exist with Beijing Olympics", picture taken during the opening of the [[Human Rights Torch Relay]] event]]<br />
{{main|Concerns over the 2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
A variety of concerns over the games have been expressed by various entities; including allegations that China violated its [[Beijing 2008 Olympic bid|pledge]] to allow open media access,<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/sports/olympics/09beijing.html?ref=olympics Two Concerns for Olympics - Air and Access - NYTimes.com]</ref> various alleged human rights violations,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3545274,00.html|title=Protestors Rally in Europe on Eve of China Olympics|date=2008-08-07 |publisher=Deutsche Welle|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=c06e4f24-ea77-467c-960e-abc94721e094|title=China's un-Olympic human rights record||publisher=Calgary Herald|date=2008-08-09|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iM4HoqRxdb5TWSCC16uQuHn2_q7g|title=Canadian protests over China's human-rights record continue prior to Games|date=2008-08-08 |publisher=Haaretz|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> [[air pollution]] in both the city of Beijing and in neighbouring areas,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-08/07/content_6912755.htm|title=Ji Xinpeng: Beijing welcomes you with its blue sky|accessdate=2008-08-08|work=China Daily|date=2008-08-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/world/20080727dy01.htm|title=Beijing failing to clear the air|date= 2008-07-27|publisher=The Daily Yomiuri|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> proposed [[Olympic boycotts|boycotts]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Kosyrev|first=Dmitry |url=http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20080806/115849259.html|title=Beijing Olympics as a diplomatic convention|accessdate=2008-08-09|work=RIA Novosti|date=2008-08-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1009630.html|first=Saul|last=Newman|title=Why Grandpa boycotted the Olympics|date= |publisher=Haaretz|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> warnings of the possibility that the Beijing Olympics could be targeted by terrorist groups,<ref>[http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080425.wolyminterpol0425/BNStory/International/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20080425.wolyminterpol0425 ''Interpol says Olympic terror attack 'real possibility'.'' The Globe and Mail. Accessed: April 25, 2008]</ref> foiled [[2008 Xinjiang attack|sabotage attempt]], potentially violent disruption from pro-Tibetan protesters,<ref name="interpol">[http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/25042008/3/interpol-chief-warns-olympic-terror-threat.html ''Interpol chief warns of Olympic terror threat''. Yahoo! Eurosport UK. Accessed: August 8, 2008]</ref> the banning of ethnic Tibetans from working in Beijing for the duration of the games,<ref>[http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008087495_olystrict02.html ''Seattle Times'' article]</ref> criticisms of policies mandating the electronic surveillance of internationally owned hotels,<ref>[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gAkDaSkHWHboscdhQZwdRBt6hZnw AFP: China plans to spy on Olympic hotel guests: US senator]</ref><ref>[http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-olyspy30-2008jul30,0,5823677.story Sen. Brownback says China monitoring Internet access in hotels - Los Angeles Times]</ref><ref>[http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jiZadkVJSv7CQ7lHqBOIlkTqVmzgD927QP880 The Associated Press: Senator: China spying on Internet use in hotels]</ref> displacement of residents,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/19/AR2008021901612.html|title=China Defends Relocation Policy|first=Maureen|last=Fan|work=[[The Washington Post]]|publisher =[[The Washington Post Company]]|date=2008-02-20|accessdate=2008-08-09|coauthors=Jie, Zhang}}</ref> and ticket adversities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/web/british-fraud-ran-beijing-ticket-scam/2008/08/06/1217702097417.html|title=British fraud ran Beijing ticket scam|date=2008-08-06|publisher=theage.com.au |accessdate=2008-07-12}}</ref> <br />
<br />
Additionally, [[International Tibet Independence Movement|pro-Tibetan independence]] proponents have exhibited disdain and protested the games,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7550802.stm |title=Protest attempt at Olympic event|date= |publisher=[[BBC News]]|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> [[human rights]] activists critical of China's role in the [[Darfur conflict]] have sought policy change,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7503428.stm? |title=China 'is fuelling war in Darfur' |date= |publisher=[[BBC News]] |accessdate=2008-07-12}}</ref> and Christian advocates have voiced concerns regarding the persecution of [[Christianity in China|Christians in China]].<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/440097402.html|title=4 Winds Allows Olympic Testimonies Underground -- China is Hypocritical in Treatment of Christians on the Streets|accessdate=2008-08-08|work=Christian Newswire|date=2008-08-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Colson|first=Chuck|url=http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080803/bush-china-and-the-olympics.htm|title=Bush, China, and the Olympics|accessdate=2008-08-08|work=The Christian Post|date=2008-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.epochtimes.com/n2/china/china-church-leader-olympics-2336.html|author=Qin Yue & Li Mingcai|title=Beijing Intensifies Suppression of House Churches Ahead of Olympics|date=2008-08-07|accessdate=2008-08-11|work=Sound of Hope Radio|publisher=Epoch Times}}</ref><ref name="cna">{{cite web|url=http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=13474|title=Chinese bishop explains reasons for participating in Olympic opening ceremonies|publisher=Catholic News Agency|accessdate=2008-08-10|date=2008-08-08}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Hu Jia and Zen Jinyan===<br />
<br />
On February 2008 the [[AIDS]] and [[Human Rights]] activist Hu Jia was arrested for criticizing China as the Host of the Olympics, comparing them to the Nazi hosting the Berlin Olympics.<ref>[http://observers.france24.com/en/content/blogger_put_prison_criticising_olympic_games "Blogger put in prison for criticising the Olympic Games" The Observers by France, August 15, 2008]</ref><br />
<br />
His wife [[zeng Jinyan]] and their baby daughter were harassed and kept under constant surveillance and house arrest while she kept blogging in favor of her husband<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100/article/0,28804,1595326_1615754_1616169,00.html/ "Zeng Jinyan - The TIME 100," TIME Magazine, May 14, 2007]</ref>.<br />
<br />
One day before the opening ceremony of the 2008 olympics in Beijing, Zeng Jinyan was forcibly dissapeared<ref>[http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/29-03-2006/78007-China-0/ "Chinese rights activist Zeng Jinyan disappears" International Herald Tribune, August 9, 2008]</ref> along with her baby daughter and is suspected to be mistreated by the Chinese police state.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{portalpar|Olympics|Olympic Rings.svg}}<br />
*[[2008 Summer Olympics highlights]]<br />
*[[2008 Summer Olympics medal table]]<br />
*[[2008 Summer Paralympics]]<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
{{reflist|3}}<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
{{Commons cat|2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
* [http://en.beijing2008.cn/ Official Website of the 2008 Summer Olympics]<br />
* [http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/index_uk.asp IOC Official 2008 Summer Olympics Website]<br />
* [http://results.beijing2008.cn/WRM/ENG/INF/GL/95A/GL0000000.shtml 2008 Olympics Medal Count]<br />
<br />
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{{start box}}<br />
{{succession box|title=''[[Summer Olympic Games]]'' <br> Host City|before=[[2004 Summer Olympics|Athens]]|after=[[2012 Summer Olympics|London]]|years=''XXIX Olympiad'' (2008)}}<br />
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{{Olympic Games}}<br />
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{{2008 Summer Olympics venues}}<br />
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[[Category:2008 Summer Olympics| ]]<br />
[[Category:Sports festivals in China]]<br />
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[[wuu:第29屆夏季奧林匹克运动会]]<br />
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[[zh:2008年夏季奥林匹克运动会]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2008_Summer_Olympics&diff=232043762
2008 Summer Olympics
2008-08-15T04:39:18Z
<p>Yupi666: /* Concerns and controversies */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{pp-semi-vandalism|small=yes}}<br />
{{Current sport|olympics=Yes}}<br />
{{redirect|Beijing 2008|the video game|Beijing 2008 (video game)}}<br />
{{for|the current medal count|2008 Summer Olympics medal table}}<br />
{{Olympics infobox|2008|Summer|<br />
| Logo = Beijing 2008 Olympics logo.svg<br />
| Size = 150<br />
| Name = Official logo of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games<br />
| Optional caption = 同一个世界 同一个梦想 ('''''One World, One Dream''''')<br />The "[[Dancing Beijing]]" emblem, depicting<br /> a [[Seal (Chinese)|Chinese seal]] inscribed with the <br />character "Jīng" (京, from the name of the <br />host city) in the form of a dancing figure.<br />
| Motto = 同一個世界 同一個夢想 ([[traditional Chinese]])<br />
| Motto = '''''One World, One Dream''''' ([[English]])<br />
| Nations participating = 204 NOCs [[#Participating NOCs|(See below)]]<br />
| Athletes participating = 11,028<ref name="athletes_number">{{cite press release|title=NOC entry forms received|publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]]|date=2008-08-01 |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/official/preparation/n214496035.shtml|accessdate=2008-08-08|quote=(...) confirmed the qualification of 11,028 athletes, including 363 supplement athletes holding a P card.}}</ref><br />
| Officially opened by = [[President of the People's Republic of China|President]] [[Hu Jintao]]<br />
| Athlete's Oath = [[Zhang Yining]]<br />
| Judge's Oath = [[Huang Liping]]<br />
| Olympic Torch = [[Li Ning]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
{{contains Chinese text}}<br />
The '''2008 Summer Olympic Games''', officially known as the '''Games of the XXIX Olympiad''', is a major [[international]] [[multi-sport event]] which is being held in [[Beijing]], [[People's Republic of China]], from [[August 8]] (except [[Football at the 2008 Summer Olympics|football]], which started on [[August 6]]) to [[August 24]], [[2008]], and will be followed by the [[2008 Summer Paralympics]], from [[September 6]] to [[September 17]]. A total of 10,500 athletes are expected to compete in 302 events in 28 sports, one event more than was on the schedule of the [[2004 Summer Olympics|2004 games]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/full_story_uk.asp?id=1805 |title=6th Coordination Commission Visit To Begin Tomorrow |publisher=International Olympic Committee |accessdate=2006-05-20}}</ref> The 2008 Beijing Olympics will also mark the third time that Olympic events will have been held in the territories of two different [[National Olympic Committee]]s (NOC), as the equestrian events will be held in [[Hong Kong]].<br />
<br />
The [[Olympic games]] [[2008 Summer Olympics bids|were awarded]] to Beijing after an [[exhaustive ballot]] of the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC) on [[July 13]], [[2001]]. The official logo of the games, titled "[[Dancing Beijing]]," features a stylised calligraphic character ''jīng'' (京, meaning ''capital''), referring to the host city. The mascots of Beijing 2008 are the five [[Fuwa]] <ref>{{cite web|url=http://watch-olympics-online.co.cc/about.php |title=Fuwa Fact Sheet |accessdate=2008-05-14}}</ref>, each representing both a colour of the [[Olympic symbols#Flag|Olympic rings]] and a symbol of Chinese culture. The Olympic slogan, ''One World, One Dream'', calls upon the world to unite in the Olympic spirit. Several new NOCs have also been recognised by the IOC.<br />
<br />
The [[Government of the People's Republic of China|Chinese government]] has promoted the games to highlight China's emergence on the world stage and has invested heavily in new facilities and transportation systems.<ref>{{cite news|title=China's coming out party |publisher=Toronto Star |month=August | year=2007 |url =http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Olympics/article/242172}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=2008-The Year of China? |publisher=BusinessCenter.TV |date=2007-08-07 |url= http://www.webcastr.com/videos/travel_leisure/2008-the-year-of-china.html|accessdate=2008-01-02}}</ref> A total of 37 venues will be used to host the events including 12 newly constructed venues. Earlier in 2007, former IOC president [[Juan Antonio Samaranch]] had said that he believes that the Beijing games will be "the best in Olympic history,"<ref name="Samaranch">{{cite news |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/culture/festivals/exhibition/n214101234.shtml |title=Beijing 2008 will be best-ever Games: Samaranch |date=[[2007-06-25]] |accessdate=2007-06-25 |publisher=BOCOG}}</ref> and current president [[Jacques Rogge]] asserts that the IOC has "absolutely no regrets" in choosing Beijing to host the 2008 games.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nbcolympics.com/blogs/blog=alanabrahamsonsblog/postid=163687.html |title="Absolutely no regrets" in coming to China, IOC president says |publisher=NBC |date=[[2008-08-02]] |accessdate=2008-08-02 |author=Abrahamson, Alan}}</ref> The choice of China as a host country has been a subject of criticism by politicians and NGOs concerned about China's [[Human rights in the People's Republic of China|human rights]] record.<ref>Ian Traynor and Jonathan Watts: ''[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/mar/29/germany.olympicgames2008 Merkel says she will not attend opening of Beijing Olympics.]'' Guardian on-line. March 29 2008</ref><ref>Amnesty International: ''[http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/ASA17/075/2008/en/1f55daf2-37c8-11dd-9ec6-1d6085451ee8/asa170752008eng.pdf China: The two faces of the Beijing Olympics.]'' 1 June 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
==Bid==<br />
{| class="wikitable" align="right"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" | 2008 Summer Olympics bidding results<br />
|-<br />
! City<br />
! NOC<br />
| bgcolor="silver" |'''Round 1'''<br />
| bgcolor="silver" |'''Round 2'''<br />
|-<br />
| [[Beijing]] || {{flagicon|China}} [[People's Republic of China|China]] || align="center"| '''44''' || align="center"| '''56'''<br />
|-<br />
| [[Toronto]]|| {{flagicon|Canada}} [[Canada]] || align="center"| 20 || align="center"| 22<br />
|-<br />
| [[Paris]] || {{flagicon|France}} [[France]] || align="center"| 15 || align="center"| 18<br />
|-<br />
| [[Istanbul]] || {{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Turkey]] || align="center"| 17 || align="center"| 9<br />
|-<br />
| [[Osaka]] || {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Japan]] || align="center"| 6 || align="center"| —<br />
|}<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics bids|Beijing 2008 Olympic bid}}<br />
Beijing was elected the host city on [[July 13]], [[2001]], during the 112th [[International Olympic Committee|IOC]] Session in [[Moscow]], beating [[Toronto]], [[Paris]], [[Istanbul]], and [[Osaka]]. Prior to the session, five other cities ([[Bangkok]], [[Cairo]], [[Havana]], [[Kuala Lumpur]], and [[Seville]]) submitted bids to the IOC but failed to make the short list in 2000. After the first round of voting, Beijing held a significant lead over the other four candidates. Osaka received only six votes and was eliminated. In the second round, Beijing was supported by an [[absolute majority]] of voters, eliminating the need for subsequent rounds.<ref name="Election">{{cite web|url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/election_uk.asp |title = Beijing 2008: Election |publisher = International Olympic Committee |accessdate = 2006-12-18}}</ref><br />
<br />
After winning the bid, [[Li Lanqing]], the vice premier of China, declared "The winning of the 2008 Olympic bid is an example of the international recognition of China's social stability, economic progress and the healthy life of the Chinese people." Previously, Beijing had [[2000 Summer Olympics bids|lost a close bid]] to [[Sydney]] for the chance to host the [[2000 Summer Olympics]].<br />
<br />
==Development and preparation==<br />
===Venues===<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics venues| Olympic Green}}<br />
By May 2007, construction of all 31 Beijing-based Olympic Games venues had begun.<ref name="Under construction">{{cite news |publisher=BOCOG |date=2007-05-11 |accessdate=2007-05-11 |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/01/32/article214073201.shtml |title=All Beijing-based Olympic venues under construction}}</ref> The [[Chinese language|Chinese]] government has also invested in the renovation and construction of six venues outside Beijing as well as 59 training centres. Its largest [[Architecture|architectural]] pieces are the [[Beijing National Stadium]], [[Beijing National Indoor Stadium]], [[Beijing National Aquatics Centre]], [[Olympic Green Convention Centre]], [[Olympic Green]], and [[Beijing Wukesong Culture & Sports Center]]. Almost 85% of the [[construction]] budget for the six main venues is funded by [[United States dollar|US$]]2.1 billion ([[Renminbi|RMB¥]]17.4 billion) in corporate bids and tenders. Investments are expected from corporations seeking ownership rights after the 2008 Summer Olympics. Some venues will be owned and governed by the ''State General Administration of Sports'', which will use them after the Olympics as facilities for all future national sports teams and events. The 2008 Beijing Olympics are officially the most expensive games in history with a total of $40.9 billion spent between 2001 and 2007 on infrastructure, energy, transportation and water supply projects.<ref>[http://www.2008beijingolimpics.com/the-olympics/the-beijing-olympics-the-most-expensive-games-in-history/ The Most Expensive Games In History], Beijing 2008. Retrieved on August 5, 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
Some events are being held outside Beijing, namely [[Football at the Summer Olympics|football]] in [[Qinhuangdao]], [[Shanghai]], [[Shenyang]], and [[Tianjin]]; [[Sailing at the 2008 Summer Olympics|sailing]] in [[Qingdao]]; and, because of "uncertainties of equine diseases and major difficulties in establishing a disease-free zone", [[Equestrian at the Summer Olympics|equestrian]] in [[Hong Kong]].<ref>[http://en.beijing2008.com/46/67/column211716746.shtml Olympic Venues], Beijing 2008. Retrieved on May 15, 2006.</ref><br />
<br />
====Beijing National Stadium====<br />
{{main|Beijing National Stadium}}<br />
[[Image:Bird's Nest stadium, May 2008.jpg|thumb|right|350px|The Beijing National Stadium.]]<br />
The centrepiece of the 2008 Summer Olympics is the Beijing National Stadium, nicknamed the '''Bird's Nest''' because of its nest-like skeletal structure.<ref name="391 days left">{{cite news |url=http://olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2244 |title=The Olympic Games en route for Beijing |publisher=International Olympic Committee |date=2007-07-13 |accessdate=2007-07-16}}</ref> Construction of the venue began on [[December 24]], [[2003]]. The [[Guangdong Olympic Stadium]] was originally planned, constructed, and completed in 2001 for the games, but a decision was made to construct a new stadium in Beijing.{{Clarifyme|date=May 2008}}<ref>[http://www.architectureweek.com/2002/0501/design_1-1.html ArchitectureWeek - Design - China's Banner Stadium - 2002.0501<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Government officials engaged architects worldwide in a design competition. A [[Switzerland|Swiss]] firm, [[Herzog & de Meuron]] Architekten AG, collaborated with China Architecture Design & Research Group to win the competition. The stadium features a lattice-like concrete skeleton forming the stadium bowl and will have a seating capacity of over 90,000 people during the Olympics. Architects originally described the overall design as resembling a bird nest with an immense ocular—an opening with a [[retractable roof]] over the stadium. However, in 2004, the idea of retractable roof was abandoned for economic and safety reasons. The Beijing National Stadium will be the site of the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the athletics events and soccer finals. The stadium's designer [[Ai Weiwei]] has since withdrawn his support for China's Olympic games, saying "he wants nothing to do with them anymore".<ref>{{Clarifyme|date=May 2008}}{{cite news |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-CdWcszb_8|title=Stadium designer blasts China Olympics|publisher=Aljazeera|date=2007-08-12 |accessdate=2007-07-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/08/13/china.olympics.reut/?iref=mpstoryview|title= Chinese architect slams Olympic 'pretend smile'|accessdate=2007-08-16 |publisher= Reuters}}</ref><br />
<br />
Most recently, the [[Beijing Olympic Village]] opened on [[July 16]], [[2008]] and to the public on [[July 26]], [[2008]].<br />
<br />
===Transport===<br />
[[Image:Beijing 2008 olympic venues.png|thumb|right|250px|A map of the Olympic venues in Beijing. Several expressways [[Beltway|encircle]] the center of the city, providing for quick transportation around the city and between venues.]]<br />
In preparation for the huge rush during the games, [[Beijing Subway|Beijing's subway]] system underwent a major expansion which increased its capacity to more than twice its previous size. The previous system was composed of 4 lines and 64 stations. An additional 7 lines and more than 80 new stations were constructed, including a direct link to [[Beijing Capital International Airport]]. In the airport itself, 11 unmanned trains, each transporting a maximum of 83 passengers, will expedite the movement of people throughout the new terminal building.<ref name="Airport trains">{{cite news |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/olympiccities/beijing/n214096864.shtml |title=Un-manned trains to operate at new airport terminal building |date=[[2007-06-13]] |publisher=[[BOCOG]] |accessdate=2007-06-17}}</ref> Most of them are scheduled to operate from [[June 30]], [[2008]], one month before the start of the games. In 2007 January, the [[BOCOG]] announced that the Metro cars will be fitted with video screens showing the latest news and events during the games. Additionally, cellphone signals would be made available, so that people can use their communication devices in the metro stations or underground.<ref name="Video screen">{{cite news |url = http://en.beijing2008.cn/31/45/article214014531.shtml |title = Official: passengers can watch the Games in Beijing metro |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |date = [[2007-01-31]] |accessdate = 2006-02-15}}</ref> On August 1, [[Beijing South Railway Station]] was reopened after two years of construction. The 120-km long [[Beijing–Tianjin Intercity Rail]] opened on the same day that connects the new railway station with Olympic co-host city Tianjin with world's [[Land speed record for railed vehicles|fastest]] scheduled train service at 350&nbsp;km/h.<ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/olympics/article4442873.ece China inaugurates 220mph fastest rail service in world in time for Olympics]</ref><br />
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According to the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China, a new five-level [[Emergency population warning|emergency alert system]] for [[extreme weather]] and security threats will be implemented in the airport. This system is designed to ensure smooth and safe transportation for the estimated 3 million domestic and overseas visitors who will flock to Beijing for the games in 2008 August.<ref name="Airport security system">{{cite news |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/dynamics/headlines/n214101265.shtml |title=Beijing airport to launch emergency alert mechanism for Olympics |date=[[2007-06-25]] |accessdate=2007-06-25 |publisher=[[BOCOG]]}}</ref><br />
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On the ground, Beijing is set to designate 38 official public transit routes that will link the Olympic venues. During the games, 2,500 large-size [[bus]]es and 4,500 [[minibus]]es will be operated by a total of 8,000 drivers to transport people across various venues. Prior to the games, public transport will be optimised in order to reduce the existing 110 overlapping routes.<ref name="Transportation">{{cite news |url = http://en.beijing2008.cn/05/25/article214012505.shtml |title = 38 public transit routes to the Olympic venues |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |date = [[2007-01-22]] |accessdate = 2007-01-29}}</ref><br />
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Athletes, Olympic guests and media will be moved around the city in a fleet of 5,000 Volkswagen "low-emission, low-consumption" vehicles.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.ausmotive.com/2008/08/02/volkswagen-claims-green-medal-at-2008-olympic-games-in-beijing.html|title=Volkswagen claims ‘Green’ medal at 2008 Olympic Games | author= AUSmotive.com | date=2008-08-02 | accessdate=2008-08-02 | language= }}</ref><br />
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[[Beijing]] will be implementing a temporary [[road space rationing]] based on plate numbers during the Games in order to significantly improve air quality in the city.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/world/asia/15china.html?hp|title=Traffic Beijing Stops Construction for Olympics | author= Andrew Jacobs | date=2008-04-14 | publisher= New York Times | accessdate=2008-04-14 | language= }}</ref> Under the traffic plan made public on [[June 20]], [[2008]], the rationing will be enforced for two months, between July 20 to September 20, as the Olympics will begin on August 8, and then will be followed by the 2008 [[Paralympics]], from September 6 until 17.<ref name="Examiner08">{{cite news| url=http://www.examiner.com/a-1451114~Beijing_sets_restrictions_on_cars_during_Olympics.html |title=Beijing sets restrictions on cars during Olympics | author= Stephen Wade | date=2008-06-20 | publisher=National Examiner | accessdate=2008-06-23 | language= }}</ref>{{Dead link|date=August 2008}} The restrictions will be in placed on alternate days depending on the plates ending in odd or even numbers. This measure is expected to take 45% of the 3.3 million car fleet off the streets. In addition, 300,000 heavy polluting vehicles will be banned from July 1, and the plan also prohibits access to most vehicles coming from outside Beijing. The boosted public transport network is expected to absorb this additional demand, estimated in more than 4 million extra passengers per day.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/23/2282484.htm?site=olympics/2008 |title=Beijing to launch Olympic 'odd-even' car ban | author= Reuters | date=2008-06-23 | publisher=ABC news | accessdate=2008-06-23 | language= }}</ref><ref name="Examiner08"/><br />
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===Marketing===<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics marketing}}<br />
The 2008 Summer Olympics emblem is known as [[Dancing Beijing]] ({{zh-s|舞动的北京}}). The emblem combines a traditional Chinese red seal and a representation of the [[Chinese calligraphy|calligraphic]] [[Chinese character|character]] ''jīng'' ([[wikt:京|京]], "national capital", also the second character of Beijing's Chinese name) with athletic features. The open arms of the calligraphic word symbolises the invitation of China to the world to share in its culture. IOC president [[Jacques Rogge]] was very happy with the emblem, saying, "Your new emblem immediately conveys the awesome beauty and power of China which are embodied in your heritage and your people."<ref name="Message">{{cite news |url = http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200308/03/eng20030803_121618.shtml |title = Rogge's Message for Beijing Olympics Emblem Unveiling |publisher = People's Daily Online |date = 2003-08-03 |accessdate = 2006-12-19}}</ref><br />
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The slogan for the 2008 Olympics is "''One World, One Dream''" ({{zh-stp|s=同一个世界 同一个梦想|t=同一個世界 同一個夢想|p=Tóng Yíge Shìjiè Tóng Yíge Mèngxiǎng}}.)<ref name="Slogan">{{cite news|title='One World One Dream' selected as the Theme Slogan for Beijing 2008 Olympic Games |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/75/66/article211996675.shtml |date=[[2005-12-25]] |publisher=[[BOCOG]] |accessdate=2007-05-05}}</ref> The slogan calls upon the whole world to join in the Olympic spirit and build a better future for humanity. It was chosen from over 210,000 entries submitted from around the world.<ref name="391 days left" /><br />
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===Broadcasting===<br />
These games will be the first to be produced and broadcast entirely in [[High-definition television|high definition television]], and will likely garner upwards of 4 billion viewers.<ref name="HDTV">{{cite news |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/2008/2007-07/06/content_911825.htm |title=Seeing clearly: Panasonic ushers in first HDTV Game |publisher = China Daily |date=[[2007-07-06]] |accessdate=2008-03-24}}</ref> In their bid for the Olympic games in 2001, Beijing confirmed to the Olympic Evaluation Commission "that there will be no restrictions on media reporting and movement of journalists up to and including the Olympic Games,"<ref>[http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_299.pdf Report] of the IOC Evaluation Commission for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in 2008, pg.73</ref> but according to a report in ''[[The New York Times]]'', "[[Beijing 2008 Olympic bid|these promises]] have been contradicted by strict visa rules, lengthy application processes and worries about censorship."<ref name="Networks Fight"/><br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics Broadcasting}}<br />
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===Online coverage===<br />
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The 2008 Olympics marks the debut of online and on-demand video, roughly 200 hours of coverage per day for the duration of the games. "Exclusive broadcast rights holders in large markets in Europe, North America and Australia have plans to show thousands of hours online." Furthermore, for the first time "live online video rights in some markets for the Olympics have been separately negotiated, not part of the overall 'broadcast rights,'"; these new media of the [[digital economy]] are growing "nine times faster than the rest of the advertising market."<ref>http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/07/09/oly.media/index.html</ref><br />
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Globally, however, the 2008 Olympics is subject to extensive copyright restriction &ndash;which amounts to territorial restrictions&ndash; whilst still being covered extensively online within various exclusive copyright [[autarky|autarkies]]. Thus despite the international nature of the event and the global reach of the [[Internet]], the coverage world wide of assorted nation-states and television networks is not readily accessible; there is no global or [[supranational]] media coverage as such. The [[international]] [[European Broadcasting Union]] (EBU), for example, provides live coverage and highlights of all arenas only for certain of its own territories<ref>http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/olympics/geoerror/geoerror.html</ref> on their website eurovisionsports.tv.<ref>[http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/olympics/ Beijing Live], Beijing 2008. Retrieved on August 9, 2008.</ref> Many national broadcasters likewise restrict online events to their domestic audiences.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/cycling/7552544.stm</ref> <br />
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Despite the contractual obligations of the [[digital economy]], some of the same technologies used to circumvent the [[Great Firewall of China]] (such as [[Internet_censorship_in_China#Efforts_at_breaking_through|UltraSurf]]) can be used to subvert the Olympic media autarkies on the Internet as well.<br />
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[[YouTube]] has removed a video of a regional German network's ([[Norddeutscher Rundfunk|NDR]]) coverage of the opening ceremonies as "This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by a third party.<ref>http://community.livejournal.com/olympicgames08/28771.html</ref><ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1nmR8Ndj7g</ref>; a video from Australia's [[Seven Network]] has been removed "for violation of terms of service." Furthermore, the General National Copyright Administration of China has announced that "individual (''sic'') and websites will face fines as high as 100,000 yuan for uploading recordings of Olympic Games video to the internet,"<ref>http://www.danwei.org/2008_beijing_olympic_games/china_copywrites_the_olympics.php</ref> part of an extensive campaign to protect the pertinent intellectual property rights.<ref>http://olympics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/16/for-olympics-china-ramps-up-copyright-infringement-campaign/</ref><ref>http://news.xinhuanet.com/newmedia/2008-06/13/content_8359170.htm</ref><ref>http://english.ipr.gov.cn/ipr/en/info/Article.jsp?a_no=142611&col_no=926&dir=200711</ref><br />
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==Torch relay==<br />
[[Image:Official 2008 Summer Olympics Torch in Vilnius.jpg|right|thumb|2008 Olympic Torch]]<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics torch relay|2008 Summer Olympics torch relay route}}<br />
The design of the [[Olympic Torch]] is based on traditional scrolls and uses a traditional Chinese design known as the "Propitious Clouds" (祥云). The torch is designed to remain lit in 65 kph (40 mph) winds, temperatures of up to -40°C and in rain of up to 50 mm (2 in) per hour.<br />
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The relay, with the theme '''Journey of Harmony''', lasted 130 days and carried the torch {{convert|137000|km|mi|abbr=on}}—the longest distance of any Olympic torch relay since the tradition began at the [[1936 Berlin Games]].<ref name="IOC torch">{{cite news |date=[[2007-04-26]] |title=Beijing 2008: BOCOG Announces Olympic Torch Relay Route |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2147 |publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]] |accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/09/world/09torch.html?_r=1&ex=1365393600&en=2c75ea71d3f9215b&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin|title=Officials Expect Olympic Torch to Continue on Route}}</ref> The torch relay was called a "public relations disaster" for China by ''The Times''<ref name="Public Relations Disaster">{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/olympics/article3811649.ece |title=Britain sends mandarins to China on subtle mission |date=[[2008-04-25]] |accessdate=2007-04-27 |publisher=The Times}}</ref>, with protests of [[Human rights in the People's Republic of China|China's human rights record]], particularly about [[2008 Tibetan unrest|Tibet]].<br />
[[Image:Beijing 2008 Torch Relay Route.png|left|250px|thumb|Route of the 2008 Olympic Torch Relay]]<br />
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The relay began [[March 24]], [[2008]], in [[Olympia, Greece]]. From there, it traveled across Greece to [[Panathinaiko Stadium]] in [[Athens]], and then to Beijing, arriving on [[March 31]]. From Beijing, the torch followed a route passing through every continent except Antarctica. The torch visited cities on the [[Silk Road]], symbolizing ancient links between China and the rest of the world. A total of 21,880 torchbearers have been selected from around the world by various organizations and entities.<ref name="BOCOG relay">{{cite news |publisher=[[BOCOG]] |url=http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/news/headlines/n214042288.shtml |title=Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay Planned Route and Torch Design unveiled |date=[[2007-04-26]] |accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref><br />
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The international portion of the relay was problematic. The month-long world tour saw wide-scale protests to China's human rights abuses and recent crackdown in Tibet. After trouble in London saw several attempts to put out the flame, the flame was extinguished in Paris the following day.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article3697392.ece| title=Tibet protests force organisers to snuff out Olympic flame in Paris| date=[[2008-04-07]]| publisher=[[The Times]]| last=Bremner| first=Charles}}</ref> The American leg in San Francisco on [[9 April]] was altered without prior warning to avoid such scenes, although there were still demonstrations along the original route.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7339380.stm?| title= Confusion strikes US torch relay| date=[[2008-04-09]]| publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> The relay was further delayed and simplified after the [[2008 Sichuan earthquake]] affecting western China.<br />
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The flame was [[2008 Summer Olympics summit of Mt. Everest|carried to the top of Mount Everest]]<ref name="BOCOG relay" /> on a 108 km (67 mi) long "highway" scaling the Tibetan side of the mountain especially built for the relay. The $19.7 million blacktop project spanned from [[Tingri County]] of [[Xigazê Prefecture]] to the [[Everest Base Camp]].<ref name="Everest road">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200706200340.htm |title=China to build highway on Mt Everest for 2008 Olympics |date=[[2007-06-20]] |accessdate=2007-06-25 |publisher=The Hindu}}</ref> In 2008 March, China banned mountaineers from climbing its side of Mount Everest and later persuaded the Nepalese government to close their side as well, officially citing environmental concerns.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/climbers-banned-from-everest-as-china-seeks-to-stop-protests-on-summit-796782.html|title=Climbers banned from Everest as China seeks to stop protests on summit|date=[[2008-03-17]] |accessdate=2008-03-23 |publisher=The Independent}}</ref> It also reflected concerns by the Chinese government that [[Tibet]] activists may try to disrupt its plans to carry the Olympic torch up the world's tallest peak.<ref name="cnn13mar08">{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/12/china.everest.ap/index.html |title=China closes its side of Everest to climbers |date=[[2008-03-12]] |accessdate=2008-03-13 |publisher=CNN}}</ref><br />
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The originally proposed route would have seen the torch carried through [[Taipei]] after leaving [[Vietnam]] and before heading for Hong Kong. Taiwan authorities, however, objected to this proposal, claiming that this route would make the portion of the relay in Taiwan appear to be part of the torch's domestic journey through China, rather than a leg on the international route.<ref name="Taiwan relay">{{cite news |publisher=Taiwan Journal |title=Taiwan rejects 'domestic' Olympic torch route |url=http://taiwanjournal.nat.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=24170&CtNode=122 |date=[[2007-05-04]] |accessdate=2007-08-15}}</ref> This dispute as well as demands that the [[flag of the Republic of China]] and the [[National Anthem of the Republic of China]] be banned along the route<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7005984.stm BBC NEWS Asia-Pacific | Olympic torch will bypass Taiwan]</ref> led the Taiwan authorities to reject the proposal that it be part of the relay route, and the two sides of the Taiwan Strait subsequently blamed each other for injecting politics into the event.<ref name="China torch Taipei">{{cite news |publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Canada Sports]] |title=China blames Taiwan for scuttling Olympic torch relay through Taipei, labels 'vile precedent'|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=ap-china-torchrelay&prov=ap&type=lgns |date=[[2007-09-21]] |accessdate=2007-09-24}}</ref><br />
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==The Games==<br />
{{Further|[[2008 Summer Olympics highlights]], [[2008 Summer Olympics medal count|medal count]], and [[2008 Summer Olympics medal winners|medal winners]]}}<br />
===Opening ceremony===<br />
[[Image:BeijingOlimpicGames2008-08-08.jpg|thumb|right|A scene from the opening ceremony.]]<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony|2008 Summer Olympics national flag bearers}}<br />
The opening ceremony was held at the [[Beijing National Stadium]]. It began at 8:00 pm [[China Standard Time]] ([[UTC+8]]) on [[8 August]] [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tickets.beijing2008.cn/browse?category=8224&major_category=8224&game_type=olympic|title=Tickets Information - The official ticketing website of the BEIJING 2008 Olympic Games}}</ref><ref>[http://www.travelchinaguide.com/news/show.asp?nid=138 "Beijing Confirms the Opening Ceremony Time for 2008 Olympics"], Travel China Guide. Retrieved on [[August 2]], [[2008]]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/ceremonies/n214508163.shtml|title=Opening Ceremony plan released|date=2008-08-06|publisher=Official website|accessdate=2008-08-08}}</ref> The [[8 (number)#As a lucky or unlucky number|number 8]] is associated with prosperity and confidence in [[Numbers in Chinese culture|Chinese culture]].<ref name="Eight">{{cite web |url=http://afgen.com/china8.html |title=The Number Eight And The Chinese |accessdate=2007-04-22}}</ref> The ceremony was co-directed by Chinese filmmaker [[Zhang Yimou]] and Chinese choreographer [[Zhang Jigang]].<ref>http://en.beijing2008.cn/culture/ceremonies/n214143744.shtml</ref> It featured a cast of over 15,000 performers, and was dubbed beforehand as "the most spectacular Olympics Opening Ceremony ever produced".<ref>[http://www.thrfeed.com/2008/07/olympics-openin.html Olympics opening ceremony to have 15,000 performers -- The Live Feed <!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><br />
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A rich assembly of ancient Chinese art and culture dominated the ceremony. It opened with the beating of [[Fou]] drums for the countdown. Subsequently, a giant [[scroll]] was unveiled and became the show's centerpiece. The official song of the 2008 Olympics was performed by Britain's [[Sarah Brightman]] and China's [[Liu Huan]], and was titled ''[[You and Me (theme song)|You and Me]]''.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUST29313420080807 FACTBOX: Fears, foul-ups and triumphs at past Olympic openings<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Former Chinese [[gymnastics|gymnast]] [[Li Ning]] ignited the [[cauldron]].<br />
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The entry parade of the competing athletes differed in order from previous Olympic ceremonies, as the national teams did not enter in [[latin alphabet]]ical order. Instead, teams entered the stadium in order (lowest first) of the number of strokes in their [[Simplified Chinese character]] transcriptions. As a result, Australia (normally one of the first teams to enter the stadium) became one of the final teams to arrive, as the first character of the Chinese name of Australia (澳大利亚) has 16 strokes. The Olympic traditions of Greece entering first and the host nation (China) entering last were still observed. <br />
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A review of the opening ceremony from around the world called it "spectacular and devoid of politics"<ref>[http://www.thrfeed.com/2008/08/olympics-review.html Olympics opening ceremony reviews -- The Live Feed <!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> though it was later revealed that the televised fireworks were enhanced with computer animation. Another cosmetic enhancement in China's quest for a perfect Summer Games was using a cute girl to lip-sync over the singing voice of a girl with "chubby face and crooked baby teeth" during the opening ceremony song [[Ode to the Motherland]].<ref>[http://www.wopular.com/node/980390 Olympic opening uses girl's voice, not face]</ref><br />
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More than 100 sovereigns, heads of state and heads of government as well as 170 Ministers of Sport will be attending the Beijing Olympic Games.<ref>[http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2698 IOC President to meet with world leaders]</ref><br />
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=== Closing ceremony ===<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony}}<br />
The 2008 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony will conclude the Beijing Games on [[August 24]], [[2008]]. It is planned to begin at 8:00pm [[China Standard Time]] ([[UTC+8]]), and to take place at the [[Beijing National Stadium]].<br />
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[[British]] singer [[Leona Lewis]] is scheduled to perform at the closing ceremony, representing the change from Beijing to [[London]].<ref>Knight, Tom. [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/2303411/London-rap-troupe-fly-flag-at-Beijing-Olympics.html London rap troupe fly flag at Beijing Olympics] ''The Telegraph''. 16 June, 2008. Accessed 24 July, 2008.</ref> The Ceremony will also include the handover of the games from Beijing to [[London]]. [[Guo Jinlong]], the [[Mayor of Beijing]] will hand over the [[Olympic symbols#Flag|Olympic flag]] to the Mayor of London [[Boris Johnson]], and there will be a performance by the [[London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games]] (LOCOG).<br />
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===Participating NOCs===<br />
[[Image:2008 Olympic games countries.svg|thumb|250px|Participating nations]]<br />
Following the Opening Ceremony on [[August 8]], [[2008]], all but one (Brunei) of the current 205 [[National Olympic Committee]]s (NOCs)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/organisation/noc/index_uk.asp |title=National Olympic Committees |publisher=International Olympic Committee |accessdate=2008-03-11}}</ref> will participate. [[China at the 2008 Summer Olympics|China]] and the [[United States at the 2008 Summer Olympics|United States]] have the largest teams, with 639 and 596<ref name="USOC Delegation">[http://teamusa.org/news/article/2744 2008 United States Olympic Team Entered Into XXVIV Olympic Games in Beijing, China], USOC, July 24, 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.asianweek.com/2008/08/08/asian-americans-going-for-the-gold-in/ "Asian Americans Going for the Gold in…"]. [[AsianWeek]]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[08-11]].</ref>competitors respectively. Several countries are represented at the games by a single athlete.<br />
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Three countries participated for their first time in history: The [[Marshall Islands]], [[Montenegro]] and [[Tuvalu]].<br />
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[[South Africa]]n swimmer [[Natalie du Toit]], five time gold medalist at the [[2004 Summer Paralympics|Athens Paralympics in 2004]], has qualified to compete at the Beijing Olympics, thus making history by becoming the first [[amputee]] to qualify for the Olympic Games since [[Olivér Halassy]] in 1936.<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/05/04/sbswim104.xml "Dreams carry Natalie Du Toit to Beijing"], ''The Telegraph'', May 4, 2008</ref><ref>[http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/swimming/news/story?id=3379722 "Du Toit, who lost leg in scooter accident, will swim in Beijing Games"], Reuters, May 3, 2008</ref> [[Natalia Partyka]] (who was born without a right forearm) will compete in Table Tennis for Poland.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.london2012.com/blog/2008/06/18/natalia-paralympic-and-olympic-athlete.php |title=Natalia: Paralympic AND Olympic athlete |accessdate=2008-07-15}}</ref><br />
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[[Image:Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg|80px|thumb|border|right|TPE]]<br />
As in the previous games since 1984, athletes from the [[Republic of China]] ([[Taiwan]]) are competing at the Olympics as "[[Chinese Taipei]]" (TPE) <ref>[http://en.olympic.cn/china_oly/history/2004-03-27/121827.html "Reinstatement in the Olympic Movement"], Chinese Olympic Committee, March 27, 2004</ref> under the "Chinese Taipei Olympic flag" and using the [[National Banner Song]] as their official anthem. The participation of Taiwan had been in doubt due to disagreements over the designation of the team in the Chinese language, and concerns that Taiwan would march in the Opening Ceremony next to the Chinese Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong.<ref>[http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24123163-5013406,00.html "Taiwan clears Games hurdle"], ''[[The Australian]]'', August 4, 2008</ref> Supporters inside and outside of the venues will not be able to display the [[flag of the Republic of China]].<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/08/12/asia/AS-OLY-Taiwan-China.php "Taiwanese plan to skirt Olympics flag ban"], ''[[International Herald Tribune]] - Asia-Pacific'', August 12, 2008</ref><br />
<div align="center"><br />
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" style="width:100%"<br />
! List of Participating NOCs<br />
|-<br />
|<br />
Below is a list of all the participating NOCs (where available, the number of competitors per delegation is indicated in parentheses):<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics NOCs}}<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
====Participation changes====<br />
The [[Marshall Islands]] and [[Tuvalu]] gained National Olympic Committee status in 2006 and 2007 respectively, and are participating in the Games.<ref name="Tuvalu">{{cite news | title = Robert Meets IOC President| url = http://www.oceaniasport.com/tuvalu/| publisher =[[ONOC]] | date = [[2005-04-02]] | accessdate = 2006-12-17 }}</ref><ref name="New NOCs accepted">{{cite news |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2237 |title=Two new National Olympic Committees on board! |publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]] |date=[[2007-07-06]] |accessdate=2007-07-08}}</ref><br />
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The states of [[Serbia]] and [[Montenegro]], which participated at the 2004 Games jointly as [[Serbia and Montenegro]], are now competing separately. The Montenegrin Olympic Committee was accepted as a new National Olympic Committee in 2007.<ref name="New NOCs accepted" /> IOC has promised to recognise the newly independent Republic of [[Kosovo]], but not in time for the nation to compete in the Olympics.<ref>{{cite news|title=IOC to recognise Kosovo |publisher=News24 |date=2008-02-17|url=http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/More_Sport/0,,2-9-32_2272369,00.html|accessdate=2008-02-17}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[North Korea]] and [[South Korea]] held meetings to discuss the possibility of sending a united team to the 2008 Olympics,<ref name="Korea1">{{cite news | title = Koreas 'to unify Olympics teams'| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4396170.stm| publisher =[[BBC]] | date = [[2006-05-14]] | accessdate = 2006-12-17 }}</ref><ref name="Korea2">{{cite news | title = Two Koreas Make Progress in Creation of Unified Team| url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=1893| publisher =[[International Olympic Committee]] | date = [[2006-09-05]] | accessdate = 2006-09-10 }}</ref> but the proposal failed, due to disagreements between the two NOCs on the proportion of athletes from the two countries within the team.<br />
<br />
On [[July 24]], [[2008]], the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC) banned [[Iraq at the 2008 Summer Olympics|Iraq]] from competing in the 2008 Olympic Summer Games due to "political interference by the government in sports."<ref>{{cite news | title = Iraq banned from Summer Olympics | publisher = [[CNN]] | date = 2008-07-24 | url = http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/07/24/iraq.olympics/index.html | accessdate = 2008-07-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Iraq banned from Beijing Olympics | publisher = [[BBC Sport]] | date = 2008-07-24 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympics/7523708.stm | accessdate = 2008-07-24}}</ref> On [[July 29]], the IOC reversed its decision and will allow the nation to compete after a pledge by Iraq to ensure "the independence of its national Olympics panel" by instituting fair elections before the end of November. Until then, Iraq's Olympic Organisation will be run by "an interim committee proposed by its national sports federations and approved by the IOC."<ref>[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/olympics/2008/07/29/bc.oly.iraq.olympicstops.ap/index.html?cnn=yes IOC lifts Iraq's Olympic suspension]</ref><br />
<br />
[[Brunei|Brunei Darussalam]] were due to take part in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. However, they were disqualified on [[August 8]], having failed to register either of their athletes.<ref>{{cite news | title = Brunei Darussalam excluded from Beijing Olympic Games | publisher = [[Xinhua]] | date = 2008-08-08 | url = http://www.china.org.cn/olympics/news/2008-08/08/content_16167337.htm | accessdate = 2008-08-08}}</ref> The [[International Olympic Committee|IOC]] spokeswoman [[Emmanuelle Moreau]] said in a statement that "it is a great shame and very sad for the athletes who lose out because of the decision by their team not to register them. The IOC tried up until the last minute, midday Friday [[8 August]] [[2008]], the day of the official opening, to have them register, but to no avail."<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-Olympics/idUSPEK32791920080808 Brunei excluded from Beijing Games]</ref> Brunei's Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports submitted a Press release why Brunei decided not to participate in Beijing, stated that "one athlete competing in the shot putt event Mohd Yazid Yatimi Yusof (who) has undergone intensive training since March ... injured himself in June (right liotibial strain with mild lateral ministrial knee injury), when he was competing in the Pesta Sukan Kebangsaan (National Sports Festival)". The Brunei Darussalam Olympic Council (BNOC) issued a Press release stating that "it had to wait for approval from the Youth and Sports Department under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports as to whether Brunei Darussalam could be represented at the Olympic Games".<ref>[http://www.bt.com.bn/en/sport/2008/08/10/brunei_not_in_china_because]</ref> It is also noted that the withdrawal can lead Brunei to being sanctioned and appropriate action will be taken after the closing of the Olympics on August 24.<ref>[http://www.ranoadidas.com/?p=1576]</ref><br />
<br />
[[Democratic Republic of Georgia|Georgia]] announced on August 9, 2008 that it is considering withdrawing from the Beijing Olympic Games due to [[2008 South Ossetia War|current military conflict in South Ossetia]]. Certain participating Georgian athletes have made known they want to leave the Olympics in order to fight with the Georgian army.<ref>[http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Olympics2008/0,,2-9-2370_2372929,00.html]</ref><br />
<br />
===Sports===<br />
[[Image:Swimming 2008.gif|thumb|110px|left|This pictogram depicts ''Swimming''.]]<br />
[[Image:Beijingolympicsmedals.jpg|thumb|right|The reverse side of the medals of the 2008 Summer Olympics: silver (left), gold (center), bronze (right)]]<br />
The program for the Beijing 2008 Games is quite similar to that of the [[2004 Summer Olympics|Athens Games]] held in 2004. The 2008 Olympics will see the return of 28 sports, and will hold 302 events (165 men’s events, 127 women’s events, and 10 mixed events), one event more in total than in Athens.<br />
<br />
Overall 9 new events will be held, which include 2 from the new [[Cycling at the Summer Olympics|cycling]] discipline of [[BMX at the Summer Olympics|BMX]]. Women will compete in the 3000 m [[steeplechase (athletics)|steeplechase]] for the first time. In addition, marathon swimming events for men and women, over the distance of 10 kilometres, will be added to the swimming discipline. Team events (men and women) in [[table tennis]] will replace the doubles events. In [[fencing]], women's team foil and women's team sabre will replace men's team foil and women's team [[epee]].<ref>The fencing programme will again include all six individual events and four team events, though the team events will be a different set than were held in 2004. The [[Fédération Internationale d'Escrime|International Fencing Federation's]] rules call for events not held in the previous Games to receive automatic selection and for at least one team event in each weapon to be held. Voting is conducted to determine the fourth event. In 2004, the three men's team events and the women's épée were held. Thus, in 2008, the women's foil and sabre events and men's épée were automatically selected. Men's sabre was chosen over foil by a 45–20 vote.</ref><ref name="FencingTeam">{{cite web |type=pdf |url=http://www.fie.ch/download/letters/2006/urgent/09/en/decisions%20ANG.pdf |title=List of decisions of the 2006 General Assembly |date=[[2006-04-08]] |publisher=[[Federation Internationale d'Escrime]] |accessdate=2007-04-22|format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=2008programme>{{cite news |url = http://olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=1797 |title = Beijing 2008: Games Programme Finalised |publisher = International Olympic Committee |date = [[2006-04-27]] |accessdate = 2006-05-10}}</ref><ref>[http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_1056.pdf Programme of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, Beijing 2008], International Olympic Committee. Retrieved on May 15, 2006.</ref><br />
<br />
The [[Beijing Organizing Committee]] have released [[pictogram]]s of the 35 Olympic disciplines. This set of sport icons is named ''the beauty of seal characters'', due to each pictogram's likeness to Chinese [[seal script]].<ref name="pictograms">{{cite news |url = http://en.beijing2008.com/37/34/article212033437.shtml |title = Pictograms of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games unveiled |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |date = [[2006-08-07]] |accessdate = 2006-08-09}}</ref><br />
<br />
The following are the sports to be contested at these Games. The number of events to be contested in each sport is indicated in parentheses.<br />
{{Col-begin}}<br />
{{Col-1-of-4}}<br />
* Aquatics<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Diving|2008 Summer|8}}<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Swimming|2008 Summer|34}}<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Synchronized swimming|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Water polo|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Archery|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Athletics|2008 Summer|47}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Badminton|2008 Summer|5}}<br />
{{Col-2-of-4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Baseball|2008 Summer|1}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Basketball|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Boxing|2008 Summer|11}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Canoeing|2008 Summer|16}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Cycling|2008 Summer|18}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Equestrian|2008 Summer|6}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Fencing|2008 Summer|10}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Field hockey|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
{{Col-3-of-4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Football|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Gymnastics|2008 Summer|18}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Handball|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Judo|2008 Summer|14}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Modern pentathlon|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Rowing|2008 Summer|14}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Sailing|2008 Summer|11}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Shooting|2008 Summer|15}}<br />
{{Col-4-of-4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Softball|2008 Summer|1}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Table tennis|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Taekwondo|2008 Summer|8}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Tennis|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Triathlon|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Volleyball|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Weightlifting|2008 Summer|15}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Wrestling|2008 Summer|18}}<br />
{{Col-end}}<br />
<br />
===Calendar===<br />
In the following calendar for the 2008 Olympic Games, each blue box represents an event competition, such as a qualification round, on that day. The yellow boxes represent days during which medal-awarding finals for a sport are held. Each bullet in these boxes is an event final, the number of bullets per box representing the number of finals that will be contested on that day.<ref name="Calendar">{{cite web|url = http://en.beijing2008.cn/cptvenues/schedule/ |title = Olympic Games Competition Schedule |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |accessdate = 2007-07-05 }}</ref><br />
<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics Calendar}}<br />
<br />
===Medal table===<br />
{{Main|2008 Summer Olympics medal table}}<br />
These are the top-ten positions so far:<br />
<br />
{| {{RankedMedalTable|class=wikitable sortable}}<br />
|- bgcolor=ccccff<br />
| 1 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|CHN|2008 Summer}} || '''22''' || 8 || 5 || 35<br />
|-<br />
| 2 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|USA|2008 Summer}} || 13 || '''11''' || '''17''' || '''41'''<br />
|-<br />
| 3 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|GER|2008 Summer}} || 8 || 2 || 3 || 13<br />
|-<br />
| 4 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|KOR|2008 Summer}} || 6 || 7 || 3 || 16<br />
|-<br />
| 5 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|ITA|2008 Summer}} || 6 || 4 || 3 || 13<br />
|-<br />
| 6 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|AUS|2008 Summer}} || 5 || 6 || 7 || 18<br />
|-<br />
| 7||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|JPN|2008 Summer}} || 5 || 3 || 3 || 11<br />
|-<br />
| 8 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|RUS|2008 Summer}} || 3 || 8 || 4 || 15<br />
|-<br />
| 9 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|FRA|2008 Summer}} || 2 || 7 || 6 || 15<br />
|-<br />
| 10 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|GBR|2008 Summer}} || 2 || 2 || 3 || 7<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Concerns and controversies==<br />
[[Image:Human Rights Abuse Cannot Co-exist with Beijing Olympics.jpg|thumb|right|The banner reads: "Human Rights Abuse Cannot Co-exist with Beijing Olympics", picture taken during the opening of the [[Human Rights Torch Relay]] event]]<br />
{{main|Concerns over the 2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
A variety of concerns over the games have been expressed by various entities; including allegations that China violated its [[Beijing 2008 Olympic bid|pledge]] to allow open media access,<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/sports/olympics/09beijing.html?ref=olympics Two Concerns for Olympics - Air and Access - NYTimes.com]</ref> various alleged human rights violations,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3545274,00.html|title=Protestors Rally in Europe on Eve of China Olympics|date=2008-08-07 |publisher=Deutsche Welle|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=c06e4f24-ea77-467c-960e-abc94721e094|title=China's un-Olympic human rights record||publisher=Calgary Herald|date=2008-08-09|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iM4HoqRxdb5TWSCC16uQuHn2_q7g|title=Canadian protests over China's human-rights record continue prior to Games|date=2008-08-08 |publisher=Haaretz|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> [[air pollution]] in both the city of Beijing and in neighbouring areas,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-08/07/content_6912755.htm|title=Ji Xinpeng: Beijing welcomes you with its blue sky|accessdate=2008-08-08|work=China Daily|date=2008-08-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/world/20080727dy01.htm|title=Beijing failing to clear the air|date= 2008-07-27|publisher=The Daily Yomiuri|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> proposed [[Olympic boycotts|boycotts]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Kosyrev|first=Dmitry |url=http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20080806/115849259.html|title=Beijing Olympics as a diplomatic convention|accessdate=2008-08-09|work=RIA Novosti|date=2008-08-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1009630.html|first=Saul|last=Newman|title=Why Grandpa boycotted the Olympics|date= |publisher=Haaretz|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> warnings of the possibility that the Beijing Olympics could be targeted by terrorist groups,<ref>[http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080425.wolyminterpol0425/BNStory/International/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20080425.wolyminterpol0425 ''Interpol says Olympic terror attack 'real possibility'.'' The Globe and Mail. Accessed: April 25, 2008]</ref> foiled [[2008 Xinjiang attack|sabotage attempt]], potentially violent disruption from pro-Tibetan protesters,<ref name="interpol">[http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/25042008/3/interpol-chief-warns-olympic-terror-threat.html ''Interpol chief warns of Olympic terror threat''. Yahoo! Eurosport UK. Accessed: August 8, 2008]</ref> the banning of ethnic Tibetans from working in Beijing for the duration of the games,<ref>[http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008087495_olystrict02.html ''Seattle Times'' article]</ref> criticisms of policies mandating the electronic surveillance of internationally owned hotels,<ref>[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gAkDaSkHWHboscdhQZwdRBt6hZnw AFP: China plans to spy on Olympic hotel guests: US senator]</ref><ref>[http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-olyspy30-2008jul30,0,5823677.story Sen. Brownback says China monitoring Internet access in hotels - Los Angeles Times]</ref><ref>[http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jiZadkVJSv7CQ7lHqBOIlkTqVmzgD927QP880 The Associated Press: Senator: China spying on Internet use in hotels]</ref> displacement of residents,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/19/AR2008021901612.html|title=China Defends Relocation Policy|first=Maureen|last=Fan|work=[[The Washington Post]]|publisher =[[The Washington Post Company]]|date=2008-02-20|accessdate=2008-08-09|coauthors=Jie, Zhang}}</ref> and ticket adversities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/web/british-fraud-ran-beijing-ticket-scam/2008/08/06/1217702097417.html|title=British fraud ran Beijing ticket scam|date=2008-08-06|publisher=theage.com.au |accessdate=2008-07-12}}</ref> <br />
<br />
Additionally, [[International Tibet Independence Movement|pro-Tibetan independence]] proponents have exhibited disdain and protested the games,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7550802.stm |title=Protest attempt at Olympic event|date= |publisher=[[BBC News]]|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> [[human rights]] activists critical of China's role in the [[Darfur conflict]] have sought policy change,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7503428.stm? |title=China 'is fuelling war in Darfur' |date= |publisher=[[BBC News]] |accessdate=2008-07-12}}</ref> and Christian advocates have voiced concerns regarding the persecution of [[Christianity in China|Christians in China]].<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/440097402.html|title=4 Winds Allows Olympic Testimonies Underground -- China is Hypocritical in Treatment of Christians on the Streets|accessdate=2008-08-08|work=Christian Newswire|date=2008-08-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Colson|first=Chuck|url=http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080803/bush-china-and-the-olympics.htm|title=Bush, China, and the Olympics|accessdate=2008-08-08|work=The Christian Post|date=2008-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.epochtimes.com/n2/china/china-church-leader-olympics-2336.html|author=Qin Yue & Li Mingcai|title=Beijing Intensifies Suppression of House Churches Ahead of Olympics|date=2008-08-07|accessdate=2008-08-11|work=Sound of Hope Radio|publisher=Epoch Times}}</ref><ref name="cna">{{cite web|url=http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=13474|title=Chinese bishop explains reasons for participating in Olympic opening ceremonies|publisher=Catholic News Agency|accessdate=2008-08-10|date=2008-08-08}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Hu Jia and Zen Jinyan===<br />
<br />
On February 2008 the [[AIDS]] and [[Human Rights]] activist Hu Jia was arrested for criticizing China as the Host of the Olympics, comparing them to the Nazi hosting the Berlin Olympics.<ref>[http://observers.france24.com/en/content/blogger_put_prison_criticising_olympic_games "Blogger put in prison for criticising the Olympic Games" The Observers by France, August 15, 2008]</ref><br />
<br />
His wife and their baby daughter were harassed and kept under constant surveillance and house arrest while she kept blogging in favor of her husband<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100/article/0,28804,1595326_1615754_1616169,00.html/ "Zeng Jinyan - The TIME 100," TIME Magazine, May 14, 2007]</ref>.<br />
<br />
One day before the opening ceremony of the 2008 olympics in Beijing, Zeng Jinyan was forcibly dissapeared<ref>[http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/29-03-2006/78007-China-0/ "Chinese rights activist Zeng Jinyan disappears" International Herald Tribune, August 9, 2008]</ref> along with her baby daughter and is suspected to be mistreated by the Chinese police state.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{portalpar|Olympics|Olympic Rings.svg}}<br />
*[[2008 Summer Olympics highlights]]<br />
*[[2008 Summer Olympics medal table]]<br />
*[[2008 Summer Paralympics]]<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
{{reflist|3}}<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
{{Commons cat|2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
* [http://en.beijing2008.cn/ Official Website of the 2008 Summer Olympics]<br />
* [http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/index_uk.asp IOC Official 2008 Summer Olympics Website]<br />
* [http://results.beijing2008.cn/WRM/ENG/INF/GL/95A/GL0000000.shtml 2008 Olympics Medal Count]<br />
<br />
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{{succession box|title=''[[Summer Olympic Games]]'' <br> Host City|before=[[2004 Summer Olympics|Athens]]|after=[[2012 Summer Olympics|London]]|years=''XXIX Olympiad'' (2008)}}<br />
{{end box}}<br />
{{Olympic Games}}<br />
{{NOCin2008SummerOlympics}}<br />
{{EventsAt2008SummerOlympics}}<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics venues}}<br />
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[[Category:2008 Summer Olympics| ]]<br />
[[Category:Sports festivals in China]]<br />
[[Category:Articles to be split]]<br />
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[[af:Olimpiese Somerspele 2008]]<br />
[[ar:ألعاب أولمبية صيفية 2008]]<br />
[[az:2008 il Yay Olimpiya oyunları]]<br />
[[bs:XXIX Olimpijske igre - Peking 2008.]]<br />
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[[el:Θερινοί Ολυμπιακοί Αγώνες 2008]]<br />
[[es:Juegos Olímpicos de Pekín 2008]]<br />
[[eo:Somera Olimpiko 2008]]<br />
[[eu:2008ko Olinpiar Jokoak]]<br />
[[fa:بازیهای المپیک تابستانی ۲۰۰۸]]<br />
[[fr:Jeux olympiques d'été de 2008]]<br />
[[gl:Xogos Olímpicos de 2008]]<br />
[[ko:2008년 하계 올림픽]]<br />
[[hr:XXIX. Olimpijske igre - Peking 2008.]]<br />
[[id:Olimpiade Beijing 2008]]<br />
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[[ml:2008-ലെ ബെയ്ജിങ്ങ് ഒളിമ്പിക്സ്]]<br />
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[[wuu:第29屆夏季奧林匹克运动会]]<br />
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[[zh-yue:2008年北京夏季奧運會]]<br />
[[bat-smg:2008 m. vasaras uolėmpėnės žaidīnės]]<br />
[[zh:2008年夏季奥林匹克运动会]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2008_Summer_Olympics&diff=232043570
2008 Summer Olympics
2008-08-15T04:37:59Z
<p>Yupi666: /* Concerns and controversies */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{pp-semi-vandalism|small=yes}}<br />
{{Current sport|olympics=Yes}}<br />
{{redirect|Beijing 2008|the video game|Beijing 2008 (video game)}}<br />
{{for|the current medal count|2008 Summer Olympics medal table}}<br />
{{Olympics infobox|2008|Summer|<br />
| Logo = Beijing 2008 Olympics logo.svg<br />
| Size = 150<br />
| Name = Official logo of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games<br />
| Optional caption = 同一个世界 同一个梦想 ('''''One World, One Dream''''')<br />The "[[Dancing Beijing]]" emblem, depicting<br /> a [[Seal (Chinese)|Chinese seal]] inscribed with the <br />character "Jīng" (京, from the name of the <br />host city) in the form of a dancing figure.<br />
| Motto = 同一個世界 同一個夢想 ([[traditional Chinese]])<br />
| Motto = '''''One World, One Dream''''' ([[English]])<br />
| Nations participating = 204 NOCs [[#Participating NOCs|(See below)]]<br />
| Athletes participating = 11,028<ref name="athletes_number">{{cite press release|title=NOC entry forms received|publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]]|date=2008-08-01 |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/official/preparation/n214496035.shtml|accessdate=2008-08-08|quote=(...) confirmed the qualification of 11,028 athletes, including 363 supplement athletes holding a P card.}}</ref><br />
| Officially opened by = [[President of the People's Republic of China|President]] [[Hu Jintao]]<br />
| Athlete's Oath = [[Zhang Yining]]<br />
| Judge's Oath = [[Huang Liping]]<br />
| Olympic Torch = [[Li Ning]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
{{contains Chinese text}}<br />
The '''2008 Summer Olympic Games''', officially known as the '''Games of the XXIX Olympiad''', is a major [[international]] [[multi-sport event]] which is being held in [[Beijing]], [[People's Republic of China]], from [[August 8]] (except [[Football at the 2008 Summer Olympics|football]], which started on [[August 6]]) to [[August 24]], [[2008]], and will be followed by the [[2008 Summer Paralympics]], from [[September 6]] to [[September 17]]. A total of 10,500 athletes are expected to compete in 302 events in 28 sports, one event more than was on the schedule of the [[2004 Summer Olympics|2004 games]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/full_story_uk.asp?id=1805 |title=6th Coordination Commission Visit To Begin Tomorrow |publisher=International Olympic Committee |accessdate=2006-05-20}}</ref> The 2008 Beijing Olympics will also mark the third time that Olympic events will have been held in the territories of two different [[National Olympic Committee]]s (NOC), as the equestrian events will be held in [[Hong Kong]].<br />
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The [[Olympic games]] [[2008 Summer Olympics bids|were awarded]] to Beijing after an [[exhaustive ballot]] of the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC) on [[July 13]], [[2001]]. The official logo of the games, titled "[[Dancing Beijing]]," features a stylised calligraphic character ''jīng'' (京, meaning ''capital''), referring to the host city. The mascots of Beijing 2008 are the five [[Fuwa]] <ref>{{cite web|url=http://watch-olympics-online.co.cc/about.php |title=Fuwa Fact Sheet |accessdate=2008-05-14}}</ref>, each representing both a colour of the [[Olympic symbols#Flag|Olympic rings]] and a symbol of Chinese culture. The Olympic slogan, ''One World, One Dream'', calls upon the world to unite in the Olympic spirit. Several new NOCs have also been recognised by the IOC.<br />
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The [[Government of the People's Republic of China|Chinese government]] has promoted the games to highlight China's emergence on the world stage and has invested heavily in new facilities and transportation systems.<ref>{{cite news|title=China's coming out party |publisher=Toronto Star |month=August | year=2007 |url =http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Olympics/article/242172}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=2008-The Year of China? |publisher=BusinessCenter.TV |date=2007-08-07 |url= http://www.webcastr.com/videos/travel_leisure/2008-the-year-of-china.html|accessdate=2008-01-02}}</ref> A total of 37 venues will be used to host the events including 12 newly constructed venues. Earlier in 2007, former IOC president [[Juan Antonio Samaranch]] had said that he believes that the Beijing games will be "the best in Olympic history,"<ref name="Samaranch">{{cite news |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/culture/festivals/exhibition/n214101234.shtml |title=Beijing 2008 will be best-ever Games: Samaranch |date=[[2007-06-25]] |accessdate=2007-06-25 |publisher=BOCOG}}</ref> and current president [[Jacques Rogge]] asserts that the IOC has "absolutely no regrets" in choosing Beijing to host the 2008 games.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nbcolympics.com/blogs/blog=alanabrahamsonsblog/postid=163687.html |title="Absolutely no regrets" in coming to China, IOC president says |publisher=NBC |date=[[2008-08-02]] |accessdate=2008-08-02 |author=Abrahamson, Alan}}</ref> The choice of China as a host country has been a subject of criticism by politicians and NGOs concerned about China's [[Human rights in the People's Republic of China|human rights]] record.<ref>Ian Traynor and Jonathan Watts: ''[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/mar/29/germany.olympicgames2008 Merkel says she will not attend opening of Beijing Olympics.]'' Guardian on-line. March 29 2008</ref><ref>Amnesty International: ''[http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/ASA17/075/2008/en/1f55daf2-37c8-11dd-9ec6-1d6085451ee8/asa170752008eng.pdf China: The two faces of the Beijing Olympics.]'' 1 June 2008.</ref><br />
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==Bid==<br />
{| class="wikitable" align="right"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" | 2008 Summer Olympics bidding results<br />
|-<br />
! City<br />
! NOC<br />
| bgcolor="silver" |'''Round 1'''<br />
| bgcolor="silver" |'''Round 2'''<br />
|-<br />
| [[Beijing]] || {{flagicon|China}} [[People's Republic of China|China]] || align="center"| '''44''' || align="center"| '''56'''<br />
|-<br />
| [[Toronto]]|| {{flagicon|Canada}} [[Canada]] || align="center"| 20 || align="center"| 22<br />
|-<br />
| [[Paris]] || {{flagicon|France}} [[France]] || align="center"| 15 || align="center"| 18<br />
|-<br />
| [[Istanbul]] || {{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Turkey]] || align="center"| 17 || align="center"| 9<br />
|-<br />
| [[Osaka]] || {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Japan]] || align="center"| 6 || align="center"| —<br />
|}<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics bids|Beijing 2008 Olympic bid}}<br />
Beijing was elected the host city on [[July 13]], [[2001]], during the 112th [[International Olympic Committee|IOC]] Session in [[Moscow]], beating [[Toronto]], [[Paris]], [[Istanbul]], and [[Osaka]]. Prior to the session, five other cities ([[Bangkok]], [[Cairo]], [[Havana]], [[Kuala Lumpur]], and [[Seville]]) submitted bids to the IOC but failed to make the short list in 2000. After the first round of voting, Beijing held a significant lead over the other four candidates. Osaka received only six votes and was eliminated. In the second round, Beijing was supported by an [[absolute majority]] of voters, eliminating the need for subsequent rounds.<ref name="Election">{{cite web|url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/election_uk.asp |title = Beijing 2008: Election |publisher = International Olympic Committee |accessdate = 2006-12-18}}</ref><br />
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After winning the bid, [[Li Lanqing]], the vice premier of China, declared "The winning of the 2008 Olympic bid is an example of the international recognition of China's social stability, economic progress and the healthy life of the Chinese people." Previously, Beijing had [[2000 Summer Olympics bids|lost a close bid]] to [[Sydney]] for the chance to host the [[2000 Summer Olympics]].<br />
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==Development and preparation==<br />
===Venues===<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics venues| Olympic Green}}<br />
By May 2007, construction of all 31 Beijing-based Olympic Games venues had begun.<ref name="Under construction">{{cite news |publisher=BOCOG |date=2007-05-11 |accessdate=2007-05-11 |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/01/32/article214073201.shtml |title=All Beijing-based Olympic venues under construction}}</ref> The [[Chinese language|Chinese]] government has also invested in the renovation and construction of six venues outside Beijing as well as 59 training centres. Its largest [[Architecture|architectural]] pieces are the [[Beijing National Stadium]], [[Beijing National Indoor Stadium]], [[Beijing National Aquatics Centre]], [[Olympic Green Convention Centre]], [[Olympic Green]], and [[Beijing Wukesong Culture & Sports Center]]. Almost 85% of the [[construction]] budget for the six main venues is funded by [[United States dollar|US$]]2.1 billion ([[Renminbi|RMB¥]]17.4 billion) in corporate bids and tenders. Investments are expected from corporations seeking ownership rights after the 2008 Summer Olympics. Some venues will be owned and governed by the ''State General Administration of Sports'', which will use them after the Olympics as facilities for all future national sports teams and events. The 2008 Beijing Olympics are officially the most expensive games in history with a total of $40.9 billion spent between 2001 and 2007 on infrastructure, energy, transportation and water supply projects.<ref>[http://www.2008beijingolimpics.com/the-olympics/the-beijing-olympics-the-most-expensive-games-in-history/ The Most Expensive Games In History], Beijing 2008. Retrieved on August 5, 2008.</ref><br />
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Some events are being held outside Beijing, namely [[Football at the Summer Olympics|football]] in [[Qinhuangdao]], [[Shanghai]], [[Shenyang]], and [[Tianjin]]; [[Sailing at the 2008 Summer Olympics|sailing]] in [[Qingdao]]; and, because of "uncertainties of equine diseases and major difficulties in establishing a disease-free zone", [[Equestrian at the Summer Olympics|equestrian]] in [[Hong Kong]].<ref>[http://en.beijing2008.com/46/67/column211716746.shtml Olympic Venues], Beijing 2008. Retrieved on May 15, 2006.</ref><br />
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====Beijing National Stadium====<br />
{{main|Beijing National Stadium}}<br />
[[Image:Bird's Nest stadium, May 2008.jpg|thumb|right|350px|The Beijing National Stadium.]]<br />
The centrepiece of the 2008 Summer Olympics is the Beijing National Stadium, nicknamed the '''Bird's Nest''' because of its nest-like skeletal structure.<ref name="391 days left">{{cite news |url=http://olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2244 |title=The Olympic Games en route for Beijing |publisher=International Olympic Committee |date=2007-07-13 |accessdate=2007-07-16}}</ref> Construction of the venue began on [[December 24]], [[2003]]. The [[Guangdong Olympic Stadium]] was originally planned, constructed, and completed in 2001 for the games, but a decision was made to construct a new stadium in Beijing.{{Clarifyme|date=May 2008}}<ref>[http://www.architectureweek.com/2002/0501/design_1-1.html ArchitectureWeek - Design - China's Banner Stadium - 2002.0501<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Government officials engaged architects worldwide in a design competition. A [[Switzerland|Swiss]] firm, [[Herzog & de Meuron]] Architekten AG, collaborated with China Architecture Design & Research Group to win the competition. The stadium features a lattice-like concrete skeleton forming the stadium bowl and will have a seating capacity of over 90,000 people during the Olympics. Architects originally described the overall design as resembling a bird nest with an immense ocular—an opening with a [[retractable roof]] over the stadium. However, in 2004, the idea of retractable roof was abandoned for economic and safety reasons. The Beijing National Stadium will be the site of the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the athletics events and soccer finals. The stadium's designer [[Ai Weiwei]] has since withdrawn his support for China's Olympic games, saying "he wants nothing to do with them anymore".<ref>{{Clarifyme|date=May 2008}}{{cite news |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-CdWcszb_8|title=Stadium designer blasts China Olympics|publisher=Aljazeera|date=2007-08-12 |accessdate=2007-07-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/08/13/china.olympics.reut/?iref=mpstoryview|title= Chinese architect slams Olympic 'pretend smile'|accessdate=2007-08-16 |publisher= Reuters}}</ref><br />
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Most recently, the [[Beijing Olympic Village]] opened on [[July 16]], [[2008]] and to the public on [[July 26]], [[2008]].<br />
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===Transport===<br />
[[Image:Beijing 2008 olympic venues.png|thumb|right|250px|A map of the Olympic venues in Beijing. Several expressways [[Beltway|encircle]] the center of the city, providing for quick transportation around the city and between venues.]]<br />
In preparation for the huge rush during the games, [[Beijing Subway|Beijing's subway]] system underwent a major expansion which increased its capacity to more than twice its previous size. The previous system was composed of 4 lines and 64 stations. An additional 7 lines and more than 80 new stations were constructed, including a direct link to [[Beijing Capital International Airport]]. In the airport itself, 11 unmanned trains, each transporting a maximum of 83 passengers, will expedite the movement of people throughout the new terminal building.<ref name="Airport trains">{{cite news |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/olympiccities/beijing/n214096864.shtml |title=Un-manned trains to operate at new airport terminal building |date=[[2007-06-13]] |publisher=[[BOCOG]] |accessdate=2007-06-17}}</ref> Most of them are scheduled to operate from [[June 30]], [[2008]], one month before the start of the games. In 2007 January, the [[BOCOG]] announced that the Metro cars will be fitted with video screens showing the latest news and events during the games. Additionally, cellphone signals would be made available, so that people can use their communication devices in the metro stations or underground.<ref name="Video screen">{{cite news |url = http://en.beijing2008.cn/31/45/article214014531.shtml |title = Official: passengers can watch the Games in Beijing metro |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |date = [[2007-01-31]] |accessdate = 2006-02-15}}</ref> On August 1, [[Beijing South Railway Station]] was reopened after two years of construction. The 120-km long [[Beijing–Tianjin Intercity Rail]] opened on the same day that connects the new railway station with Olympic co-host city Tianjin with world's [[Land speed record for railed vehicles|fastest]] scheduled train service at 350&nbsp;km/h.<ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/olympics/article4442873.ece China inaugurates 220mph fastest rail service in world in time for Olympics]</ref><br />
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According to the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China, a new five-level [[Emergency population warning|emergency alert system]] for [[extreme weather]] and security threats will be implemented in the airport. This system is designed to ensure smooth and safe transportation for the estimated 3 million domestic and overseas visitors who will flock to Beijing for the games in 2008 August.<ref name="Airport security system">{{cite news |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/dynamics/headlines/n214101265.shtml |title=Beijing airport to launch emergency alert mechanism for Olympics |date=[[2007-06-25]] |accessdate=2007-06-25 |publisher=[[BOCOG]]}}</ref><br />
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On the ground, Beijing is set to designate 38 official public transit routes that will link the Olympic venues. During the games, 2,500 large-size [[bus]]es and 4,500 [[minibus]]es will be operated by a total of 8,000 drivers to transport people across various venues. Prior to the games, public transport will be optimised in order to reduce the existing 110 overlapping routes.<ref name="Transportation">{{cite news |url = http://en.beijing2008.cn/05/25/article214012505.shtml |title = 38 public transit routes to the Olympic venues |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |date = [[2007-01-22]] |accessdate = 2007-01-29}}</ref><br />
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Athletes, Olympic guests and media will be moved around the city in a fleet of 5,000 Volkswagen "low-emission, low-consumption" vehicles.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.ausmotive.com/2008/08/02/volkswagen-claims-green-medal-at-2008-olympic-games-in-beijing.html|title=Volkswagen claims ‘Green’ medal at 2008 Olympic Games | author= AUSmotive.com | date=2008-08-02 | accessdate=2008-08-02 | language= }}</ref><br />
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[[Beijing]] will be implementing a temporary [[road space rationing]] based on plate numbers during the Games in order to significantly improve air quality in the city.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/world/asia/15china.html?hp|title=Traffic Beijing Stops Construction for Olympics | author= Andrew Jacobs | date=2008-04-14 | publisher= New York Times | accessdate=2008-04-14 | language= }}</ref> Under the traffic plan made public on [[June 20]], [[2008]], the rationing will be enforced for two months, between July 20 to September 20, as the Olympics will begin on August 8, and then will be followed by the 2008 [[Paralympics]], from September 6 until 17.<ref name="Examiner08">{{cite news| url=http://www.examiner.com/a-1451114~Beijing_sets_restrictions_on_cars_during_Olympics.html |title=Beijing sets restrictions on cars during Olympics | author= Stephen Wade | date=2008-06-20 | publisher=National Examiner | accessdate=2008-06-23 | language= }}</ref>{{Dead link|date=August 2008}} The restrictions will be in placed on alternate days depending on the plates ending in odd or even numbers. This measure is expected to take 45% of the 3.3 million car fleet off the streets. In addition, 300,000 heavy polluting vehicles will be banned from July 1, and the plan also prohibits access to most vehicles coming from outside Beijing. The boosted public transport network is expected to absorb this additional demand, estimated in more than 4 million extra passengers per day.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/23/2282484.htm?site=olympics/2008 |title=Beijing to launch Olympic 'odd-even' car ban | author= Reuters | date=2008-06-23 | publisher=ABC news | accessdate=2008-06-23 | language= }}</ref><ref name="Examiner08"/><br />
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===Marketing===<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics marketing}}<br />
The 2008 Summer Olympics emblem is known as [[Dancing Beijing]] ({{zh-s|舞动的北京}}). The emblem combines a traditional Chinese red seal and a representation of the [[Chinese calligraphy|calligraphic]] [[Chinese character|character]] ''jīng'' ([[wikt:京|京]], "national capital", also the second character of Beijing's Chinese name) with athletic features. The open arms of the calligraphic word symbolises the invitation of China to the world to share in its culture. IOC president [[Jacques Rogge]] was very happy with the emblem, saying, "Your new emblem immediately conveys the awesome beauty and power of China which are embodied in your heritage and your people."<ref name="Message">{{cite news |url = http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200308/03/eng20030803_121618.shtml |title = Rogge's Message for Beijing Olympics Emblem Unveiling |publisher = People's Daily Online |date = 2003-08-03 |accessdate = 2006-12-19}}</ref><br />
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The slogan for the 2008 Olympics is "''One World, One Dream''" ({{zh-stp|s=同一个世界 同一个梦想|t=同一個世界 同一個夢想|p=Tóng Yíge Shìjiè Tóng Yíge Mèngxiǎng}}.)<ref name="Slogan">{{cite news|title='One World One Dream' selected as the Theme Slogan for Beijing 2008 Olympic Games |url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/75/66/article211996675.shtml |date=[[2005-12-25]] |publisher=[[BOCOG]] |accessdate=2007-05-05}}</ref> The slogan calls upon the whole world to join in the Olympic spirit and build a better future for humanity. It was chosen from over 210,000 entries submitted from around the world.<ref name="391 days left" /><br />
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===Broadcasting===<br />
These games will be the first to be produced and broadcast entirely in [[High-definition television|high definition television]], and will likely garner upwards of 4 billion viewers.<ref name="HDTV">{{cite news |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/2008/2007-07/06/content_911825.htm |title=Seeing clearly: Panasonic ushers in first HDTV Game |publisher = China Daily |date=[[2007-07-06]] |accessdate=2008-03-24}}</ref> In their bid for the Olympic games in 2001, Beijing confirmed to the Olympic Evaluation Commission "that there will be no restrictions on media reporting and movement of journalists up to and including the Olympic Games,"<ref>[http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_299.pdf Report] of the IOC Evaluation Commission for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in 2008, pg.73</ref> but according to a report in ''[[The New York Times]]'', "[[Beijing 2008 Olympic bid|these promises]] have been contradicted by strict visa rules, lengthy application processes and worries about censorship."<ref name="Networks Fight"/><br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics Broadcasting}}<br />
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===Online coverage===<br />
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The 2008 Olympics marks the debut of online and on-demand video, roughly 200 hours of coverage per day for the duration of the games. "Exclusive broadcast rights holders in large markets in Europe, North America and Australia have plans to show thousands of hours online." Furthermore, for the first time "live online video rights in some markets for the Olympics have been separately negotiated, not part of the overall 'broadcast rights,'"; these new media of the [[digital economy]] are growing "nine times faster than the rest of the advertising market."<ref>http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/07/09/oly.media/index.html</ref><br />
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Globally, however, the 2008 Olympics is subject to extensive copyright restriction &ndash;which amounts to territorial restrictions&ndash; whilst still being covered extensively online within various exclusive copyright [[autarky|autarkies]]. Thus despite the international nature of the event and the global reach of the [[Internet]], the coverage world wide of assorted nation-states and television networks is not readily accessible; there is no global or [[supranational]] media coverage as such. The [[international]] [[European Broadcasting Union]] (EBU), for example, provides live coverage and highlights of all arenas only for certain of its own territories<ref>http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/olympics/geoerror/geoerror.html</ref> on their website eurovisionsports.tv.<ref>[http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/olympics/ Beijing Live], Beijing 2008. Retrieved on August 9, 2008.</ref> Many national broadcasters likewise restrict online events to their domestic audiences.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/cycling/7552544.stm</ref> <br />
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Despite the contractual obligations of the [[digital economy]], some of the same technologies used to circumvent the [[Great Firewall of China]] (such as [[Internet_censorship_in_China#Efforts_at_breaking_through|UltraSurf]]) can be used to subvert the Olympic media autarkies on the Internet as well.<br />
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[[YouTube]] has removed a video of a regional German network's ([[Norddeutscher Rundfunk|NDR]]) coverage of the opening ceremonies as "This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by a third party.<ref>http://community.livejournal.com/olympicgames08/28771.html</ref><ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1nmR8Ndj7g</ref>; a video from Australia's [[Seven Network]] has been removed "for violation of terms of service." Furthermore, the General National Copyright Administration of China has announced that "individual (''sic'') and websites will face fines as high as 100,000 yuan for uploading recordings of Olympic Games video to the internet,"<ref>http://www.danwei.org/2008_beijing_olympic_games/china_copywrites_the_olympics.php</ref> part of an extensive campaign to protect the pertinent intellectual property rights.<ref>http://olympics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/16/for-olympics-china-ramps-up-copyright-infringement-campaign/</ref><ref>http://news.xinhuanet.com/newmedia/2008-06/13/content_8359170.htm</ref><ref>http://english.ipr.gov.cn/ipr/en/info/Article.jsp?a_no=142611&col_no=926&dir=200711</ref><br />
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==Torch relay==<br />
[[Image:Official 2008 Summer Olympics Torch in Vilnius.jpg|right|thumb|2008 Olympic Torch]]<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics torch relay|2008 Summer Olympics torch relay route}}<br />
The design of the [[Olympic Torch]] is based on traditional scrolls and uses a traditional Chinese design known as the "Propitious Clouds" (祥云). The torch is designed to remain lit in 65 kph (40 mph) winds, temperatures of up to -40°C and in rain of up to 50 mm (2 in) per hour.<br />
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The relay, with the theme '''Journey of Harmony''', lasted 130 days and carried the torch {{convert|137000|km|mi|abbr=on}}—the longest distance of any Olympic torch relay since the tradition began at the [[1936 Berlin Games]].<ref name="IOC torch">{{cite news |date=[[2007-04-26]] |title=Beijing 2008: BOCOG Announces Olympic Torch Relay Route |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2147 |publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]] |accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/09/world/09torch.html?_r=1&ex=1365393600&en=2c75ea71d3f9215b&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin|title=Officials Expect Olympic Torch to Continue on Route}}</ref> The torch relay was called a "public relations disaster" for China by ''The Times''<ref name="Public Relations Disaster">{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/olympics/article3811649.ece |title=Britain sends mandarins to China on subtle mission |date=[[2008-04-25]] |accessdate=2007-04-27 |publisher=The Times}}</ref>, with protests of [[Human rights in the People's Republic of China|China's human rights record]], particularly about [[2008 Tibetan unrest|Tibet]].<br />
[[Image:Beijing 2008 Torch Relay Route.png|left|250px|thumb|Route of the 2008 Olympic Torch Relay]]<br />
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The relay began [[March 24]], [[2008]], in [[Olympia, Greece]]. From there, it traveled across Greece to [[Panathinaiko Stadium]] in [[Athens]], and then to Beijing, arriving on [[March 31]]. From Beijing, the torch followed a route passing through every continent except Antarctica. The torch visited cities on the [[Silk Road]], symbolizing ancient links between China and the rest of the world. A total of 21,880 torchbearers have been selected from around the world by various organizations and entities.<ref name="BOCOG relay">{{cite news |publisher=[[BOCOG]] |url=http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/news/headlines/n214042288.shtml |title=Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay Planned Route and Torch Design unveiled |date=[[2007-04-26]] |accessdate=2007-04-26}}</ref><br />
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The international portion of the relay was problematic. The month-long world tour saw wide-scale protests to China's human rights abuses and recent crackdown in Tibet. After trouble in London saw several attempts to put out the flame, the flame was extinguished in Paris the following day.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article3697392.ece| title=Tibet protests force organisers to snuff out Olympic flame in Paris| date=[[2008-04-07]]| publisher=[[The Times]]| last=Bremner| first=Charles}}</ref> The American leg in San Francisco on [[9 April]] was altered without prior warning to avoid such scenes, although there were still demonstrations along the original route.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7339380.stm?| title= Confusion strikes US torch relay| date=[[2008-04-09]]| publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> The relay was further delayed and simplified after the [[2008 Sichuan earthquake]] affecting western China.<br />
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The flame was [[2008 Summer Olympics summit of Mt. Everest|carried to the top of Mount Everest]]<ref name="BOCOG relay" /> on a 108 km (67 mi) long "highway" scaling the Tibetan side of the mountain especially built for the relay. The $19.7 million blacktop project spanned from [[Tingri County]] of [[Xigazê Prefecture]] to the [[Everest Base Camp]].<ref name="Everest road">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200706200340.htm |title=China to build highway on Mt Everest for 2008 Olympics |date=[[2007-06-20]] |accessdate=2007-06-25 |publisher=The Hindu}}</ref> In 2008 March, China banned mountaineers from climbing its side of Mount Everest and later persuaded the Nepalese government to close their side as well, officially citing environmental concerns.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/climbers-banned-from-everest-as-china-seeks-to-stop-protests-on-summit-796782.html|title=Climbers banned from Everest as China seeks to stop protests on summit|date=[[2008-03-17]] |accessdate=2008-03-23 |publisher=The Independent}}</ref> It also reflected concerns by the Chinese government that [[Tibet]] activists may try to disrupt its plans to carry the Olympic torch up the world's tallest peak.<ref name="cnn13mar08">{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/12/china.everest.ap/index.html |title=China closes its side of Everest to climbers |date=[[2008-03-12]] |accessdate=2008-03-13 |publisher=CNN}}</ref><br />
<br />
The originally proposed route would have seen the torch carried through [[Taipei]] after leaving [[Vietnam]] and before heading for Hong Kong. Taiwan authorities, however, objected to this proposal, claiming that this route would make the portion of the relay in Taiwan appear to be part of the torch's domestic journey through China, rather than a leg on the international route.<ref name="Taiwan relay">{{cite news |publisher=Taiwan Journal |title=Taiwan rejects 'domestic' Olympic torch route |url=http://taiwanjournal.nat.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=24170&CtNode=122 |date=[[2007-05-04]] |accessdate=2007-08-15}}</ref> This dispute as well as demands that the [[flag of the Republic of China]] and the [[National Anthem of the Republic of China]] be banned along the route<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7005984.stm BBC NEWS Asia-Pacific | Olympic torch will bypass Taiwan]</ref> led the Taiwan authorities to reject the proposal that it be part of the relay route, and the two sides of the Taiwan Strait subsequently blamed each other for injecting politics into the event.<ref name="China torch Taipei">{{cite news |publisher=[[Yahoo!|Yahoo! Canada Sports]] |title=China blames Taiwan for scuttling Olympic torch relay through Taipei, labels 'vile precedent'|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=ap-china-torchrelay&prov=ap&type=lgns |date=[[2007-09-21]] |accessdate=2007-09-24}}</ref><br />
<br />
==The Games==<br />
{{Further|[[2008 Summer Olympics highlights]], [[2008 Summer Olympics medal count|medal count]], and [[2008 Summer Olympics medal winners|medal winners]]}}<br />
===Opening ceremony===<br />
[[Image:BeijingOlimpicGames2008-08-08.jpg|thumb|right|A scene from the opening ceremony.]]<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony|2008 Summer Olympics national flag bearers}}<br />
The opening ceremony was held at the [[Beijing National Stadium]]. It began at 8:00 pm [[China Standard Time]] ([[UTC+8]]) on [[8 August]] [[2008]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tickets.beijing2008.cn/browse?category=8224&major_category=8224&game_type=olympic|title=Tickets Information - The official ticketing website of the BEIJING 2008 Olympic Games}}</ref><ref>[http://www.travelchinaguide.com/news/show.asp?nid=138 "Beijing Confirms the Opening Ceremony Time for 2008 Olympics"], Travel China Guide. Retrieved on [[August 2]], [[2008]]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.beijing2008.cn/ceremonies/n214508163.shtml|title=Opening Ceremony plan released|date=2008-08-06|publisher=Official website|accessdate=2008-08-08}}</ref> The [[8 (number)#As a lucky or unlucky number|number 8]] is associated with prosperity and confidence in [[Numbers in Chinese culture|Chinese culture]].<ref name="Eight">{{cite web |url=http://afgen.com/china8.html |title=The Number Eight And The Chinese |accessdate=2007-04-22}}</ref> The ceremony was co-directed by Chinese filmmaker [[Zhang Yimou]] and Chinese choreographer [[Zhang Jigang]].<ref>http://en.beijing2008.cn/culture/ceremonies/n214143744.shtml</ref> It featured a cast of over 15,000 performers, and was dubbed beforehand as "the most spectacular Olympics Opening Ceremony ever produced".<ref>[http://www.thrfeed.com/2008/07/olympics-openin.html Olympics opening ceremony to have 15,000 performers -- The Live Feed <!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><br />
<br />
A rich assembly of ancient Chinese art and culture dominated the ceremony. It opened with the beating of [[Fou]] drums for the countdown. Subsequently, a giant [[scroll]] was unveiled and became the show's centerpiece. The official song of the 2008 Olympics was performed by Britain's [[Sarah Brightman]] and China's [[Liu Huan]], and was titled ''[[You and Me (theme song)|You and Me]]''.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUST29313420080807 FACTBOX: Fears, foul-ups and triumphs at past Olympic openings<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Former Chinese [[gymnastics|gymnast]] [[Li Ning]] ignited the [[cauldron]].<br />
<br />
The entry parade of the competing athletes differed in order from previous Olympic ceremonies, as the national teams did not enter in [[latin alphabet]]ical order. Instead, teams entered the stadium in order (lowest first) of the number of strokes in their [[Simplified Chinese character]] transcriptions. As a result, Australia (normally one of the first teams to enter the stadium) became one of the final teams to arrive, as the first character of the Chinese name of Australia (澳大利亚) has 16 strokes. The Olympic traditions of Greece entering first and the host nation (China) entering last were still observed. <br />
<br />
A review of the opening ceremony from around the world called it "spectacular and devoid of politics"<ref>[http://www.thrfeed.com/2008/08/olympics-review.html Olympics opening ceremony reviews -- The Live Feed <!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> though it was later revealed that the televised fireworks were enhanced with computer animation. Another cosmetic enhancement in China's quest for a perfect Summer Games was using a cute girl to lip-sync over the singing voice of a girl with "chubby face and crooked baby teeth" during the opening ceremony song [[Ode to the Motherland]].<ref>[http://www.wopular.com/node/980390 Olympic opening uses girl's voice, not face]</ref><br />
<br />
More than 100 sovereigns, heads of state and heads of government as well as 170 Ministers of Sport will be attending the Beijing Olympic Games.<ref>[http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2698 IOC President to meet with world leaders]</ref><br />
<br />
=== Closing ceremony ===<br />
{{main|2008 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony}}<br />
The 2008 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony will conclude the Beijing Games on [[August 24]], [[2008]]. It is planned to begin at 8:00pm [[China Standard Time]] ([[UTC+8]]), and to take place at the [[Beijing National Stadium]].<br />
<br />
[[British]] singer [[Leona Lewis]] is scheduled to perform at the closing ceremony, representing the change from Beijing to [[London]].<ref>Knight, Tom. [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/2303411/London-rap-troupe-fly-flag-at-Beijing-Olympics.html London rap troupe fly flag at Beijing Olympics] ''The Telegraph''. 16 June, 2008. Accessed 24 July, 2008.</ref> The Ceremony will also include the handover of the games from Beijing to [[London]]. [[Guo Jinlong]], the [[Mayor of Beijing]] will hand over the [[Olympic symbols#Flag|Olympic flag]] to the Mayor of London [[Boris Johnson]], and there will be a performance by the [[London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games]] (LOCOG).<br />
<br />
===Participating NOCs===<br />
[[Image:2008 Olympic games countries.svg|thumb|250px|Participating nations]]<br />
Following the Opening Ceremony on [[August 8]], [[2008]], all but one (Brunei) of the current 205 [[National Olympic Committee]]s (NOCs)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/organisation/noc/index_uk.asp |title=National Olympic Committees |publisher=International Olympic Committee |accessdate=2008-03-11}}</ref> will participate. [[China at the 2008 Summer Olympics|China]] and the [[United States at the 2008 Summer Olympics|United States]] have the largest teams, with 639 and 596<ref name="USOC Delegation">[http://teamusa.org/news/article/2744 2008 United States Olympic Team Entered Into XXVIV Olympic Games in Beijing, China], USOC, July 24, 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.asianweek.com/2008/08/08/asian-americans-going-for-the-gold-in/ "Asian Americans Going for the Gold in…"]. [[AsianWeek]]. Retrieved on [[2008]]-[[08-11]].</ref>competitors respectively. Several countries are represented at the games by a single athlete.<br />
<br />
Three countries participated for their first time in history: The [[Marshall Islands]], [[Montenegro]] and [[Tuvalu]].<br />
<br />
[[South Africa]]n swimmer [[Natalie du Toit]], five time gold medalist at the [[2004 Summer Paralympics|Athens Paralympics in 2004]], has qualified to compete at the Beijing Olympics, thus making history by becoming the first [[amputee]] to qualify for the Olympic Games since [[Olivér Halassy]] in 1936.<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/05/04/sbswim104.xml "Dreams carry Natalie Du Toit to Beijing"], ''The Telegraph'', May 4, 2008</ref><ref>[http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/swimming/news/story?id=3379722 "Du Toit, who lost leg in scooter accident, will swim in Beijing Games"], Reuters, May 3, 2008</ref> [[Natalia Partyka]] (who was born without a right forearm) will compete in Table Tennis for Poland.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.london2012.com/blog/2008/06/18/natalia-paralympic-and-olympic-athlete.php |title=Natalia: Paralympic AND Olympic athlete |accessdate=2008-07-15}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[Image:Flag of Chinese Taipei for Olympic games.svg|80px|thumb|border|right|TPE]]<br />
As in the previous games since 1984, athletes from the [[Republic of China]] ([[Taiwan]]) are competing at the Olympics as "[[Chinese Taipei]]" (TPE) <ref>[http://en.olympic.cn/china_oly/history/2004-03-27/121827.html "Reinstatement in the Olympic Movement"], Chinese Olympic Committee, March 27, 2004</ref> under the "Chinese Taipei Olympic flag" and using the [[National Banner Song]] as their official anthem. The participation of Taiwan had been in doubt due to disagreements over the designation of the team in the Chinese language, and concerns that Taiwan would march in the Opening Ceremony next to the Chinese Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong.<ref>[http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24123163-5013406,00.html "Taiwan clears Games hurdle"], ''[[The Australian]]'', August 4, 2008</ref> Supporters inside and outside of the venues will not be able to display the [[flag of the Republic of China]].<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/08/12/asia/AS-OLY-Taiwan-China.php "Taiwanese plan to skirt Olympics flag ban"], ''[[International Herald Tribune]] - Asia-Pacific'', August 12, 2008</ref><br />
<div align="center"><br />
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" style="width:100%"<br />
! List of Participating NOCs<br />
|-<br />
|<br />
Below is a list of all the participating NOCs (where available, the number of competitors per delegation is indicated in parentheses):<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics NOCs}}<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
====Participation changes====<br />
The [[Marshall Islands]] and [[Tuvalu]] gained National Olympic Committee status in 2006 and 2007 respectively, and are participating in the Games.<ref name="Tuvalu">{{cite news | title = Robert Meets IOC President| url = http://www.oceaniasport.com/tuvalu/| publisher =[[ONOC]] | date = [[2005-04-02]] | accessdate = 2006-12-17 }}</ref><ref name="New NOCs accepted">{{cite news |url=http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2237 |title=Two new National Olympic Committees on board! |publisher=[[International Olympic Committee]] |date=[[2007-07-06]] |accessdate=2007-07-08}}</ref><br />
<br />
The states of [[Serbia]] and [[Montenegro]], which participated at the 2004 Games jointly as [[Serbia and Montenegro]], are now competing separately. The Montenegrin Olympic Committee was accepted as a new National Olympic Committee in 2007.<ref name="New NOCs accepted" /> IOC has promised to recognise the newly independent Republic of [[Kosovo]], but not in time for the nation to compete in the Olympics.<ref>{{cite news|title=IOC to recognise Kosovo |publisher=News24 |date=2008-02-17|url=http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/More_Sport/0,,2-9-32_2272369,00.html|accessdate=2008-02-17}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[North Korea]] and [[South Korea]] held meetings to discuss the possibility of sending a united team to the 2008 Olympics,<ref name="Korea1">{{cite news | title = Koreas 'to unify Olympics teams'| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4396170.stm| publisher =[[BBC]] | date = [[2006-05-14]] | accessdate = 2006-12-17 }}</ref><ref name="Korea2">{{cite news | title = Two Koreas Make Progress in Creation of Unified Team| url = http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=1893| publisher =[[International Olympic Committee]] | date = [[2006-09-05]] | accessdate = 2006-09-10 }}</ref> but the proposal failed, due to disagreements between the two NOCs on the proportion of athletes from the two countries within the team.<br />
<br />
On [[July 24]], [[2008]], the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC) banned [[Iraq at the 2008 Summer Olympics|Iraq]] from competing in the 2008 Olympic Summer Games due to "political interference by the government in sports."<ref>{{cite news | title = Iraq banned from Summer Olympics | publisher = [[CNN]] | date = 2008-07-24 | url = http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/07/24/iraq.olympics/index.html | accessdate = 2008-07-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Iraq banned from Beijing Olympics | publisher = [[BBC Sport]] | date = 2008-07-24 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympics/7523708.stm | accessdate = 2008-07-24}}</ref> On [[July 29]], the IOC reversed its decision and will allow the nation to compete after a pledge by Iraq to ensure "the independence of its national Olympics panel" by instituting fair elections before the end of November. Until then, Iraq's Olympic Organisation will be run by "an interim committee proposed by its national sports federations and approved by the IOC."<ref>[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/olympics/2008/07/29/bc.oly.iraq.olympicstops.ap/index.html?cnn=yes IOC lifts Iraq's Olympic suspension]</ref><br />
<br />
[[Brunei|Brunei Darussalam]] were due to take part in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. However, they were disqualified on [[August 8]], having failed to register either of their athletes.<ref>{{cite news | title = Brunei Darussalam excluded from Beijing Olympic Games | publisher = [[Xinhua]] | date = 2008-08-08 | url = http://www.china.org.cn/olympics/news/2008-08/08/content_16167337.htm | accessdate = 2008-08-08}}</ref> The [[International Olympic Committee|IOC]] spokeswoman [[Emmanuelle Moreau]] said in a statement that "it is a great shame and very sad for the athletes who lose out because of the decision by their team not to register them. The IOC tried up until the last minute, midday Friday [[8 August]] [[2008]], the day of the official opening, to have them register, but to no avail."<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-Olympics/idUSPEK32791920080808 Brunei excluded from Beijing Games]</ref> Brunei's Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports submitted a Press release why Brunei decided not to participate in Beijing, stated that "one athlete competing in the shot putt event Mohd Yazid Yatimi Yusof (who) has undergone intensive training since March ... injured himself in June (right liotibial strain with mild lateral ministrial knee injury), when he was competing in the Pesta Sukan Kebangsaan (National Sports Festival)". The Brunei Darussalam Olympic Council (BNOC) issued a Press release stating that "it had to wait for approval from the Youth and Sports Department under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports as to whether Brunei Darussalam could be represented at the Olympic Games".<ref>[http://www.bt.com.bn/en/sport/2008/08/10/brunei_not_in_china_because]</ref> It is also noted that the withdrawal can lead Brunei to being sanctioned and appropriate action will be taken after the closing of the Olympics on August 24.<ref>[http://www.ranoadidas.com/?p=1576]</ref><br />
<br />
[[Democratic Republic of Georgia|Georgia]] announced on August 9, 2008 that it is considering withdrawing from the Beijing Olympic Games due to [[2008 South Ossetia War|current military conflict in South Ossetia]]. Certain participating Georgian athletes have made known they want to leave the Olympics in order to fight with the Georgian army.<ref>[http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Olympics2008/0,,2-9-2370_2372929,00.html]</ref><br />
<br />
===Sports===<br />
[[Image:Swimming 2008.gif|thumb|110px|left|This pictogram depicts ''Swimming''.]]<br />
[[Image:Beijingolympicsmedals.jpg|thumb|right|The reverse side of the medals of the 2008 Summer Olympics: silver (left), gold (center), bronze (right)]]<br />
The program for the Beijing 2008 Games is quite similar to that of the [[2004 Summer Olympics|Athens Games]] held in 2004. The 2008 Olympics will see the return of 28 sports, and will hold 302 events (165 men’s events, 127 women’s events, and 10 mixed events), one event more in total than in Athens.<br />
<br />
Overall 9 new events will be held, which include 2 from the new [[Cycling at the Summer Olympics|cycling]] discipline of [[BMX at the Summer Olympics|BMX]]. Women will compete in the 3000 m [[steeplechase (athletics)|steeplechase]] for the first time. In addition, marathon swimming events for men and women, over the distance of 10 kilometres, will be added to the swimming discipline. Team events (men and women) in [[table tennis]] will replace the doubles events. In [[fencing]], women's team foil and women's team sabre will replace men's team foil and women's team [[epee]].<ref>The fencing programme will again include all six individual events and four team events, though the team events will be a different set than were held in 2004. The [[Fédération Internationale d'Escrime|International Fencing Federation's]] rules call for events not held in the previous Games to receive automatic selection and for at least one team event in each weapon to be held. Voting is conducted to determine the fourth event. In 2004, the three men's team events and the women's épée were held. Thus, in 2008, the women's foil and sabre events and men's épée were automatically selected. Men's sabre was chosen over foil by a 45–20 vote.</ref><ref name="FencingTeam">{{cite web |type=pdf |url=http://www.fie.ch/download/letters/2006/urgent/09/en/decisions%20ANG.pdf |title=List of decisions of the 2006 General Assembly |date=[[2006-04-08]] |publisher=[[Federation Internationale d'Escrime]] |accessdate=2007-04-22|format=PDF}}</ref><ref name=2008programme>{{cite news |url = http://olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=1797 |title = Beijing 2008: Games Programme Finalised |publisher = International Olympic Committee |date = [[2006-04-27]] |accessdate = 2006-05-10}}</ref><ref>[http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_1056.pdf Programme of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, Beijing 2008], International Olympic Committee. Retrieved on May 15, 2006.</ref><br />
<br />
The [[Beijing Organizing Committee]] have released [[pictogram]]s of the 35 Olympic disciplines. This set of sport icons is named ''the beauty of seal characters'', due to each pictogram's likeness to Chinese [[seal script]].<ref name="pictograms">{{cite news |url = http://en.beijing2008.com/37/34/article212033437.shtml |title = Pictograms of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games unveiled |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |date = [[2006-08-07]] |accessdate = 2006-08-09}}</ref><br />
<br />
The following are the sports to be contested at these Games. The number of events to be contested in each sport is indicated in parentheses.<br />
{{Col-begin}}<br />
{{Col-1-of-4}}<br />
* Aquatics<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Diving|2008 Summer|8}}<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Swimming|2008 Summer|34}}<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Synchronized swimming|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
** {{OlympicEvent|Water polo|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Archery|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Athletics|2008 Summer|47}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Badminton|2008 Summer|5}}<br />
{{Col-2-of-4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Baseball|2008 Summer|1}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Basketball|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Boxing|2008 Summer|11}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Canoeing|2008 Summer|16}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Cycling|2008 Summer|18}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Equestrian|2008 Summer|6}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Fencing|2008 Summer|10}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Field hockey|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
{{Col-3-of-4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Football|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Gymnastics|2008 Summer|18}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Handball|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Judo|2008 Summer|14}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Modern pentathlon|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Rowing|2008 Summer|14}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Sailing|2008 Summer|11}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Shooting|2008 Summer|15}}<br />
{{Col-4-of-4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Softball|2008 Summer|1}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Table tennis|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Taekwondo|2008 Summer|8}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Tennis|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Triathlon|2008 Summer|2}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Volleyball|2008 Summer|4}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Weightlifting|2008 Summer|15}}<br />
* {{OlympicEvent|Wrestling|2008 Summer|18}}<br />
{{Col-end}}<br />
<br />
===Calendar===<br />
In the following calendar for the 2008 Olympic Games, each blue box represents an event competition, such as a qualification round, on that day. The yellow boxes represent days during which medal-awarding finals for a sport are held. Each bullet in these boxes is an event final, the number of bullets per box representing the number of finals that will be contested on that day.<ref name="Calendar">{{cite web|url = http://en.beijing2008.cn/cptvenues/schedule/ |title = Olympic Games Competition Schedule |publisher = [[BOCOG]] |accessdate = 2007-07-05 }}</ref><br />
<br />
{{2008 Summer Olympics Calendar}}<br />
<br />
===Medal table===<br />
{{Main|2008 Summer Olympics medal table}}<br />
These are the top-ten positions so far:<br />
<br />
{| {{RankedMedalTable|class=wikitable sortable}}<br />
|- bgcolor=ccccff<br />
| 1 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|CHN|2008 Summer}} || '''22''' || 8 || 5 || 35<br />
|-<br />
| 2 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|USA|2008 Summer}} || 13 || '''11''' || '''17''' || '''41'''<br />
|-<br />
| 3 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|GER|2008 Summer}} || 8 || 2 || 3 || 13<br />
|-<br />
| 4 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|KOR|2008 Summer}} || 6 || 7 || 3 || 16<br />
|-<br />
| 5 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|ITA|2008 Summer}} || 6 || 4 || 3 || 13<br />
|-<br />
| 6 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|AUS|2008 Summer}} || 5 || 6 || 7 || 18<br />
|-<br />
| 7||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|JPN|2008 Summer}} || 5 || 3 || 3 || 11<br />
|-<br />
| 8 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|RUS|2008 Summer}} || 3 || 8 || 4 || 15<br />
|-<br />
| 9 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|FRA|2008 Summer}} || 2 || 7 || 6 || 15<br />
|-<br />
| 10 ||align=left| {{flagIOCteam|GBR|2008 Summer}} || 2 || 2 || 3 || 7<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Concerns and controversies==<br />
[[Image:Human Rights Abuse Cannot Co-exist with Beijing Olympics.jpg|thumb|right|The banner reads: "Human Rights Abuse Cannot Co-exist with Beijing Olympics", picture taken during the opening of the [[Human Rights Torch Relay]] event]]<br />
{{main|Concerns over the 2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
A variety of concerns over the games have been expressed by various entities; including allegations that China violated its [[Beijing 2008 Olympic bid|pledge]] to allow open media access,<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/sports/olympics/09beijing.html?ref=olympics Two Concerns for Olympics - Air and Access - NYTimes.com]</ref> various alleged human rights violations,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3545274,00.html|title=Protestors Rally in Europe on Eve of China Olympics|date=2008-08-07 |publisher=Deutsche Welle|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=c06e4f24-ea77-467c-960e-abc94721e094|title=China's un-Olympic human rights record||publisher=Calgary Herald|date=2008-08-09|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iM4HoqRxdb5TWSCC16uQuHn2_q7g|title=Canadian protests over China's human-rights record continue prior to Games|date=2008-08-08 |publisher=Haaretz|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> [[air pollution]] in both the city of Beijing and in neighbouring areas,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-08/07/content_6912755.htm|title=Ji Xinpeng: Beijing welcomes you with its blue sky|accessdate=2008-08-08|work=China Daily|date=2008-08-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/world/20080727dy01.htm|title=Beijing failing to clear the air|date= 2008-07-27|publisher=The Daily Yomiuri|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> proposed [[Olympic boycotts|boycotts]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Kosyrev|first=Dmitry |url=http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20080806/115849259.html|title=Beijing Olympics as a diplomatic convention|accessdate=2008-08-09|work=RIA Novosti|date=2008-08-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1009630.html|first=Saul|last=Newman|title=Why Grandpa boycotted the Olympics|date= |publisher=Haaretz|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> warnings of the possibility that the Beijing Olympics could be targeted by terrorist groups,<ref>[http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080425.wolyminterpol0425/BNStory/International/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20080425.wolyminterpol0425 ''Interpol says Olympic terror attack 'real possibility'.'' The Globe and Mail. Accessed: April 25, 2008]</ref> foiled [[2008 Xinjiang attack|sabotage attempt]], potentially violent disruption from pro-Tibetan protesters,<ref name="interpol">[http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/25042008/3/interpol-chief-warns-olympic-terror-threat.html ''Interpol chief warns of Olympic terror threat''. Yahoo! Eurosport UK. Accessed: August 8, 2008]</ref> the banning of ethnic Tibetans from working in Beijing for the duration of the games,<ref>[http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008087495_olystrict02.html ''Seattle Times'' article]</ref> criticisms of policies mandating the electronic surveillance of internationally owned hotels,<ref>[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gAkDaSkHWHboscdhQZwdRBt6hZnw AFP: China plans to spy on Olympic hotel guests: US senator]</ref><ref>[http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-olyspy30-2008jul30,0,5823677.story Sen. Brownback says China monitoring Internet access in hotels - Los Angeles Times]</ref><ref>[http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jiZadkVJSv7CQ7lHqBOIlkTqVmzgD927QP880 The Associated Press: Senator: China spying on Internet use in hotels]</ref> displacement of residents,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/19/AR2008021901612.html|title=China Defends Relocation Policy|first=Maureen|last=Fan|work=[[The Washington Post]]|publisher =[[The Washington Post Company]]|date=2008-02-20|accessdate=2008-08-09|coauthors=Jie, Zhang}}</ref> and ticket adversities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/web/british-fraud-ran-beijing-ticket-scam/2008/08/06/1217702097417.html|title=British fraud ran Beijing ticket scam|date=2008-08-06|publisher=theage.com.au |accessdate=2008-07-12}}</ref> <br />
<br />
Additionally, [[International Tibet Independence Movement|pro-Tibetan independence]] proponents have exhibited disdain and protested the games,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7550802.stm |title=Protest attempt at Olympic event|date= |publisher=[[BBC News]]|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref> [[human rights]] activists critical of China's role in the [[Darfur conflict]] have sought policy change,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7503428.stm? |title=China 'is fuelling war in Darfur' |date= |publisher=[[BBC News]] |accessdate=2008-07-12}}</ref> and Christian advocates have voiced concerns regarding the persecution of [[Christianity in China|Christians in China]].<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/440097402.html|title=4 Winds Allows Olympic Testimonies Underground -- China is Hypocritical in Treatment of Christians on the Streets|accessdate=2008-08-08|work=Christian Newswire|date=2008-08-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Colson|first=Chuck|url=http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080803/bush-china-and-the-olympics.htm|title=Bush, China, and the Olympics|accessdate=2008-08-08|work=The Christian Post|date=2008-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.epochtimes.com/n2/china/china-church-leader-olympics-2336.html|author=Qin Yue & Li Mingcai|title=Beijing Intensifies Suppression of House Churches Ahead of Olympics|date=2008-08-07|accessdate=2008-08-11|work=Sound of Hope Radio|publisher=Epoch Times}}</ref><ref name="cna">{{cite web|url=http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=13474|title=Chinese bishop explains reasons for participating in Olympic opening ceremonies|publisher=Catholic News Agency|accessdate=2008-08-10|date=2008-08-08}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Hu Jia and Zen Jinyan===<br />
<br />
On February 2008 the [[AIDS]] and [[Human Rights]] activist Hu Jia was arrested for criticizing China as the Host of the Olympics, comparing them to the Nazi hosting the Berlin Olymmpics.<ref>[http://observers.france24.com/en/content/blogger_put_prison_criticising_olympic_games "Blogger put in prison for criticising the Olympic Games" The Observers by France, August 15, 2008]</ref><br />
<br />
His wife and their baby daughter were harassed and kept under constant surveillance and house arrest while she kept blogging in favor of her husband<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100/article/0,28804,1595326_1615754_1616169,00.html/ "Zeng Jinyan - The TIME 100," TIME Magazine, May 14, 2007]</ref>.<br />
<br />
One day before the opening ceremony of the 2008 olympics in Beijing, Zeng Jinyan was forcibly dissapeared<ref>[http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/29-03-2006/78007-China-0/ "Chinese rights activist Zeng Jinyan disappears" International Herald Tribune, August 9, 2008]</ref> along with her baby daughter and is suspected to be mistreated by the Chinese police state.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{portalpar|Olympics|Olympic Rings.svg}}<br />
*[[2008 Summer Olympics highlights]]<br />
*[[2008 Summer Olympics medal table]]<br />
*[[2008 Summer Paralympics]]<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
{{reflist|3}}<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
{{Commons cat|2008 Summer Olympics}}<br />
* [http://en.beijing2008.cn/ Official Website of the 2008 Summer Olympics]<br />
* [http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/index_uk.asp IOC Official 2008 Summer Olympics Website]<br />
* [http://results.beijing2008.cn/WRM/ENG/INF/GL/95A/GL0000000.shtml 2008 Olympics Medal Count]<br />
<br />
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{{succession box|title=''[[Summer Olympic Games]]'' <br> Host City|before=[[2004 Summer Olympics|Athens]]|after=[[2012 Summer Olympics|London]]|years=''XXIX Olympiad'' (2008)}}<br />
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[[Category:Sports festivals in China]]<br />
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Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hu_Jia_(activist)&diff=232040867
Hu Jia (activist)
2008-08-15T04:19:53Z
<p>Yupi666: /* Biography */</p>
<hr />
<div>'''Hu Jia''' ({{zh-cp|c=[[wikt:胡|胡]][[wikt:佳|佳]]|p=Hú Jiā}}; original name [[wikt:胡|胡]][[wikt:嘉|嘉]]; born [[July 25]], [[1973]] in [[Beijing]]) is an [[activist]] and [[dissident]] in the [[People's Republic of China]]. His work has focused on the [[Chinese democracy movement]], Chinese [[Environmentalism|environmentalist]] movement, and [[HIV/AIDS in the People's Republic of China]]. In addition to being an auxiliary member of the team to save the [[Endangered species|endangered]] [[Tibetan antelope]], Hu Jia was bestowed honorary citizenship by the Paris City Council in April, 2008<ref>[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hjjR12Btx5NFrFYBiVC44m59MNEw Paris makes Dalai Lama, Chinese dissident honorary citizens]</ref><br />
, he is the director of [[June Fourth Heritage & Culture Association]], he has been involved with [[AIDS]] advocacy as the [[executive director]] of the Beijing Aizhixing Institute of Health Education and as one of the founders of the [[non-governmental organization]] Loving Source. <br />
<br />
On December 27, 2007, Hu Jia was detained as part of crackdown on dissent during the Christmas holiday season. [[Reporters Without Borders]] said that “The [[political police]] have taken advantage of the international community’s focus on Pakistan to arrest one of the foremost representatives of the peaceful struggle for free expression in China.” The decision to take him into custody was made after peasant leaders in several Chinese provinces issued a manifesto demanding broader land rights for [[Poverty in China#Land policy and corruption|peasants whose property had been confiscated for development]]. <ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/30/world/asia/web30china.html New York Times: "China Detains Dissident, Citing Subversion", December 30, 2007]</ref>He was given 3 1/2 years in jail [[April 3]] [[2008]]. Hu pleaded not guilty on charges of "inciting subversion of [[Tripartite classification of authority|state power]]" at his trial in [[March 2008]].<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/04/02/china.activist.sentenced.ap/index.html CNN: "Chinese civil rights activist sentenced for subversion", April 3, 2008]</ref> <br />
<br />
==Biography==<br />
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:Hujia.jpg|right|Hu Jia]] --><br />
Hu Jia's parents were students at [[Tsinghua University]] in [[Beijing]] and [[Nankai University]] in [[Tianjin]] in 1957 when they were labeled as rightists during the [[Anti-Rightist Movement]] under [[Mao Zedong]]. They were assigned to work in remote [[Province (China)|provinces]] of [[Hebei]], [[Gansu]], and [[Hunan]]. His parents often had to live apart until 1978, when [[Deng Xiaoping]] came to power and political label held against them was dropped. <br />
<br />
In 1996 Hu Jia graduated from the [[Capital University of Economics and Trade|Beijing School of Economics]] (now [[Capital University of Economics and Trade]], 首都经贸大学), where he majored in [[information engineering]].<br />
<br />
In January 2006 he married [[Zeng Jinyan]] whom he has an infant daughter, and who was included in Time Magazine's 100 Heroes and Pioneers for her [[blogging]] <ref>[http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100/article/0,28804,1595326_1615754_1616169,00.html/ "Zeng Jinyan - The TIME 100," TIME Magazine, May 14, 2007]</ref> after his arrest in February 2008 for voicing his indignation of China as the host of the [[2008 Summer Olympics]]. both his wife and daughter were held in house arrest and harrased by the [[Chinese Secret Police]] and eventually disappeared one day before the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Beijing.<ref>[http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/29-03-2006/78007-China-0/ "Chinese rights activist Zeng Jinyan disappears" International Herald Tribune, August 9, 2008]</ref><br />
<br />
== Activism ==<br />
Hu Jia became interested in environmental issues while in [[university]] and participated in several environmental organizations including the [[Friends of Nature]], led by [[Liang Congjie]]<ref>[http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/sandt/liangNGO.htm Chinese Environmentalist Liang Congjie On NGO Life]</ref><ref>[http://www.china.org.cn/english/MATERIAL/158625.htm The Soul of China's Environmental NGOs] a China.org article</ref> and the 1997 Green Camp<ref>[http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/sandt/tang2.htm "Tang Xiyang Writes About 1996 Green Camp and the Loss of His Wife"]</ref> university student environmental camp led by Tang Xiyang <ref>[http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/sandt/tangcensor.html A Section Censored from Tang Xiyang's Environmental Book "A Green World Tour"]</ref>.In 1998 Hu Jia was involved in rescuing some wild elk that were threatened by severe flooding that year. Hu was subsequently involved in efforts to protect the Tibetan Antelope that were being slaughtered for their fur. <br />
<br />
In July 2000, the writer [[Wang Lixiong]] introduced Hu Jia to AIDS activist [[Wan Yanhai]]. Afterwards Hu Jia became involved in AIDS prevention work and took an active part in the AIZHIBING Institute of Health Education AIDS, which Wan Yanhai had founded. As one of the founders of the AIDS NGO Loving Source, Hu Jia has been involved in helping people suffering from AIDS and AIDS orphans in Henan [[province]]. He has criticized the government over its treatment of people with AIDS.<br />
<br />
Hu Jia has also been involved in campaigns to release [[political prisoner]]s, including the Wan Yanhai in August–September 2002, the [[cyber-dissident]] [[Liu Di]] ("The Stainless Steel Rat"). He also has been involved in [[2005 anti-Japanese demonstrations|anti-Japanese demonstrations]].<br />
<br />
Hu Jia insists on his rights as a citizen of the People's Republic in China. When [[Public security bureau|police]] detain him (often for planned activities and sometimes to ensure that he is not active at sensitive times such as [[June 4]], the [[anniversary]] of the [[Tiananmen Square protests of 1989]]) Hu demands that the police state what provision of [[Law of the People's Republic of China|Chinese law]] he is being held under. Hu says that the security officers are generally unable to do so.<br />
<br />
On February 16, 2006, Hu Jia was detained for 41 days. His detention was not acknowledged by the Chinese government. After his return to his apartment in Beijing, where he lives with his wife [[Zeng Jinyan]] (also an AIDS activist), Hu Jia was kept under [[house arrest]] until March 2007. Two months later, on May 18, 2007, Hu Jia and his wife were placed under house arrest again on charges of "harming state security."<ref>[http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/05/21/china15979.htm/ "Activist Couple Accused of Endangering State Security," Human Rights Watch, May 21, 2007]</ref> Hu Jia has remained active via [[email]]s and [[blog]]s while under house arrests. <br />
<br />
According to [[Amnesty International]], Hu Jia has resigned from Loving Source to prevent the authorities from harassing the group.<br />
<br />
Using a Web camera, Mr. Hu participated in a European parliamentary hearing in Brussels in November 2007 about [[Human rights in the People's Republic of China|human rights in China]]. At the hearing he said: “It is ironic that one of the people in charge of organizing the Olympic Games is the head of the Bureau of Public Security, which is responsible for so many human rights violations. It is very serious that the official promises are not being kept before the games.”[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/30/world/asia/web30china.html].<br />
<br />
On [[December 30]], [[2007]], Hu Jia was arrested at his home in Beijing by the Chinese police for "subverting state authority" <ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/30/world/asia/web30china.html China Detains Dissident, Citing Subversion - New York Times<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> <ref>[http://www.humanrights-geneva.info/spip.php?article2613 Outrage at human rights activist Hu Jia’s arrest in Beijing | Human Rights Tribune - www.humanrights-geneva.info<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. His trial began in March 2008 on charges of "inciting subversion of state power and the socialist system", stemming from interviews he gave to the foreign media and political articles he wrote and published on the internet. The crime carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.<ref>{{cite news | title = Trial of Chinese activist begins | work = BBC News | date = [[18 March]], [[2008]] | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7302057.stm}}</ref> On 3 April 2008, Hu was sentenced to three years and six months in prison.<ref>Al Jazeera 2008, [http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/1B5F4035-6692-4504-86BC-29E59DFDDBDA.htm 'China jails vocal civil activist'], ''Al Jazeera News'', 3 April. Retrieved on 3 April 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
== Awards and Honors ==<br />
Honorary citizenship in Paris, voted [[April 21]] [[2008]], the same day as to the [[Tenzin Gyatso|14th Dalai Lama]].<ref>[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hjjR12Btx5NFrFYBiVC44m59MNEw Paris makes Dalai Lama, Chinese dissident honorary citizens]</ref><br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
* [[Human rights in the People's Republic of China]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist|2}}<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
*[http://www.hs.fi/english/article/The+Year+of+the+Dog+-+A+Chinese+activists+story+/1135227391049 The Year of the Dog - A Chinese activist's story]<br />
*[http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/29-03-2006/78007-China-0 Chinese AIDS activist missing for six weeks returns home]<br />
*[http://www.rfa.org/english/news/2006/03/29/china_hujia/ Interview With AIDS Activist Hu Jia]<br />
*[http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fhujiachina.spaces.live.com%2F&langpair=zh%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8 Hu Jia's blog, translated by Google Translate. Rough but mostly understandable. Click on links in a translation to get more material translated.]<br />
*[http://hujiachina.spaces.live.com/ Hu Jia's Live Spaces blog in Chinese]<br />
*[http://www.fon.org.cn/ Friends of Nature website (in Chinese)]<br />
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mHrfE_1yf4&feature=related/ Prisoners in Freedom City, a documentary by Hu Jia and Zeng Jinyan (with Chinese and English Subtitles)]<br />
*The full documentary, "Prisoners of Freedom City" on the WITNESS Hub - [http://hub.witness.org/en/node/3867 Part 1], [http://hub.witness.org/en/node/3864 Part 2] & [http://hub.witness.org/en/node/3861 Part 3] <br />
*[http://abclive.in/abclive_global/hu-jia-arrest-china.html Hu Jia Arrest Indicates China Anxiety over Tibet Issue]<br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hu, Jia}}<br />
[[Category:1973 births]]<br />
[[Category:Living people]]<br />
[[Category:Chinese activists]]<br />
[[Category:People from Beijing]]<br />
[[Category:AIDS activists]]<br />
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[[cy:Hu Jia]]<br />
[[de:Hu Jia]]<br />
[[es:Hu Jia]]<br />
[[fr:Hu Jia]]<br />
[[ja:胡佳 (活動家)]]<br />
[[fi:Hu Jia (aktivisti)]]<br />
[[zh-yue:胡佳]]<br />
[[zh:胡佳 (1973年)]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hu_Jia_(activist)&diff=232040383
Hu Jia (activist)
2008-08-15T04:16:12Z
<p>Yupi666: /* Biography */</p>
<hr />
<div>'''Hu Jia''' ({{zh-cp|c=[[wikt:胡|胡]][[wikt:佳|佳]]|p=Hú Jiā}}; original name [[wikt:胡|胡]][[wikt:嘉|嘉]]; born [[July 25]], [[1973]] in [[Beijing]]) is an [[activist]] and [[dissident]] in the [[People's Republic of China]]. His work has focused on the [[Chinese democracy movement]], Chinese [[Environmentalism|environmentalist]] movement, and [[HIV/AIDS in the People's Republic of China]]. In addition to being an auxiliary member of the team to save the [[Endangered species|endangered]] [[Tibetan antelope]], Hu Jia was bestowed honorary citizenship by the Paris City Council in April, 2008<ref>[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hjjR12Btx5NFrFYBiVC44m59MNEw Paris makes Dalai Lama, Chinese dissident honorary citizens]</ref><br />
, he is the director of [[June Fourth Heritage & Culture Association]], he has been involved with [[AIDS]] advocacy as the [[executive director]] of the Beijing Aizhixing Institute of Health Education and as one of the founders of the [[non-governmental organization]] Loving Source. <br />
<br />
On December 27, 2007, Hu Jia was detained as part of crackdown on dissent during the Christmas holiday season. [[Reporters Without Borders]] said that “The [[political police]] have taken advantage of the international community’s focus on Pakistan to arrest one of the foremost representatives of the peaceful struggle for free expression in China.” The decision to take him into custody was made after peasant leaders in several Chinese provinces issued a manifesto demanding broader land rights for [[Poverty in China#Land policy and corruption|peasants whose property had been confiscated for development]]. <ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/30/world/asia/web30china.html New York Times: "China Detains Dissident, Citing Subversion", December 30, 2007]</ref>He was given 3 1/2 years in jail [[April 3]] [[2008]]. Hu pleaded not guilty on charges of "inciting subversion of [[Tripartite classification of authority|state power]]" at his trial in [[March 2008]].<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/04/02/china.activist.sentenced.ap/index.html CNN: "Chinese civil rights activist sentenced for subversion", April 3, 2008]</ref> <br />
<br />
==Biography==<br />
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:Hujia.jpg|right|Hu Jia]] --><br />
Hu Jia's parents were students at [[Tsinghua University]] in [[Beijing]] and [[Nankai University]] in [[Tianjin]] in 1957 when they were labeled as rightists during the [[Anti-Rightist Movement]] under [[Mao Zedong]]. They were assigned to work in remote [[Province (China)|provinces]] of [[Hebei]], [[Gansu]], and [[Hunan]]. His parents often had to live apart until 1978, when [[Deng Xiaoping]] came to power and political label held against them was dropped. <br />
<br />
In 1996 Hu Jia graduated from the [[Capital University of Economics and Trade|Beijing School of Economics]] (now [[Capital University of Economics and Trade]], 首都经贸大学), where he majored in [[information engineering]].<br />
<br />
In January 2006 he married [[Zeng Jinyan]] whom he has an infant daughter<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100/article/0,28804,1595326_1615754_1616169,00.html/ "Zeng Jinyan - The TIME 100," TIME Magazine, May 14, 2007]</ref>, after his arrest in March 2008 for voicing his indignation of China as the host of the [[2008 Summer Olympics]] both his wife and daughter were held in house arrest and harrased by the [[Chinese Secret Police]] and eventually disappeared one day before the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Beijing.<ref>[http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/29-03-2006/78007-China-0/ "Chinese rights activist Zeng Jinyan disappears" International Herald Tribune, August 9, 2008]</ref><br />
<br />
== Activism ==<br />
Hu Jia became interested in environmental issues while in [[university]] and participated in several environmental organizations including the [[Friends of Nature]], led by [[Liang Congjie]]<ref>[http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/sandt/liangNGO.htm Chinese Environmentalist Liang Congjie On NGO Life]</ref><ref>[http://www.china.org.cn/english/MATERIAL/158625.htm The Soul of China's Environmental NGOs] a China.org article</ref> and the 1997 Green Camp<ref>[http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/sandt/tang2.htm "Tang Xiyang Writes About 1996 Green Camp and the Loss of His Wife"]</ref> university student environmental camp led by Tang Xiyang <ref>[http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/sandt/tangcensor.html A Section Censored from Tang Xiyang's Environmental Book "A Green World Tour"]</ref>.In 1998 Hu Jia was involved in rescuing some wild elk that were threatened by severe flooding that year. Hu was subsequently involved in efforts to protect the Tibetan Antelope that were being slaughtered for their fur. <br />
<br />
In July 2000, the writer [[Wang Lixiong]] introduced Hu Jia to AIDS activist [[Wan Yanhai]]. Afterwards Hu Jia became involved in AIDS prevention work and took an active part in the AIZHIBING Institute of Health Education AIDS, which Wan Yanhai had founded. As one of the founders of the AIDS NGO Loving Source, Hu Jia has been involved in helping people suffering from AIDS and AIDS orphans in Henan [[province]]. He has criticized the government over its treatment of people with AIDS.<br />
<br />
Hu Jia has also been involved in campaigns to release [[political prisoner]]s, including the Wan Yanhai in August–September 2002, the [[cyber-dissident]] [[Liu Di]] ("The Stainless Steel Rat"). He also has been involved in [[2005 anti-Japanese demonstrations|anti-Japanese demonstrations]].<br />
<br />
Hu Jia insists on his rights as a citizen of the People's Republic in China. When [[Public security bureau|police]] detain him (often for planned activities and sometimes to ensure that he is not active at sensitive times such as [[June 4]], the [[anniversary]] of the [[Tiananmen Square protests of 1989]]) Hu demands that the police state what provision of [[Law of the People's Republic of China|Chinese law]] he is being held under. Hu says that the security officers are generally unable to do so.<br />
<br />
On February 16, 2006, Hu Jia was detained for 41 days. His detention was not acknowledged by the Chinese government. After his return to his apartment in Beijing, where he lives with his wife [[Zeng Jinyan]] (also an AIDS activist), Hu Jia was kept under [[house arrest]] until March 2007. Two months later, on May 18, 2007, Hu Jia and his wife were placed under house arrest again on charges of "harming state security."<ref>[http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/05/21/china15979.htm/ "Activist Couple Accused of Endangering State Security," Human Rights Watch, May 21, 2007]</ref> Hu Jia has remained active via [[email]]s and [[blog]]s while under house arrests. <br />
<br />
According to [[Amnesty International]], Hu Jia has resigned from Loving Source to prevent the authorities from harassing the group.<br />
<br />
Using a Web camera, Mr. Hu participated in a European parliamentary hearing in Brussels in November 2007 about [[Human rights in the People's Republic of China|human rights in China]]. At the hearing he said: “It is ironic that one of the people in charge of organizing the Olympic Games is the head of the Bureau of Public Security, which is responsible for so many human rights violations. It is very serious that the official promises are not being kept before the games.”[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/30/world/asia/web30china.html].<br />
<br />
On [[December 30]], [[2007]], Hu Jia was arrested at his home in Beijing by the Chinese police for "subverting state authority" <ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/30/world/asia/web30china.html China Detains Dissident, Citing Subversion - New York Times<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> <ref>[http://www.humanrights-geneva.info/spip.php?article2613 Outrage at human rights activist Hu Jia’s arrest in Beijing | Human Rights Tribune - www.humanrights-geneva.info<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. His trial began in March 2008 on charges of "inciting subversion of state power and the socialist system", stemming from interviews he gave to the foreign media and political articles he wrote and published on the internet. The crime carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.<ref>{{cite news | title = Trial of Chinese activist begins | work = BBC News | date = [[18 March]], [[2008]] | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7302057.stm}}</ref> On 3 April 2008, Hu was sentenced to three years and six months in prison.<ref>Al Jazeera 2008, [http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/1B5F4035-6692-4504-86BC-29E59DFDDBDA.htm 'China jails vocal civil activist'], ''Al Jazeera News'', 3 April. Retrieved on 3 April 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
== Awards and Honors ==<br />
Honorary citizenship in Paris, voted [[April 21]] [[2008]], the same day as to the [[Tenzin Gyatso|14th Dalai Lama]].<ref>[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hjjR12Btx5NFrFYBiVC44m59MNEw Paris makes Dalai Lama, Chinese dissident honorary citizens]</ref><br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
* [[Human rights in the People's Republic of China]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist|2}}<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
*[http://www.hs.fi/english/article/The+Year+of+the+Dog+-+A+Chinese+activists+story+/1135227391049 The Year of the Dog - A Chinese activist's story]<br />
*[http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/29-03-2006/78007-China-0 Chinese AIDS activist missing for six weeks returns home]<br />
*[http://www.rfa.org/english/news/2006/03/29/china_hujia/ Interview With AIDS Activist Hu Jia]<br />
*[http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fhujiachina.spaces.live.com%2F&langpair=zh%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8 Hu Jia's blog, translated by Google Translate. Rough but mostly understandable. Click on links in a translation to get more material translated.]<br />
*[http://hujiachina.spaces.live.com/ Hu Jia's Live Spaces blog in Chinese]<br />
*[http://www.fon.org.cn/ Friends of Nature website (in Chinese)]<br />
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mHrfE_1yf4&feature=related/ Prisoners in Freedom City, a documentary by Hu Jia and Zeng Jinyan (with Chinese and English Subtitles)]<br />
*The full documentary, "Prisoners of Freedom City" on the WITNESS Hub - [http://hub.witness.org/en/node/3867 Part 1], [http://hub.witness.org/en/node/3864 Part 2] & [http://hub.witness.org/en/node/3861 Part 3] <br />
*[http://abclive.in/abclive_global/hu-jia-arrest-china.html Hu Jia Arrest Indicates China Anxiety over Tibet Issue]<br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hu, Jia}}<br />
[[Category:1973 births]]<br />
[[Category:Living people]]<br />
[[Category:Chinese activists]]<br />
[[Category:People from Beijing]]<br />
[[Category:AIDS activists]]<br />
<br />
[[cy:Hu Jia]]<br />
[[de:Hu Jia]]<br />
[[es:Hu Jia]]<br />
[[fr:Hu Jia]]<br />
[[ja:胡佳 (活動家)]]<br />
[[fi:Hu Jia (aktivisti)]]<br />
[[zh-yue:胡佳]]<br />
[[zh:胡佳 (1973年)]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hu_Jia_(activist)&diff=232040285
Hu Jia (activist)
2008-08-15T04:15:33Z
<p>Yupi666: /* Biography */</p>
<hr />
<div>'''Hu Jia''' ({{zh-cp|c=[[wikt:胡|胡]][[wikt:佳|佳]]|p=Hú Jiā}}; original name [[wikt:胡|胡]][[wikt:嘉|嘉]]; born [[July 25]], [[1973]] in [[Beijing]]) is an [[activist]] and [[dissident]] in the [[People's Republic of China]]. His work has focused on the [[Chinese democracy movement]], Chinese [[Environmentalism|environmentalist]] movement, and [[HIV/AIDS in the People's Republic of China]]. In addition to being an auxiliary member of the team to save the [[Endangered species|endangered]] [[Tibetan antelope]], Hu Jia was bestowed honorary citizenship by the Paris City Council in April, 2008<ref>[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hjjR12Btx5NFrFYBiVC44m59MNEw Paris makes Dalai Lama, Chinese dissident honorary citizens]</ref><br />
, he is the director of [[June Fourth Heritage & Culture Association]], he has been involved with [[AIDS]] advocacy as the [[executive director]] of the Beijing Aizhixing Institute of Health Education and as one of the founders of the [[non-governmental organization]] Loving Source. <br />
<br />
On December 27, 2007, Hu Jia was detained as part of crackdown on dissent during the Christmas holiday season. [[Reporters Without Borders]] said that “The [[political police]] have taken advantage of the international community’s focus on Pakistan to arrest one of the foremost representatives of the peaceful struggle for free expression in China.” The decision to take him into custody was made after peasant leaders in several Chinese provinces issued a manifesto demanding broader land rights for [[Poverty in China#Land policy and corruption|peasants whose property had been confiscated for development]]. <ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/30/world/asia/web30china.html New York Times: "China Detains Dissident, Citing Subversion", December 30, 2007]</ref>He was given 3 1/2 years in jail [[April 3]] [[2008]]. Hu pleaded not guilty on charges of "inciting subversion of [[Tripartite classification of authority|state power]]" at his trial in [[March 2008]].<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/04/02/china.activist.sentenced.ap/index.html CNN: "Chinese civil rights activist sentenced for subversion", April 3, 2008]</ref> <br />
<br />
==Biography==<br />
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:Hujia.jpg|right|Hu Jia]] --><br />
Hu Jia's parents were students at [[Tsinghua University]] in [[Beijing]] and [[Nankai University]] in [[Tianjin]] in 1957 when they were labeled as rightists during the [[Anti-Rightist Movement]] under [[Mao Zedong]]. They were assigned to work in remote [[Province (China)|provinces]] of [[Hebei]], [[Gansu]], and [[Hunan]]. His parents often had to live apart until 1978, when [[Deng Xiaoping]] came to power and political label held against them was dropped. <br />
<br />
In 1996 Hu Jia graduated from the [[Capital University of Economics and Trade|Beijing School of Economics]] (now [[Capital University of Economics and Trade]], 首都经贸大学), where he majored in [[information engineering]].<br />
<br />
In January 2006 he married [[Zeng Jinyan]] whom he has an infant daughter<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100/article/0,28804,1595326_1615754_1616169,00.html/ "Zeng Jinyan - The TIME 100," TIME Magazine, May 14, 2007]</ref>, after his arrest in March 2008 for voicing his indignation of China as the host of the [[2008 Olympics]] both his wife and daughter were held in house arrest and harrased by the [[Chinese Secret Police]] and eventually disappeared one day before the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Beijing.<ref>[http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/29-03-2006/78007-China-0/ "Chinese rights activist Zeng Jinyan disappears" International Herald Tribune, August 9, 2008]</ref><br />
<br />
== Activism ==<br />
Hu Jia became interested in environmental issues while in [[university]] and participated in several environmental organizations including the [[Friends of Nature]], led by [[Liang Congjie]]<ref>[http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/sandt/liangNGO.htm Chinese Environmentalist Liang Congjie On NGO Life]</ref><ref>[http://www.china.org.cn/english/MATERIAL/158625.htm The Soul of China's Environmental NGOs] a China.org article</ref> and the 1997 Green Camp<ref>[http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/sandt/tang2.htm "Tang Xiyang Writes About 1996 Green Camp and the Loss of His Wife"]</ref> university student environmental camp led by Tang Xiyang <ref>[http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/sandt/tangcensor.html A Section Censored from Tang Xiyang's Environmental Book "A Green World Tour"]</ref>.In 1998 Hu Jia was involved in rescuing some wild elk that were threatened by severe flooding that year. Hu was subsequently involved in efforts to protect the Tibetan Antelope that were being slaughtered for their fur. <br />
<br />
In July 2000, the writer [[Wang Lixiong]] introduced Hu Jia to AIDS activist [[Wan Yanhai]]. Afterwards Hu Jia became involved in AIDS prevention work and took an active part in the AIZHIBING Institute of Health Education AIDS, which Wan Yanhai had founded. As one of the founders of the AIDS NGO Loving Source, Hu Jia has been involved in helping people suffering from AIDS and AIDS orphans in Henan [[province]]. He has criticized the government over its treatment of people with AIDS.<br />
<br />
Hu Jia has also been involved in campaigns to release [[political prisoner]]s, including the Wan Yanhai in August–September 2002, the [[cyber-dissident]] [[Liu Di]] ("The Stainless Steel Rat"). He also has been involved in [[2005 anti-Japanese demonstrations|anti-Japanese demonstrations]].<br />
<br />
Hu Jia insists on his rights as a citizen of the People's Republic in China. When [[Public security bureau|police]] detain him (often for planned activities and sometimes to ensure that he is not active at sensitive times such as [[June 4]], the [[anniversary]] of the [[Tiananmen Square protests of 1989]]) Hu demands that the police state what provision of [[Law of the People's Republic of China|Chinese law]] he is being held under. Hu says that the security officers are generally unable to do so.<br />
<br />
On February 16, 2006, Hu Jia was detained for 41 days. His detention was not acknowledged by the Chinese government. After his return to his apartment in Beijing, where he lives with his wife [[Zeng Jinyan]] (also an AIDS activist), Hu Jia was kept under [[house arrest]] until March 2007. Two months later, on May 18, 2007, Hu Jia and his wife were placed under house arrest again on charges of "harming state security."<ref>[http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/05/21/china15979.htm/ "Activist Couple Accused of Endangering State Security," Human Rights Watch, May 21, 2007]</ref> Hu Jia has remained active via [[email]]s and [[blog]]s while under house arrests. <br />
<br />
According to [[Amnesty International]], Hu Jia has resigned from Loving Source to prevent the authorities from harassing the group.<br />
<br />
Using a Web camera, Mr. Hu participated in a European parliamentary hearing in Brussels in November 2007 about [[Human rights in the People's Republic of China|human rights in China]]. At the hearing he said: “It is ironic that one of the people in charge of organizing the Olympic Games is the head of the Bureau of Public Security, which is responsible for so many human rights violations. It is very serious that the official promises are not being kept before the games.”[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/30/world/asia/web30china.html].<br />
<br />
On [[December 30]], [[2007]], Hu Jia was arrested at his home in Beijing by the Chinese police for "subverting state authority" <ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/30/world/asia/web30china.html China Detains Dissident, Citing Subversion - New York Times<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> <ref>[http://www.humanrights-geneva.info/spip.php?article2613 Outrage at human rights activist Hu Jia’s arrest in Beijing | Human Rights Tribune - www.humanrights-geneva.info<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. His trial began in March 2008 on charges of "inciting subversion of state power and the socialist system", stemming from interviews he gave to the foreign media and political articles he wrote and published on the internet. The crime carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.<ref>{{cite news | title = Trial of Chinese activist begins | work = BBC News | date = [[18 March]], [[2008]] | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7302057.stm}}</ref> On 3 April 2008, Hu was sentenced to three years and six months in prison.<ref>Al Jazeera 2008, [http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/1B5F4035-6692-4504-86BC-29E59DFDDBDA.htm 'China jails vocal civil activist'], ''Al Jazeera News'', 3 April. Retrieved on 3 April 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
== Awards and Honors ==<br />
Honorary citizenship in Paris, voted [[April 21]] [[2008]], the same day as to the [[Tenzin Gyatso|14th Dalai Lama]].<ref>[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hjjR12Btx5NFrFYBiVC44m59MNEw Paris makes Dalai Lama, Chinese dissident honorary citizens]</ref><br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
* [[Human rights in the People's Republic of China]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist|2}}<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
*[http://www.hs.fi/english/article/The+Year+of+the+Dog+-+A+Chinese+activists+story+/1135227391049 The Year of the Dog - A Chinese activist's story]<br />
*[http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/29-03-2006/78007-China-0 Chinese AIDS activist missing for six weeks returns home]<br />
*[http://www.rfa.org/english/news/2006/03/29/china_hujia/ Interview With AIDS Activist Hu Jia]<br />
*[http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fhujiachina.spaces.live.com%2F&langpair=zh%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8 Hu Jia's blog, translated by Google Translate. Rough but mostly understandable. Click on links in a translation to get more material translated.]<br />
*[http://hujiachina.spaces.live.com/ Hu Jia's Live Spaces blog in Chinese]<br />
*[http://www.fon.org.cn/ Friends of Nature website (in Chinese)]<br />
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mHrfE_1yf4&feature=related/ Prisoners in Freedom City, a documentary by Hu Jia and Zeng Jinyan (with Chinese and English Subtitles)]<br />
*The full documentary, "Prisoners of Freedom City" on the WITNESS Hub - [http://hub.witness.org/en/node/3867 Part 1], [http://hub.witness.org/en/node/3864 Part 2] & [http://hub.witness.org/en/node/3861 Part 3] <br />
*[http://abclive.in/abclive_global/hu-jia-arrest-china.html Hu Jia Arrest Indicates China Anxiety over Tibet Issue]<br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hu, Jia}}<br />
[[Category:1973 births]]<br />
[[Category:Living people]]<br />
[[Category:Chinese activists]]<br />
[[Category:People from Beijing]]<br />
[[Category:AIDS activists]]<br />
<br />
[[cy:Hu Jia]]<br />
[[de:Hu Jia]]<br />
[[es:Hu Jia]]<br />
[[fr:Hu Jia]]<br />
[[ja:胡佳 (活動家)]]<br />
[[fi:Hu Jia (aktivisti)]]<br />
[[zh-yue:胡佳]]<br />
[[zh:胡佳 (1973年)]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hu_Jia_(activist)&diff=232040218
Hu Jia (activist)
2008-08-15T04:15:07Z
<p>Yupi666: /* Biography */</p>
<hr />
<div>'''Hu Jia''' ({{zh-cp|c=[[wikt:胡|胡]][[wikt:佳|佳]]|p=Hú Jiā}}; original name [[wikt:胡|胡]][[wikt:嘉|嘉]]; born [[July 25]], [[1973]] in [[Beijing]]) is an [[activist]] and [[dissident]] in the [[People's Republic of China]]. His work has focused on the [[Chinese democracy movement]], Chinese [[Environmentalism|environmentalist]] movement, and [[HIV/AIDS in the People's Republic of China]]. In addition to being an auxiliary member of the team to save the [[Endangered species|endangered]] [[Tibetan antelope]], Hu Jia was bestowed honorary citizenship by the Paris City Council in April, 2008<ref>[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hjjR12Btx5NFrFYBiVC44m59MNEw Paris makes Dalai Lama, Chinese dissident honorary citizens]</ref><br />
, he is the director of [[June Fourth Heritage & Culture Association]], he has been involved with [[AIDS]] advocacy as the [[executive director]] of the Beijing Aizhixing Institute of Health Education and as one of the founders of the [[non-governmental organization]] Loving Source. <br />
<br />
On December 27, 2007, Hu Jia was detained as part of crackdown on dissent during the Christmas holiday season. [[Reporters Without Borders]] said that “The [[political police]] have taken advantage of the international community’s focus on Pakistan to arrest one of the foremost representatives of the peaceful struggle for free expression in China.” The decision to take him into custody was made after peasant leaders in several Chinese provinces issued a manifesto demanding broader land rights for [[Poverty in China#Land policy and corruption|peasants whose property had been confiscated for development]]. <ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/30/world/asia/web30china.html New York Times: "China Detains Dissident, Citing Subversion", December 30, 2007]</ref>He was given 3 1/2 years in jail [[April 3]] [[2008]]. Hu pleaded not guilty on charges of "inciting subversion of [[Tripartite classification of authority|state power]]" at his trial in [[March 2008]].<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/04/02/china.activist.sentenced.ap/index.html CNN: "Chinese civil rights activist sentenced for subversion", April 3, 2008]</ref> <br />
<br />
==Biography==<br />
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:Hujia.jpg|right|Hu Jia]] --><br />
Hu Jia's parents were students at [[Tsinghua University]] in [[Beijing]] and [[Nankai University]] in [[Tianjin]] in 1957 when they were labeled as rightists during the [[Anti-Rightist Movement]] under [[Mao Zedong]]. They were assigned to work in remote [[Province (China)|provinces]] of [[Hebei]], [[Gansu]], and [[Hunan]]. His parents often had to live apart until 1978, when [[Deng Xiaoping]] came to power and political label held against them was dropped. <br />
<br />
In 1996 Hu Jia graduated from the [[Capital University of Economics and Trade|Beijing School of Economics]] (now [[Capital University of Economics and Trade]], 首都经贸大学), where he majored in [[information engineering]].<br />
<br />
In January 2006 he married to [[Zeng Jinyan]] whom he has an infant daughter<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100/article/0,28804,1595326_1615754_1616169,00.html/ "Zeng Jinyan - The TIME 100," TIME Magazine, May 14, 2007]</ref>, after his arrest in March 2008 for voicing his indignation of China as the host of the [[2008 Olympics]] both his wife and daughter were held in house arrest and harrased by the [[Chinese Secret Police]] and eventually disappeared one day before the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Beijing.<ref>[http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/29-03-2006/78007-China-0/ "Chinese rights activist Zeng Jinyan disappears" International Herald Tribune, August 9, 2008]</ref><br />
<br />
== Activism ==<br />
Hu Jia became interested in environmental issues while in [[university]] and participated in several environmental organizations including the [[Friends of Nature]], led by [[Liang Congjie]]<ref>[http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/sandt/liangNGO.htm Chinese Environmentalist Liang Congjie On NGO Life]</ref><ref>[http://www.china.org.cn/english/MATERIAL/158625.htm The Soul of China's Environmental NGOs] a China.org article</ref> and the 1997 Green Camp<ref>[http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/sandt/tang2.htm "Tang Xiyang Writes About 1996 Green Camp and the Loss of His Wife"]</ref> university student environmental camp led by Tang Xiyang <ref>[http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/sandt/tangcensor.html A Section Censored from Tang Xiyang's Environmental Book "A Green World Tour"]</ref>.In 1998 Hu Jia was involved in rescuing some wild elk that were threatened by severe flooding that year. Hu was subsequently involved in efforts to protect the Tibetan Antelope that were being slaughtered for their fur. <br />
<br />
In July 2000, the writer [[Wang Lixiong]] introduced Hu Jia to AIDS activist [[Wan Yanhai]]. Afterwards Hu Jia became involved in AIDS prevention work and took an active part in the AIZHIBING Institute of Health Education AIDS, which Wan Yanhai had founded. As one of the founders of the AIDS NGO Loving Source, Hu Jia has been involved in helping people suffering from AIDS and AIDS orphans in Henan [[province]]. He has criticized the government over its treatment of people with AIDS.<br />
<br />
Hu Jia has also been involved in campaigns to release [[political prisoner]]s, including the Wan Yanhai in August–September 2002, the [[cyber-dissident]] [[Liu Di]] ("The Stainless Steel Rat"). He also has been involved in [[2005 anti-Japanese demonstrations|anti-Japanese demonstrations]].<br />
<br />
Hu Jia insists on his rights as a citizen of the People's Republic in China. When [[Public security bureau|police]] detain him (often for planned activities and sometimes to ensure that he is not active at sensitive times such as [[June 4]], the [[anniversary]] of the [[Tiananmen Square protests of 1989]]) Hu demands that the police state what provision of [[Law of the People's Republic of China|Chinese law]] he is being held under. Hu says that the security officers are generally unable to do so.<br />
<br />
On February 16, 2006, Hu Jia was detained for 41 days. His detention was not acknowledged by the Chinese government. After his return to his apartment in Beijing, where he lives with his wife [[Zeng Jinyan]] (also an AIDS activist), Hu Jia was kept under [[house arrest]] until March 2007. Two months later, on May 18, 2007, Hu Jia and his wife were placed under house arrest again on charges of "harming state security."<ref>[http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/05/21/china15979.htm/ "Activist Couple Accused of Endangering State Security," Human Rights Watch, May 21, 2007]</ref> Hu Jia has remained active via [[email]]s and [[blog]]s while under house arrests. <br />
<br />
According to [[Amnesty International]], Hu Jia has resigned from Loving Source to prevent the authorities from harassing the group.<br />
<br />
Using a Web camera, Mr. Hu participated in a European parliamentary hearing in Brussels in November 2007 about [[Human rights in the People's Republic of China|human rights in China]]. At the hearing he said: “It is ironic that one of the people in charge of organizing the Olympic Games is the head of the Bureau of Public Security, which is responsible for so many human rights violations. It is very serious that the official promises are not being kept before the games.”[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/30/world/asia/web30china.html].<br />
<br />
On [[December 30]], [[2007]], Hu Jia was arrested at his home in Beijing by the Chinese police for "subverting state authority" <ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/30/world/asia/web30china.html China Detains Dissident, Citing Subversion - New York Times<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> <ref>[http://www.humanrights-geneva.info/spip.php?article2613 Outrage at human rights activist Hu Jia’s arrest in Beijing | Human Rights Tribune - www.humanrights-geneva.info<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. His trial began in March 2008 on charges of "inciting subversion of state power and the socialist system", stemming from interviews he gave to the foreign media and political articles he wrote and published on the internet. The crime carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.<ref>{{cite news | title = Trial of Chinese activist begins | work = BBC News | date = [[18 March]], [[2008]] | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7302057.stm}}</ref> On 3 April 2008, Hu was sentenced to three years and six months in prison.<ref>Al Jazeera 2008, [http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/1B5F4035-6692-4504-86BC-29E59DFDDBDA.htm 'China jails vocal civil activist'], ''Al Jazeera News'', 3 April. Retrieved on 3 April 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
== Awards and Honors ==<br />
Honorary citizenship in Paris, voted [[April 21]] [[2008]], the same day as to the [[Tenzin Gyatso|14th Dalai Lama]].<ref>[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hjjR12Btx5NFrFYBiVC44m59MNEw Paris makes Dalai Lama, Chinese dissident honorary citizens]</ref><br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
* [[Human rights in the People's Republic of China]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist|2}}<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
*[http://www.hs.fi/english/article/The+Year+of+the+Dog+-+A+Chinese+activists+story+/1135227391049 The Year of the Dog - A Chinese activist's story]<br />
*[http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/29-03-2006/78007-China-0 Chinese AIDS activist missing for six weeks returns home]<br />
*[http://www.rfa.org/english/news/2006/03/29/china_hujia/ Interview With AIDS Activist Hu Jia]<br />
*[http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fhujiachina.spaces.live.com%2F&langpair=zh%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8 Hu Jia's blog, translated by Google Translate. Rough but mostly understandable. Click on links in a translation to get more material translated.]<br />
*[http://hujiachina.spaces.live.com/ Hu Jia's Live Spaces blog in Chinese]<br />
*[http://www.fon.org.cn/ Friends of Nature website (in Chinese)]<br />
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mHrfE_1yf4&feature=related/ Prisoners in Freedom City, a documentary by Hu Jia and Zeng Jinyan (with Chinese and English Subtitles)]<br />
*The full documentary, "Prisoners of Freedom City" on the WITNESS Hub - [http://hub.witness.org/en/node/3867 Part 1], [http://hub.witness.org/en/node/3864 Part 2] & [http://hub.witness.org/en/node/3861 Part 3] <br />
*[http://abclive.in/abclive_global/hu-jia-arrest-china.html Hu Jia Arrest Indicates China Anxiety over Tibet Issue]<br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hu, Jia}}<br />
[[Category:1973 births]]<br />
[[Category:Living people]]<br />
[[Category:Chinese activists]]<br />
[[Category:People from Beijing]]<br />
[[Category:AIDS activists]]<br />
<br />
[[cy:Hu Jia]]<br />
[[de:Hu Jia]]<br />
[[es:Hu Jia]]<br />
[[fr:Hu Jia]]<br />
[[ja:胡佳 (活動家)]]<br />
[[fi:Hu Jia (aktivisti)]]<br />
[[zh-yue:胡佳]]<br />
[[zh:胡佳 (1973年)]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Zeng_Jinyan&diff=232037081
Zeng Jinyan
2008-08-15T03:54:19Z
<p>Yupi666: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Orphan|date=January 2008}}<br />
<br />
'''Zeng Jinyan''' (Chinese: 曾金燕; born October 9, 1983), is a Chinese blogger and human rights activist. The wife of AIDS and environmental activist [[Hu Jia (activist)|Hu Jia]], Zeng became famous for a blog she had maintained throughout the disappearance of her husband, which was believed to be the working of China's secret police.<ref>[http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/29-03-2006/78007-China-0/ "Chinese AIDS activist missing for six weeks returns home," Pravda, March 29, 2006]</ref> Zeng was put under house arrest in August 2006 and the blog that details her life under constant surveillance and police harassment has been subsequently blocked in China. Zeng continues to update her blog. <br />
<br />
Zeng Jinyan and Hu Jia made a 31-minute documentary, "Prisoners of Freedom City," of their seven-month [[house arrest]] from August 2006 to March 2007. The couple was placed under house arrest again, two months later on May 18 2007 for harming state security. <ref>[http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/05/21/china15979.htm/ "Activist Couple Accoused of Endangering State Security", Human Rights Watch, May 21, 2007]</ref> Zeng Jinyan is dubbed "[[Tiananmen]] 2.0." and selected as [[Time 100|TIME Magazine's 100]] People Who Shape Our World in 2007 as a hero and a pioneer.<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100/article/0,28804,1595326_1615754_1616169,00.html/ "Zeng Jinyan - The TIME 100," TIME Magazine, May 14, 2007]</ref><br />
<br />
One day before the opening ceremony of the 2008 olympics in Beijing, Zeng Jinyan was forcibly dissapeared<ref>[http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/29-03-2006/78007-China-0/ "Chinese rights activist Zeng Jinyan disappears" International Herald Tribune, August 9, 2008]</ref> along with her baby daughter and is suspected to be mistreated by the Chinese police state.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
*[http://www.zengjinyan.org/ Zeng Jinyan's blog (in Chinese)]<br />
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q_rcsoWFRk/ Clip of documentary, "Prisoners of Freedom City" on YouTube]<br />
*The full documentary, "Prisoners of Freedom City" on the WITNESS Hub - [http://hub.witness.org/en/node/3867 Part 1], [http://hub.witness.org/en/node/3864 Part 2] & [http://hub.witness.org/en/node/3861 Part 3]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Chinese activists]]<br />
[[Category:Living people]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=San_Pedro&diff=225745074
San Pedro
2008-07-15T05:17:04Z
<p>Yupi666: /* Places */</p>
<hr />
<div>'''San Pedro''' is the Spanish language form of [[Saint Peter]]. It can refer to:<br />
<br />
==Places==<br />
{{flagicon|Argentina}} '''Argentina:'''<br />
*[[San Pedro, Buenos Aires]]<br />
*[[San Pedro Partio]]<br />
*[[San Pedro Department, Jujuy]]<br />
*[[San Pedro Department, Misiones]]<br />
<br />
{{flagicon|Belize}} '''Belize:'''<br />
*[[San Pedro Town]], a town on the island of Ambergris Caye<br />
<br />
{{flagicon|Chile}}''' Chile:'''<br />
*[[San Pedro de Atacama]], a village in the Atacama desert of northern Chile<br />
*[[San Pedro de la Paz]]<br />
*[[San Pedro, Chile]]<br />
*[[San Pedro River, Chile]]<br />
*[[San Pedro de Inacaliri River]]<br />
*[[San Pedro (Chile volcano)]]<br />
<br />
{{flagicon|Colombia}}''' Colombia:'''<br />
*[[San Pedro, Valle del Cauca]], a town and municipality<br />
*[[San Pedro de Cartago]], a town and municipality in the Nariño Department<br />
<br />
{{flagicon|Costa Rica}} '''Costa Rica:'''<br />
*[[San Pedro de Barva]], a village and district in the canton of Barva in the province of Heredia<br />
*[[San Pedro de Montes de Oca]], a city and district in the canton of Montes de Oca in the province of San José<br />
*[[San Pedro de Pérez Zeledón]], a village and district in the canton of Pérez Zeledón in the province of San José<br />
*[[San Pedro de Poás]], a city and district in the canton of Poás in the province of Alajuela<br />
*[[San Pedro de Santa Bárbara]], a village and district in the canton of Santa Bárbara in the province of Heredia<br />
*[[San Pedro de Turrubares]], a village and district in the canton of Turrubares in the province of San José<br />
*[[San Pedro de Valverde Vega]], a village and district in the canton of Valverde Vega in the province of Alajuela<br />
<br />
{{flagicon|Côte d'Ivoire}} '''Côte d'Ivoire:'''<br />
*[[San Pédro]], a coastal town<br />
<br />
{{flagicon|Dominican Republic}} '''Dominican Republic<br />
*[[San Pedro de Macorís (province)]]<br />
**[[San Pedro de Macorís]], capital of that province<br />
<br />
{{flagicon|Guatemala}} '''Guatemala:'''<br />
*[[San Pedro Carchá]] (Alta Verapaz)<br />
*[[San Pedro Ayampuc]] (Guatemala dept.)<br />
*[[San Pedro Sacatepéquez]] (Guatemala dept.)<br />
*[[San Pedro Necta]] (Huehuetenango)<br />
*[[San Pedro Pinula]] (Jalapa)<br />
*[[San Pedro Jocopilas]] (Quiché)<br />
*[[San Pedro La Laguna]] (Sololá)<br />
*[[Volcán San Pedro]]<br />
<br />
{{flagicon|Honduras}} '''Honduras:'''<br />
*[[San Pedro de Copán]] (Copán)<br />
*[[San Pedro Sula]] (Cortés)<br />
*[[San Pedro de Tutule]] (La Paz)<br />
*[[San Pedro Zacapa]] (Santa Bárbara)<br />
<br />
{{flagicon|Mexico}} '''Mexico:'''<br />
*[[San Pedro, Baja California Sur]]<br />
*[[San Pedro, Coahuila]], a municipality<br />
*[[San Pedro Cholula]], a municipality in the state of Puebla<br />
*[[San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León]]<br />
*[[San Pedro de la Cueva]], in Sonora<br />
*[[San Pedro Ocotlán]], in Zacatecas<br />
*[[Cerro de San Pedro]], [[San Luis Potosi|San Luis potosí]]<br />
<br />
{{flagicon|Nicaragua}} '''Nicaragua:'''<br />
*[[San Pedro de Lóvago]]<br />
<br />
{{flagicon|Paraguay}} '''Paraguay:'''<br />
*[[San Pedro Department, Paraguay|San Pedro Department]]<br />
*[[San Pedro de Ycuamandiyú]], the capital of that department<br />
*[[San Pedro del Paraná]]<br />
<br />
{{flagicon|Peru}} '''Peru:'''<br />
* [[San Pedro de Lloc]], city in Peru<br />
<br />
{{flagicon|Philippines}} '''Philippines:'''<br />
*[[San Pedro, Laguna]], a municipality in the Laguna province<br />
*[[San Pedro, Bagabag]], a barangay, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines<br />
*[[San Pedro Bay (Philippines)]], at the northwest end of Leyte Gulf<br />
<br />
{{flagicon|Spain}} '''Spain:'''<br />
*[[San Pedro de Alcántara]]<br />
*[[Peñas de San Pedro]], Albacete<br />
*[[San Pedro, Albacete]]<br />
*[[San Pedro, Viveiro]], a parish of Viveiro, Lugo<br />
*[[San Pedro De Zamudia, Zamora]]<br />
*[[San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain]], in Murcia<br />
<br />
{{flagicon|United States}} '''United States:'''<br />
*[[San Pedro, Los Angeles, California]], home to the Port of Los Angeles, located in San Pedro Bay<br />
*[[San Pedro, New Mexico]], a former village across the Rio Grande from San Antonio, New Mexico<br />
*[[San Pedro Bay (California)]]<br />
*[[San Pedro Mountains]], New Mexico<br />
*[[San Pedro River, Arizona]]<br />
<br />
==Other==<br />
*[[San Pedro cactus]] (''Echinopsis pachanoi''), native to South America. <br />
*''San Pedro'', the name of the American gunboat in [[The Sand Pebbles (film)|''The Sand Pebbles'' (film)]]<br />
*''The San Pedro'', a ship that was intentionally sunk off of Honolulu, Hawaii by the Atlantis Submarine Company for an artificial reef; the wreck lies alongside the ''[[YO-257]]''<br />
<br />
<br />
{{disambig}}<br />
<br />
[[de:San Pedro]]<br />
[[fr:San Pedro]]<br />
[[nl:San Pedro]]<br />
[[ja:サンペドロ]]<br />
[[pl:San Pedro]]<br />
[[ru:Сан-Педро]]<br />
[[sk:San Pedro]]<br />
[[sv:San Pedro]]<br />
[[tl:San Pedro]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=A.J.E.F.&diff=225710639
A.J.E.F.
2008-07-15T00:54:41Z
<p>Yupi666: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:ajef_logo.jpg|Emblem of the organization|right|200px]]<br />
{{Freemasonry2}}<br />
<br />
'''A.J.E.F.''' Is an acronym which stands for Association of Youth Hope of the Fraternity (Asociacion de Jovenes Esperanza de la Fraternidad). It is an appendant body to [[Freemasonry]] for youth aged 14-21 in México, United States and Latin America. <br />
<br />
Although initially the local organizations were known as '''AJEF Lodges''', the title has changed to '''Chapters''' in order to reinforce the fact that it is not Masonry, but an appendant body. Every chapter is sponsored by a Masonic Lodge, in both economic and moral support.<br />
<br />
It is equivalent in its focus and function to the [[Order of DeMolay]].<br />
<br />
Although it is open to both sexes, mixed sessions are forbidden except on special occasions in which there must be a Master Mason present.<br />
<br />
== Structural Organization ==<br />
<br />
There are a number of regional organizations of Chapters that have yearly meetings in order to appoint small changes in customs and ritual, thus varying pointual aspects. Some of these are:<br />
<br />
*The Mexico Valley Organization<br />
*The Veracruz Council<br />
*The Honorable Central Council of Tamaulipas<br />
<br />
The members of a Chapter or Lodge are:<br />
<br />
* Guide<br />
* First adviser<br />
* Second adviser<br />
* Scribe<br />
* Treasurer<br />
* Orator<br />
* Guardian<br />
* Master of Choir<br />
* Leader of Ceremonies<br />
* Donations Collector<br />
* Steward<br />
* Banner<br />
* Flag Keeper<br />
* Expert<br />
* Instructor(a master mason) <br />
* Town: the name given to the general participants who do not have a particular position<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
A.J.E.F. was founded in Havana, Cuba on February 9th, 1936 by [[Fernando Suárez Núñez]] (May 7th 1882&ndash;<br />
Jan. 24 1946). The first chapter was called “ESPERANZA” (Hope)<ref>{{cite web | last = Salas Amaro | first = Armando | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = | url = http://www.masoneriacubana.com/armonia/dia_del_ajefista.html | title = DIA DEL AJEFISTA| format = | work = | publisher = masoneriacubana.com | accessdate = 2007-01-09}}</ref><br />
<br />
Reaching 5,000 members by 1938, its rapid growth began to foster chapters overseas. In 1939 the first Mexican A.J.E.F. Lodge '[[Benito Juarez]]' was established at Veracruz.<br />
<br />
== Mystique and Rituals ==<br />
<br />
The rituals that constitute the exercise of 'Ajefismo' are aimed at developing moral values and social skills among the initiates.<br />
<br />
The Letters A.J.E.F. have in themselves a deeper meaning, as these are the letters of the 'fundamental words' Love, Justice, Hope and Fraternity (Amor, Justicia, Esperanza y Fraternidad).<ref>{{cite web | last = Gan Logia Unida Mexicana de Veracruz| first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = | url = ?| title = VADEMECUM| format = | work = | publisher = Gan Logia Unida Mexicana de Veracruz | accessdate = 2007-01-09}}</ref> <br />
<br />
The institution's motto, always at the bottom of essays and official papers, is "for the nation and mankind" (Por la patria y la humanidad).<br />
<br />
The initiation process varies according to the region even though there is an official written [[liturgy]] with such cases noted<ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = | url = http://mason.com.mx/libros2.html | title = LITURGIA AJEF| format = | work = | publisher = Editorial Erbasa | accessdate = 2007-01-09}}</ref>, as are funerals and weddings; these initiations may vary from being verbatim to the liturgy to identical to those performed in adult Freemasonry.<br />
<br />
In that same vein it is not uncommon for AJEF essays to be about [[esoteric]] themes as well as science, morals or history, and its not uncommon to find young participants to be well versed in the occult themes of Masonry.<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
<br />
<references/><br />
</div><br />
[[fr:Association de la Jeunesse Espoir de la Fraternité (A.J.E.F.)]]<br />
[[es:A.J.E.F.]]<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
<br />
*[http://WWW.AJEF.ORG Official Site for Hijos de Nuevos Horizontes, Hialeah, Florida based A.J.E.F. chapter] [Spanish]<br />
*[http://mx.geocities.com/josemarti_4/otrosorientes.htm Official Site for Jose Martí No.4, Mexico City based A.J.E.F. chapter] [Spanish]<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Masonic Youth organizations]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=El_b%C3%BAfalo_de_la_noche_(film)&diff=201619885
El búfalo de la noche (film)
2008-03-28T17:38:01Z
<p>Yupi666: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:El bufalo de la noche.jpg|right|200px|Movie poster]]<br />
{{Infobox Film<br />
| name = El búfalo de la noche<br />
| image =<br />
| image_size = <br />
| caption = <br />
| director = [[Jorge Hernandez Aldana]]<br />
| producer = La Neta Films/Naco Films<br />
| writer = Guillermo Arriaga, Jorge Hernandez Aldana<br />
| narrator = <br />
| starring = Walther Cantú<br>Francisco Cardoso<br>Liz Gallardo<br>Gabriel González<br>Armando Hernández<br>Verónica Langer<br>Diego Luna<br />
| music = Omar Rodriguez Lopez<br />
| cinematography = Gustav Danielsson <br />
| editing = <br />
| distributor = <br />
| released = [[17 August]] [[2007]] (México)<br />
| runtime = <br />
| country = [[Mexico]]<br />
| language = [[Spanish language|Spanish]]<br />
| budget = <br />
| preceded_by = <br />
| followed_by = <br />
| website = http://www.bufalodelanoche-pelicula.com/<br />
| amg_id = <br />
| imdb_id = 0483577<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''''El Búfalo de la Noche''''' ([[English language|English]]: '''''The Night Buffalo''''') is a [[2007 in film|2007]] film directed by [[Jorge Hernandez Aldana]] and written by [[Guillermo Arriaga]]. It is based on the novel by [[Guillermo Arriaga]] and stars [[Diego Luna]]. It was released in [[Mexico]] on August 17, 2007. American release date is unknown.<br />
<br />
The story revolves around a young schizophrenic man, Gregorio ([[Gabriel González]]) that commits suicide, affecting the lives of his girlfriend ([[Liz Gallardo]]) and best friend ([[Diego Luna]]), who were involved on a secret relationship, betraying Rodrigo's trust and inevitably involving themselves on a guilt trip when Gregorio kills himself.<br />
<br />
It is planned to be shown around the world with distribution confirmed at Iran, Turkey, Luxembourg, Romania, Serbia, Israel, Poland, Greece, Macedonia, Belgium and Holland.<br />
<br />
==The Movie==<br />
<br />
It follows the plotline of the [[The Night Buffalo|book]], structuring it in a much more cinematic manner. The setting is contemporary [[México]], and the characters are from the college students community, struggling to get ahead in a world that is getting more alienated by the time, where physical contact fills the gaps in interpersonal communication.<br />
<br />
The writer, explained it on an interview: "It's a novel I wrote after teaching at the university for some time. After some years I realized young people are getting more emotionally damaged, their capacity as human beings of being introspective and relating to each other is everytime more deteriorated, this is precisely what the movie tries to reflect... Since the novel came out its natural audience has been people under thirty, who understand it better because they are going through the same confusion stages as the characters."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2007/08/11/index.php?section=espectaculos&article=a08n1esp |title=Interview for La Jornada Newspaper|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref><br />
<br />
The apparent incongruency on the characters actions, thoughts and personalities reflects a great deal of Latin American idiosyncrasies; The director said: "The importance of making this film is the contradictions of the characters, that's what gets them close to real people. The stories of young people we get to see on the big screen at Latin America usually come from other countries, and therefore reflect a reality we do not have here; we dedicate this film to address these problems on latin American youth with our own language... Before we started shooting I did not know México has a high rate of suicide and youth schizophrenia, one of the highest on the world. This told me we made the right choice in talking about these issues: besides entertaining, we want to make a portrait of Mexico, and a great deal of Latin America"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2007/08/11/index.php?section=espectaculos&article=a08n1esp |title=Interview for La Jornada Newspaper|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Production==<br />
<br />
The rights to the novel were previously sold to another production company, but were revoked when the writer, [[Guillermo Arriaga]] saw the project turn into something he did not agree with. Having gone through a similar ordeal years before with the 1999 movie "[[Un Dulce Olor a Muerte]]" ([[a sweet scent of death]]) also based on one of is novels and directed by [[Gabriel Retes]]. He had promised himself he would not let another movie turn the message of his work into something unrelated.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bufalodelanoche-pelicula.com/ |title=Production section of the website, Notas de produccion|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref><br />
<br />
Upon this decision he took the project himself and set out to produce along a local businessman, he admittedly looked for a novice director to get a fresh outlook and finally settled for Jorge Henandez, whom he had awarded as the jury of a Venezuelan short film contest.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bufalodelanoche-pelicula.com/ |title=Production section of the website, Notas de produccion|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref><br />
<br />
==The Soundtrack of the Film==<br />
<br />
[[Omar Rodriguez-Lopez]] of [[The Mars Volta]] wrote the score which was performed mostly by [[Omar Rodriguez-Lopez|Rodriguez-Lopez]] himself with some songs performed by the entire [[The Mars Volta|Mars Volta]] band.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
<br />
*[[The Night Buffalo|El Búfalo de la Noche (book)]]<br />
*[[The Mars Volta]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
*[http://www.bufalodelanoche-pelicula.com/ Official Site]<br />
*{{imdb title|0483577}}<br />
<br />
{{Expand|date=March 2008}}<br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bufalo de la Noche, El}}<br />
[[Category:2007 films]]<br />
[[Category:Drama films]]<br />
[[Category:Mexican films]]<br />
[[Category:Spanish-language films]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=El_b%C3%BAfalo_de_la_noche_(film)&diff=201619484
El búfalo de la noche (film)
2008-03-28T17:36:13Z
<p>Yupi666: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox Film<br />
| name = El búfalo de la noche<br />
| image = [[Image:El bufalo de la noche.jpg|Movie poster]]<br />
| image_size = <br />
| caption = <br />
| director = [[Jorge Hernandez Aldana]]<br />
| producer = La Neta Films/Naco Films<br />
| writer = Guillermo Arriaga, Jorge Hernandez Aldana<br />
| narrator = <br />
| starring = Walther Cantú<br>Francisco Cardoso<br>Liz Gallardo<br>Gabriel González<br>Armando Hernández<br>Verónica Langer<br>Diego Luna<br />
| music = Omar Rodriguez Lopez<br />
| cinematography = Gustav Danielsson <br />
| editing = <br />
| distributor = <br />
| released = [[17 August]] [[2007]] (México)<br />
| runtime = <br />
| country = [[Mexico]]<br />
| language = [[Spanish language|Spanish]]<br />
| budget = <br />
| preceded_by = <br />
| followed_by = <br />
| website = http://www.bufalodelanoche-pelicula.com/<br />
| amg_id = <br />
| imdb_id = 0483577<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''''El Búfalo de la Noche''''' ([[English language|English]]: '''''The Night Buffalo''''') is a [[2007 in film|2007]] film directed by [[Jorge Hernandez Aldana]] and written by [[Guillermo Arriaga]]. It is based on the novel by [[Guillermo Arriaga]] and stars [[Diego Luna]]. It was released in [[Mexico]] on August 17, 2007. American release date is unknown.<br />
<br />
The story revolves around a young schizophrenic man, Gregorio ([[Gabriel González]]) that commits suicide, affecting the lives of his girlfriend ([[Liz Gallardo]]) and best friend ([[Diego Luna]]), who were involved on a secret relationship, betraying Rodrigo's trust and inevitably involving themselves on a guilt trip when Gregorio kills himself.<br />
<br />
It is planned to be shown around the world with distribution confirmed at Iran, Turkey, Luxembourg, Romania, Serbia, Israel, Poland, Greece, Macedonia, Belgium and Holland.<br />
<br />
==The Movie==<br />
<br />
It follows the plotline of the [[The Night Buffalo|book]], structuring it in a much more cinematic manner. The setting is contemporary [[México]], and the characters are from the college students community, struggling to get ahead in a world that is getting more alienated by the time, where physical contact fills the gaps in interpersonal communication.<br />
<br />
The writer, explained it on an interview: "It's a novel I wrote after teaching at the university for some time. After some years I realized young people are getting more emotionally damaged, their capacity as human beings of being introspective and relating to each other is everytime more deteriorated, this is precisely what the movie tries to reflect... Since the novel came out its natural audience has been people under thirty, who understand it better because they are going through the same confusion stages as the characters."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2007/08/11/index.php?section=espectaculos&article=a08n1esp |title=Interview for La Jornada Newspaper|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref><br />
<br />
The apparent incongruency on the characters actions, thoughts and personalities reflects a great deal of Latin American idiosyncrasies; The director said: "The importance of making this film is the contradictions of the characters, that's what gets them close to real people. The stories of young people we get to see on the big screen at Latin America usually come from other countries, and therefore reflect a reality we do not have here; we dedicate this film to address these problems on latin American youth with our own language... Before we started shooting I did not know México has a high rate of suicide and youth schizophrenia, one of the highest on the world. This told me we made the right choice in talking about these issues: besides entertaining, we want to make a portrait of Mexico, and a great deal of Latin America"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2007/08/11/index.php?section=espectaculos&article=a08n1esp |title=Interview for La Jornada Newspaper|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Production==<br />
<br />
The rights to the novel were previously sold to another production company, but were revoked when the writer, [[Guillermo Arriaga]] saw the project turn into something he did not agree with. Having gone through a similar ordeal years before with the 1999 movie "[[Un Dulce Olor a Muerte]]" ([[a sweet scent of death]]) also based on one of is novels and directed by [[Gabriel Retes]]. He had promised himself he would not let another movie turn the message of his work into something unrelated.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bufalodelanoche-pelicula.com/ |title=Production section of the website, Notas de produccion|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref><br />
<br />
Upon this decision he took the project himself and set out to produce along a local businessman, he admittedly looked for a novice director to get a fresh outlook and finally settled for Jorge Henandez, whom he had awarded as the jury of a Venezuelan short film contest.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bufalodelanoche-pelicula.com/ |title=Production section of the website, Notas de produccion|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref><br />
<br />
==The Soundtrack of the Film==<br />
<br />
[[Omar Rodriguez-Lopez]] of [[The Mars Volta]] wrote the score which was performed mostly by [[Omar Rodriguez-Lopez|Rodriguez-Lopez]] himself with some songs performed by the entire [[The Mars Volta|Mars Volta]] band.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
<br />
*[[The Night Buffalo|El Búfalo de la Noche (book)]]<br />
*[[The Mars Volta]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
*[http://www.bufalodelanoche-pelicula.com/ Official Site]<br />
*{{imdb title|0483577}}<br />
<br />
{{Expand|date=March 2008}}<br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bufalo de la Noche, El}}<br />
[[Category:2007 films]]<br />
[[Category:Drama films]]<br />
[[Category:Mexican films]]<br />
[[Category:Spanish-language films]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=El_b%C3%BAfalo_de_la_noche_(film)&diff=201619389
El búfalo de la noche (film)
2008-03-28T17:35:48Z
<p>Yupi666: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox Film<br />
| name = El búfalo de la noche<br />
| image = [[Image:El bufalo de la noche.jpg|220px|right|Movie poster]]<br />
| image_size = <br />
| caption = <br />
| director = [[Jorge Hernandez Aldana]]<br />
| producer = La Neta Films/Naco Films<br />
| writer = Guillermo Arriaga, Jorge Hernandez Aldana<br />
| narrator = <br />
| starring = Walther Cantú<br>Francisco Cardoso<br>Liz Gallardo<br>Gabriel González<br>Armando Hernández<br>Verónica Langer<br>Diego Luna<br />
| music = Omar Rodriguez Lopez<br />
| cinematography = Gustav Danielsson <br />
| editing = <br />
| distributor = <br />
| released = [[17 August]] [[2007]] (México)<br />
| runtime = <br />
| country = [[Mexico]]<br />
| language = [[Spanish language|Spanish]]<br />
| budget = <br />
| preceded_by = <br />
| followed_by = <br />
| website = http://www.bufalodelanoche-pelicula.com/<br />
| amg_id = <br />
| imdb_id = 0483577<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''''El Búfalo de la Noche''''' ([[English language|English]]: '''''The Night Buffalo''''') is a [[2007 in film|2007]] film directed by [[Jorge Hernandez Aldana]] and written by [[Guillermo Arriaga]]. It is based on the novel by [[Guillermo Arriaga]] and stars [[Diego Luna]]. It was released in [[Mexico]] on August 17, 2007. American release date is unknown.<br />
<br />
The story revolves around a young schizophrenic man, Gregorio ([[Gabriel González]]) that commits suicide, affecting the lives of his girlfriend ([[Liz Gallardo]]) and best friend ([[Diego Luna]]), who were involved on a secret relationship, betraying Rodrigo's trust and inevitably involving themselves on a guilt trip when Gregorio kills himself.<br />
<br />
It is planned to be shown around the world with distribution confirmed at Iran, Turkey, Luxembourg, Romania, Serbia, Israel, Poland, Greece, Macedonia, Belgium and Holland.<br />
<br />
==The Movie==<br />
<br />
It follows the plotline of the [[The Night Buffalo|book]], structuring it in a much more cinematic manner. The setting is contemporary [[México]], and the characters are from the college students community, struggling to get ahead in a world that is getting more alienated by the time, where physical contact fills the gaps in interpersonal communication.<br />
<br />
The writer, explained it on an interview: "It's a novel I wrote after teaching at the university for some time. After some years I realized young people are getting more emotionally damaged, their capacity as human beings of being introspective and relating to each other is everytime more deteriorated, this is precisely what the movie tries to reflect... Since the novel came out its natural audience has been people under thirty, who understand it better because they are going through the same confusion stages as the characters."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2007/08/11/index.php?section=espectaculos&article=a08n1esp |title=Interview for La Jornada Newspaper|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref><br />
<br />
The apparent incongruency on the characters actions, thoughts and personalities reflects a great deal of Latin American idiosyncrasies; The director said: "The importance of making this film is the contradictions of the characters, that's what gets them close to real people. The stories of young people we get to see on the big screen at Latin America usually come from other countries, and therefore reflect a reality we do not have here; we dedicate this film to address these problems on latin American youth with our own language... Before we started shooting I did not know México has a high rate of suicide and youth schizophrenia, one of the highest on the world. This told me we made the right choice in talking about these issues: besides entertaining, we want to make a portrait of Mexico, and a great deal of Latin America"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2007/08/11/index.php?section=espectaculos&article=a08n1esp |title=Interview for La Jornada Newspaper|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Production==<br />
<br />
The rights to the novel were previously sold to another production company, but were revoked when the writer, [[Guillermo Arriaga]] saw the project turn into something he did not agree with. Having gone through a similar ordeal years before with the 1999 movie "[[Un Dulce Olor a Muerte]]" ([[a sweet scent of death]]) also based on one of is novels and directed by [[Gabriel Retes]]. He had promised himself he would not let another movie turn the message of his work into something unrelated.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bufalodelanoche-pelicula.com/ |title=Production section of the website, Notas de produccion|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref><br />
<br />
Upon this decision he took the project himself and set out to produce along a local businessman, he admittedly looked for a novice director to get a fresh outlook and finally settled for Jorge Henandez, whom he had awarded as the jury of a Venezuelan short film contest.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bufalodelanoche-pelicula.com/ |title=Production section of the website, Notas de produccion|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref><br />
<br />
==The Soundtrack of the Film==<br />
<br />
[[Omar Rodriguez-Lopez]] of [[The Mars Volta]] wrote the score which was performed mostly by [[Omar Rodriguez-Lopez|Rodriguez-Lopez]] himself with some songs performed by the entire [[The Mars Volta|Mars Volta]] band.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
<br />
*[[The Night Buffalo|El Búfalo de la Noche (book)]]<br />
*[[The Mars Volta]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
*[http://www.bufalodelanoche-pelicula.com/ Official Site]<br />
*{{imdb title|0483577}}<br />
<br />
{{Expand|date=March 2008}}<br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bufalo de la Noche, El}}<br />
[[Category:2007 films]]<br />
[[Category:Drama films]]<br />
[[Category:Mexican films]]<br />
[[Category:Spanish-language films]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk:You,_the_Living&diff=201618545
Talk:You, the Living
2008-03-28T17:32:16Z
<p>Yupi666: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{film<br />
|class=stub<br />
|needs infobox=<br />
|importance=low<br />
|}}<br />
{{film needs synopsis}}<br />
{{film needs cast section}}<br />
<br />
Surely this film must have been banned in at least Germany and Israel, because after the old man's "tablecloth trick" horribly fails, the removed tablecloth reveals a swastika (with the hooks going clockwise, at that) on the table? [[User:JIP|<font color="#CC0000">J</font><font color="#00CC00">I</font><font color="#0000CC">P</font>]] | [[User talk:JIP|Talk]] 22:26, 30 December 2007 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:I think the film has only premiered internationally at film festivals (at least that's how i got to see it), and thus has not been commercially shown in most countries; hence the lack of english articles about it, and the lack of controversy, althought i dont think it'd be a problem in israel, becuase the swastika is a well constructed critique about contemporary history and it builds the character, on germany on the other hand they seem to be a bit more prejudiced against the symbol regardless of its use, but they would probably just skip the film while selecting for film festivals, instead of an outright ban<br />
<br />
:being swedish, would you happen to be able to complete the plot? a comprehensive listing of the stories would be ideal, however frugal<br />
<br />
[[User:Yupi666|Yupi666]] ([[User talk:Yupi666|talk]]) 17:31, 28 March 2008 (UTC)</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk:You,_the_Living&diff=201618453
Talk:You, the Living
2008-03-28T17:31:56Z
<p>Yupi666: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{film<br />
|class=stub<br />
|needs infobox=<br />
|importance=low<br />
|}}<br />
{{film needs synopsis}}<br />
{{film needs cast section}}<br />
<br />
Surely this film must have been banned in at least Germany and Israel, because after the old man's "tablecloth trick" horribly fails, the removed tablecloth reveals a swastika (with the hooks going clockwise, at that) on the table? [[User:JIP|<font color="#CC0000">J</font><font color="#00CC00">I</font><font color="#0000CC">P</font>]] | [[User talk:JIP|Talk]] 22:26, 30 December 2007 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:I think the film has only premiered internationally at film festivals (at least that's how i got to see it), and thus has not been commercially shown in most countries; hence the lack of english articles about it, and the lack of controversy, althought i dont think it'd be a problem in israel, becuase the swastika is a well constructed critique about contemporary history and it builds the character, on germany on the other hand they seem to be a bit more prejudiced against the symbol regardless of its use, but they would probably just skip the film while selecting for film festivals, instead of an outright ban<br />
<br />
being swedish, would you happen to be able to complete the plot? a comprehensive listing of the stories would be ideal, however frugal<br />
<br />
[[User:Yupi666|Yupi666]] ([[User talk:Yupi666|talk]]) 17:31, 28 March 2008 (UTC)</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk:You,_the_Living&diff=201618258
Talk:You, the Living
2008-03-28T17:31:04Z
<p>Yupi666: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{film<br />
|class=stub<br />
|needs infobox=<br />
|importance=low<br />
|}}<br />
{{film needs synopsis}}<br />
{{film needs cast section}}<br />
<br />
Surely this film must have been banned in at least Germany and Israel, because after the old man's "tablecloth trick" horribly fails, the removed tablecloth reveals a swastika (with the hooks going clockwise, at that) on the table? [[User:JIP|<font color="#CC0000">J</font><font color="#00CC00">I</font><font color="#0000CC">P</font>]] | [[User talk:JIP|Talk]] 22:26, 30 December 2007 (UTC)<br />
<br />
|I think the film has only premiered internationally at film festivals (at least that's how i got to see it), and thus has not been commercially shown in most countries; hence the lack of english articles about it, and the lack of controversy, althought i dont think it'd be a problem in israel, becuase the swastika is a well constructed critique about contemporary history and it builds the character, on germany on the other hand they seem to be a bit more prejudiced against the symbol regardless of its use, but they would probably just skip the film while selecting for film festivals, instead of an outright ban<br />
<br />
being swedish, would you happen to be able to complete the plot? a comprehensive listing of the stories would be ideal, however frugal<br />
<br />
[[User:Yupi666|Yupi666]] ([[User talk:Yupi666|talk]]) 17:31, 28 March 2008 (UTC)</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk:You,_the_Living&diff=201613851
Talk:You, the Living
2008-03-28T17:12:40Z
<p>Yupi666: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{film<br />
|class=stub<br />
|needs infobox=<br />
|importance=low<br />
|}}<br />
{{film needs synopsis}}<br />
{{film needs cast section}}<br />
<br />
Surely this film must have been banned in at least Germany and Israel, because after the old man's "tablecloth trick" horribly fails, the removed tablecloth reveals a swastika (with the hooks going clockwise, at that) on the table? [[User:JIP|<font color="#CC0000">J</font><font color="#00CC00">I</font><font color="#0000CC">P</font>]] | [[User talk:JIP|Talk]] 22:26, 30 December 2007 (UTC)</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Yupi666&diff=200615890
User:Yupi666
2008-03-24T19:57:28Z
<p>Yupi666: /* My Image and diagrams contributions */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:yupi666.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Picture of myself<br />
<div style="float: left; border:solid {{{1|#faad00}}} 1px; margin: 1px;"><br />
{| cellspacing="0" style="width: 238px; background: {{{2|#fccd88}}};"<br />
| style="width: 45px; height: 45px; background: {{{1|#fccd88}}}; text-align: center; font-size: {{{5|{{{id-s|14}}}}}}pt; color: {{{id-fc|black}}};" | '''{{{3|[[Image:Lotus-buddha.svg|40px]]}}}'''<br />
| style="font-size: {{{info-s|8}}}pt; padding: 4pt; line-height: 1.25em; color: {{{info-fc|black}}};" | {{{4|This user is a '''[[Buddhist]]'''.}}}<br />
|}</div><br />
{{user graphic-designer}}<br />
{{Userbox-2<br />
|border-c = #000000<br />
|border-s = 1<br />
|id1-c = #fcd116<br />
|id1-s = 8<br />
|id1-fc = #000<br />
|id1 = [[Image:Red flag II.svg|57px]]<br />
|info-c = #fcd116<br />
|info-s = 7<br />
|info-fc = #000000<br />
|info = <center>'''This user wants to [[Progressive taxation|<font color= #000000 >TAX THE RICH</font>]] to provide [[Welfare state|<font color= #000000>health care, education and welfare</font>]] for everyone.'''</center><br />
|id2-c = #DE0000<br />
|id2-s = 16<br />
|id2-fc = #000000<br />
|id2 = $ £<br>¥ €<br />
}}<br />
{{User:Disavian/Userboxes/Environmentalist}}<br />
{{Userbox-2<br />
|border-c = #92000A<br />
|border-s = 1<br />
|id1-c = #708090<br />
|id1 = [[Image:A Tomato.jpg|50px]]<br />
|info-c = #708090<br />
|info-s = 8<br />
|info-fc = #000000<br />
|info = <center>'''This user wants to eat [[Tomacco|<font color = #92000A >Tomacco</font>]]''' </center><br />
|id2-s = 8<br />
|id2-c = #708090<br />
|id2 = [[WP:UA|<font color = #92000A >WP:UA</font>]]<br />
}}<br />
{{User:Scepia/Go}}<br />
]]<br />
<br />
==What I do at Wikipedia==<br />
<br />
I'm here to help develop webpages in which i have either a special interest or particular knowledge about, exploiting my geographical and cultural situation<br />
<br />
But very mailnly I hope to contribute with Images and Diagrams, which my training and experience in graphic design have permited me to make<br />
<br />
==Personal History, schooling and career==<br />
<br />
Real Name: Luis Javier Rodriguez Lopez<br />
Born in Mexico, 1982<br />
<br />
Studied a Licenciatura (Major) in [[marketing]] at the UCEM<br />
Have attended many courses in both marketing, [[art]] and [[design]]<br />
<br />
My career has been mainly in the field of graphic design and advertising<br />
<br />
==Why do I contribute at the english and not the spanish wikipedia==<br />
<br />
Because like it or not English is a languje studied and understood throgout most of the world, specially in middle to high social classes which are the ones with better access to the internet and thus is understandable by the majority of people on the web, besides Wikipedia English is the most complete of the wikipedias in the languges i manage<br />
<br />
==My interests==<br />
<br />
Im particularily interested in the following topics<br />
<br />
*[[Marketing]]<br />
*[[Design]]<br />
*[[Modern art|Modern]] and [[Contemporary Art]]<br />
*[[Bebop]] and [[Hard bop]] Jazz<br />
*Contemporary, [[Indie music]]<br />
*[[Progressive Metal]]<br />
<br />
But in a more general manner I'm interested in almost everything, so if you've got an Illustration or a Diagram youy neeed for any article, contact me<br />
<br />
==My Image and diagrams contributions==<br />
<br />
If you think there is a mistake in one of them or you would like me to help you with something in particular contact me<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
<br />
Image:Archimedes bridge.jpg|[[Archimedes bridge]]<br />
Image:Solid_liquid_gas.jpg|A diagram of how the configuration of molecules/atoms differs for the solid, [[liquid]], and gas phases<br />
Image:buoyancy.jpg|determinants of [[Buoyancy]]<br />
Image:deadlift_illustration.jpg|[[Deadlift]]<br />
Image:menu_cost.jpg|diagram of the [[Menu cost]] phenomena<br />
Image:wage_labour.jpg|Graph of Labor Market in respect to [[minimum wage]]<br />
Image:Communication_emisor.jpg|One of the models of [[communication]]<br />
Image:Encoding_communication.jpg|Another model for [[communication]]<br />
Image:Immersed_tube_type_a.svg|One of the types of [[immersed tube]]<br />
Image:Immersed_tube_type_b.svg|Another type of [[immersed tube]]<br />
Image:Goglgotha.svg|Diagram of the [[Calvary]]<br />
Image:ajef_logo.jpg|Coat of arms of the [[A.J.E.F.]] organization<br />
<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==My Article and translation contributions==<br />
<br />
{|align="right" width="160px" style="background-color: transparent;"<br />
|-<br />
|<div><br />
{{boxboxtop| }}<br />
{{Proofreader|es|Spanish}}<br />
{{Template:User mexico2}}<br />
</div></div><br />
{{boxboxbottom}}<br />
</div><br />
|}<br />
<br />
*Created [[A.J.E.F]]<br />
*Created [[Minera San Xavier]]<br />
<br />
*turned [[You, the Living]] from a stub to an article<br />
*turned [[El Búfalo de la Noche (film)|El Búfalo de la Noche]] from a stub to an article<br />
<br />
==My shortcuts==<br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Wikipedia_requested_diagram_images<br><br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Most_wanted_articles<br><br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Requested_articles<br><br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Reward_board<br><br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Bounty_board<br><br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Featured_picture_candidates<br><br />
<br />
==Contact==<br />
[[Image:yupi666_logo.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Logo]]<br />
<br />
Visit my online graphic portfolio<br />
http://www.coroflot.com/ljrodriguez<br />
<br />
Visit my pictures<br />
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ljrodriguez/<br />
<br />
My solo music project<br />
http://www.myspace.com/yupisixsixsix<br />
<br />
My myspace<br />
http://www.myspace.com/yupi666<br />
<br />
My last.fm username is the same as here<br />
<br />
E.mail me at my user name @gmail.com<br />
<br />
<br />
{{userpage}}</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Calvary&diff=200615037
Calvary
2008-03-24T19:54:02Z
<p>Yupi666: </p>
<hr />
<div>:''"Golgotha" redirects here. For other uses, see [[Golgotha (disambiguation)]]. For other uses of the term "Calvary" and "Mount Calvary," see [[Calvary (disambiguation)]] and [[Mount Calvary (disambiguation)]].<br />
{{distinguish2|[[cavalry]] (horse or armored troops)}}<br />
[[Image:golgotha hill.jpg|right|thumb|280px|Site of Golgotha, within the [[Church of the Holy Sepulchre]].]]<br />
[[Image:Goglgotha.svg|thumb|280px|A diagram of the church and the historical site based on a german documentary.]]<br />
<br />
'''Calvary''' ([[Aramaic of Jesus#Golgotha (Γολγοθα)|Golgotha]]) is the English-language name given to the site, outside of Ancient [[Jerusalem]]’s early 1st century walls, ascribed to [[Jesus]]’ crucifixion. The exact location is handed down from antiquity. Although the significance of the name is lost to modernity, ''Calvariae Locus'' in [[Latin]], ''Κρανιου Τοπος'' (''Kraniou Topos'') in [[Greek language|Greek]], and ''Gûlgaltâ'' in [[Aramaic language|Aramaic]] all denote 'place of [the] skull.' In some Christian and Jewish traditions, the name refers to the location of the skull of [[Adam and Eve|Adam]].<ref name = "ce">[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03191a.htm Mount Calvary], article from the ''[[Catholic Encyclopedia]]'', Volume III. New York: Robert Appleton Company (1908)</ref> The word "Calvary" comes from ''Calvaria'' in the [[Latin Vulgate]]<ref>[http://www.drbo.org/lvb/chapter/49023.htm Latin Vulgate, Luke 23:33]</ref>. <br />
<br />
==Calvary in the Bible==<br />
Although usage since the sixth century has been to designate Calvary as a mountain,<ref name = "ce" /> the Gospels call it merely a "place." Calvary is mentioned in all four of the accounts of Jesus' [[crucifixion]] in the Christian [[canonical]] [[Gospel]]s: <br />
<br />
: [[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] {{bibleverse-nb||Matthew|27:33|RSV}} <br />
:: ''And when they came to a place called Gol'gotha (which means the place of a skull),'' ([[Revised Standard Version|RSV]]) <br />
<br />
: [[Gospel of Mark|Mark]] {{bibleverse-nb||Mark|15:22|RSV}} <br />
:: ''And they brought him to the place called Gol'gotha (which means the place of a skull).'' (RSV) <br />
: [[Gospel of Luke|Luke]] {{bibleverse-nb||Luke|23:33|RSV}} <br />
:: ''And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left.'' (RSV)<br />
<br />
: [[Gospel of John|John]] {{bibleverse-nb||John|19:17|RSV}} <br />
:: ''So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called the place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew Gol'gotha.'' (RSV)<br />
<br />
==The location of Calvary==<br />
[[Image:Jerusalem Christian Quarter.jpg|thumb|left|The Holy Sepulchre (1) in the [[Christian Quarter]] of [[Jerusalem]].]]<br />
<br />
Roman emperor [[Constantine the Great]] built the [[Church of the Holy Sepulchre]] on what was thought to be the sepulchre of Jesus in [[326]] — [[335]], near Calvary. According to Christian legend, the Tomb of Jesus and the [[True Cross]] were discovered at that site by the Empress [[Helena of Constantinople|Helena]], mother of Constantine, in [[325]].<br />
<br />
Regarding the location of the church, there has been some question of the legitimacy of its claims as it appears to sit within [[Jerusalem's Old City Walls]]. However, although the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is now within Jerusalem's Old City Walls, it was beyond them at the time in question. The Jerusalem city walls were expanded by [[Herod Agrippa]] in 41-44 and only then enclosed the site of the future Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Professor Sir Henry Chadwick (Dean Emeritus of [[Christ Church, Oxford|Christ Church Oxford University]]) comments: "[[Hadrian]]'s builders replanned the old city, incidentally confirming the bringing of Golgotha inside a new town wall" (a fact implicit in a Good Friday sermon 'On the Pascha' by [[Melito]] bishop of [[Sardis]] about thirty years later). On this site, already venerated by Christians, [[Hadrian]] erected a shrine to [[Aphrodite]] (Chadwick, H., ''The Church in ancient Society. From Galilee to Gregory the Great.'' Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2003:21).<br />
<br />
[[Image:Golgatha.jpg|thumb|The Rock of Golgotha inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.]]<br />
<br />
Inside the church is a pile of rock about 7m length x 3m width x 4.80m height<ref name="Hesemann170"/> that is believed to be what now remains visible of Calvary. During restoration works and excavations inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, in the years 1973-1978, it was found that this place, Golgotha, was originally a quarry from which white "Meleke limestone" was struck.<ref name="Hesemann170">Michael Hesemann, ''Die Jesus-Tafel'', Freiburg 1999, p. 170, ISBN 3-451-27092-7</ref> Observation suggests that from the city the little hill could have looked like a skull.<ref name="HesemannHill">This little hill still exists. Hesemann, 1999, p.170: "Von der Stadt aus muß er tatsächlich wie eine Schädelkuppe ausgesehen haben," and page 190: a sketch; and page 172: a sketch of the geological findings by C. Katsimbinis, 1976: "der Felsblock ist zu 1/8 unterhalb des Kirchenbodens, verbreitert sich dort auf etwa 6,40 Meter und verläuft weiter in die Tiefe"; and page 192, a sketch by Corbo, 1980: Golgotha is distant 10 meters outside from the southwest corner of the Martyrion-basilica</ref> In 1986, a ring was found of 11.50 cm diameter, struck into the stone, which could have held a wood trunk of up to 2.50 meters height.<ref>Hesemann, p.172</ref><br />
<br />
The church is accepted as the Tomb of Jesus by prominent historians and the little rock currently inside the present church as the location of Calvary. In 333 AD, the [[Itinerarium Burdigalense|Pilgrim of Bordeaux]] wrote, "On the left hand is the "little" hill of Golgotha where the Lord was crucified (Latin original: ''… est monticulus golgotha, ubi dominus crucifixus est.''), pages 593, 594). About a stone's throw from thence is a vault (crypta) wherein his body was laid, and rose again on the third day. There, at present, by the command of the Emperor Constantine, has been built a basilica, that is to say, a church of wondrous beauty." Eyewitness [[Cyril of Jerusalem]], a distinguished theologian of the early Church, speaks of ''Golgotha'' in eight separate passages, sometimes as near to the church in which he and his hearers were assembled:<ref>[http://www.pravoslavnaolomouc.cz/ZIP/OTCO/PNC/PN7.PDF St. Cyril of Jerusalem, page 51, note 313]</ref> "Golgotha, the holy hill standing above us here, bears witness to our sight: the Holy Sepulchre bears witness, and the stone which lies there to this day." <ref>[http://www.pravoslavnaolomouc.cz/ZIP/OTCO/PNC/PN7.PDF Cyril, Catechetical Lectures, year 347, lecture X, page 160, note 1221]</ref> And just in such a way the [[Egeria (pilgrim)|pilgrim Egeria]] often reported in 383: "… the church, built by Constantine, which is situated in Golgotha …"<ref>''[http://www.ccel.org/m/mcclure/etheria/etheria.htm Iteneraria Egeriae]''</ref>, and also bishop [[Eucherius of Lyon]] wrote to the island presbyter Faustus in 440: "Golgotha is in the middle between the Anastasis and the Martyrium, the place of the Lord's passion, in which still appears that rock which once endured the very cross on which the Lord was."<ref>[http://homepages.luc.edu/~avande1/jerusalem/sources/eucherius.htm Letter To The Presbyter Faustus], by Eucherius. "What is reported, about the site of the city Jerusalem and also of Judaea"; ''Epistola Ad Faustum Presbyterum.'' "Eucherii, Quae fertur, de situ Hierusolimitanae urbis atque ipsius Iudaeae." ''Corpus Scriptorum Eccles. Latinorum'' XXXIX Itinera Hierosolymitana, Saeculi IIII–VIII, P. Geyer, 1898</ref> (See also: <!--PLEASE SEE TALK BEFORE RETURNING THIS [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diskussion:Golgota Eyewitnesses-reports about the location of Calvary]:--> [[Eusebius of Caesarea|Eusebius]] (338) and Breviarius de Hierosolyma (530)). Professor [[Dan Bahat]], one of Israel's leading archaeologists, the former City Archaeologist of Jerusalem and a senior lecturer at the Land of Israel Studies at Bar-Ilan University in Tel Aviv, comments, "We may not be absolutely certain that the site of the Holy Sepulchre Church is the site of Jesus' burial, but we have no other site that can lay a claim nearly as weighty, and we really have no reason to reject the authenticity of the site" (Bahat, 1986). In 2007, he stated, "Six graves from the first century were found on the area of the ''Church of the Holy Sepulchre.'' That means, this place laid here outside of the city, without any doubt, and is the possible place for the tomb of Jesus." <ref name="ZDF">[[Dan Bahat]] [http://www.zdf.de/ZDFde/inhalt/17/0,1872,5262833,00.html in German television ZDF, April 11, 2007]</ref><br />
<br />
==Refuted claims of Charles Gordon==<br />
[[Image:DSC02260.JPG|right|thumb|330px|Rocky escarpment some claim to resemble the face of a skull, located northwest of the [[Church of the Holy Sepulchre]], near the [[Garden Tomb]]. Picture in foreground is a historical photograph (date unknown) of the same rock face.]]<br />
<br />
After time spent in Palestine in 1882-83, [[Charles George Gordon]] suggested Calvary might have been in a different location. It was not then known that the location of the [[Church of the Holy Sepulchre]] was actually outside of the city walls at the time of the [[crucifixion]]. The [[Garden Tomb]] is to the north of the Holy Sepulchre, located outside of the modern [[Damascus Gate]], in a place that was used for burial at least as early as the [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] period.{{Fact|date=May 2007}} The Garden has an earthen cliff that contains two large sunken holes that people say are the eyes of the skull to which "Golgotha" refers.{{Fact|date=June 2007}}<br />
<br />
== Other uses of the name == <br />
*The name ''Calvary'' often refers to sculptures or pictures representing the scene of the [[crucifixion]] of Jesus, or a small wayside [[shrine]] incorporating such a picture. It also can be used to describe larger, more monument-like constructions, essentially artificial hills often built by devotees.<br />
*Churches in various Christian denominations have been named Calvary. The name is also sometimes given to cemeteries, especially those associated with the [[Roman Catholic Church]].<br />
*Two Catholic religious orders have been dedicated to Mount Calvary. Several places worldwide have been named after it; including the town [[Kalvarija]] in [[Lithuania]] and towns [[Góra Kalwaria]] and [[Kalwaria Zebrzydowska]] in Poland.<br />
*In the [[18th century|18th]] and early [[19th century|19th]] centuries at [[Oxford University|Oxford]] and [[Cambridge University|Cambridge]] universities the rooms of the heads of colleges and halls were nicknamed ''golgotha''. Apart from the obvious pun on ''the place of skulls'' (i.e. heads), this was also due to the punishments that students received in these rooms.<ref>Amherst, N., 1754, ''Terræ filius: or the secret history of the university of Oxford 1721–22''</ref><br />
*In [[Simon R. Green]]'s "[[Deathstalker (series)|Deathstalker]]" saga, the central planet of the Empire is called Golgotha, and later, Logres.<br />
*The influential [[Louisiana]] [[sludge metal]] band [[Acid Bath]]'s previous incarnation was known as [[Golgotha (band)|Golgotha]], and Acid Bath's first release was a demo entitled ''[[Golgotha (album)|Golgotha]]''.<br />
*In the first book of [[Stephen King]]'s [[The Dark Tower]] series, [[The Gunslinger]], the main characters, Roland and The Man in Black, meet in a place they call Golgotha where the Man in Black turns to bones.<br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
<div class="references-small"><references /></div><br />
<br />
==External links== <br />
{{commonscat|Calvaire}} <br />
* [http://www.trekker.co.il/english/israel/i-sep-08.htm Golgotha (Calvary) Hill-Photo: white stones, here visible right and left in the underground] <!--http://tanna.sphex.de/jeruseiten/fotoshow/fotogr/golg.JPG--> <br />
* [http://www.holylandnetwork.com/temple/model_27.htm The Hill of Calvary (Golgotha) shown in its original state]<br />
* [http://www.gospel-mysteries.net/golgotha.html Location of Golgotha] <br />
* [http://galleries.fototagger.com/link.php?action=detail&id=357 How Golgotha looks in the art and reality — FotoTagger Galleries]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Alleged tombs of Jesus]]<br />
[[Category:Hills]]<br />
[[Category:Jesus]]<br />
[[Category:New Testament places]]<br />
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[[ca:Gòlgota]]<br />
[[cs:Golgota]]<br />
[[de:Golgatha]]<br />
[[el:Γολγοθάς]]<br />
[[es:Calvario]]<br />
[[eo:Golgoto]]<br />
[[fr:Golgotha (Calvaire)]]<br />
[[it:Calvario]]<br />
[[he:גבעת הגולגולתא]]<br />
[[ka:გოლგოთა]]<br />
[[hu:Kálvária]]<br />
[[mk:Голгота]]<br />
[[nl:Golgotha]]<br />
[[ja:ゴルゴタの丘]]<br />
[[no:Golgata]]<br />
[[nn:Golgata]]<br />
[[pl:Golgota]]<br />
[[pt:Calvário (Gólgota)]]<br />
[[ru:Голгофа]]<br />
[[sl:Golgota]]<br />
[[sr:Голгота]]<br />
[[fi:Golgata]]<br />
[[sv:Golgata]]<br />
[[uk:Голгофа]]<br />
[[zh:各各他]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk:Calvary&diff=200614641
Talk:Calvary
2008-03-24T19:52:21Z
<p>Yupi666: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{WikiProject Israel|class=Start}}<br />
{{WikiProject Bible|class=Start}}<br />
{{ChristianityWikiProject|importance=Low|class=Start|jesus-work-group = yes}}<br />
<br />
==General Comments==<br />
where's the link to the article describing the hill?<br />
<br />
Κρανιου Τοπος (Kraniou Topos) means "place of [the] skull" in Greek, not simply "skull."<br />
<br />
I was under the impression that Golgotha was the hill where David placed Goliath's head. See 1Samuel 17:54. I would imagine a giant's head would make a profound impression on the Israelites. Enough so as to name the hill where it rested "the place of THE skull". Not just any skull, but a very large skull, the skull of a giant, Goliath. David stood in faith as God's warrior, a type of Christ. In 1Samuel 17:5, the Bible says that Goliath "had a bronze helmet on his head and he was clothed with scaled body armor..." Like the snake he represents, he is killed in the head, a type of death planned for the real serpent as predicted in Genesis 3:15. The geological, historical, and anthropological interest in the area over the centuries has surely eradicated any proof we may want to find. As you said, the real death of a real Savior and His real resurection to return soon is the most important information of all. It is a fact, however, that attacks against the Bible are increasing. Many are looking to disprove it so they can go about doing as they wish without fear of retribution. We must be ever vigilant to answer these disputes with the infalible Word of God. Proving God's Word through the sciences is indeed a high calling.<br />
<br />
== General Gordon ==<br />
<br />
From the page on General Gordon, he was in Palestine 1882-83, and in Khartoum from February 1884 until his death in January 1885. Searching the internet, I find dates for Gordon's theory of 1883, 1884, 1885 and 1894 (!). [I wonder if, say, his theories were published after his death ?] -- [[User:Beardo|Beardo]] 06:47, 28 May 2006 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Does anyone have thoughts regarding adding a little bit more detail about Gordon? I wonder if it should be made more clear that his claims, although striking the fancy of some, do not carry any academic weight whatsoever.<br />
<br />
:(E.G. “...of the [[Order of the Bath|BA]], a decorated [[Major-General]] in the British army, with no known education or expertise in history or anthropology...”.)<br />
:[[User:LCP|LCP]] 15:42, 6 June 2007 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Authenticity ==<br />
<br />
I am going to remove the "citation needed" regarding historians' belief that it is authentic, based upon this site: [http://www.answers.com/topic/church-of-the-holy-sepulchre] Particularly: this quote from scholar Dan Bahat: "We may not be absolutely certain that the site of the Holy Sepulchre Church is the site of Jesus' burial, but we have no other site that can lay a claim nearly as weighty, and we really have no reason to reject the authenticity of the site." (Bahat, 1986)[[User:TheThinWhiteDuke|TheThinWhiteDuke]] 04:32, 29 August 2006 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Spammy Links Removed ==<br />
I have just checked the external links for this article. The first four linked pages appear to contain useful information and/or appropriate photos. But the last two seemed to have little relevance and looked spammy, so I have removed them.<br />
<br />
Also, the third external link ("Location of Golgotha") contains a lot of information that isn't in the wiki article, plus a good map. This site could be a valuable reference for anyone who wants to add more content to the wiki article.<br />
<br />
==Problems with the lead==<br />
The following is passage from the lead is problematic for several reasons. Here is the problematic text: <br />
:The hill is described as outside Jerusalem, but its location is not certain. {{fact}} Calvariae Locus in Latin, Κρανιου Τοπος (Kraniou Topos) in Greek and Gûlgaltâ in Aramaic all mean 'place of [the] skull', referring to a hill or plateau containing a pile of skulls, or to a geographic feature resembling a skull, or, as in some traditions, the location of the skull of Adam.<br />
(1) Antiquity is unequivocal about the location of the site. As far as I know, there are no serious grounds from which to doubt the location that has been handed down to us, especially since the ideas of Gordon have already been refuted. The statement needs to be removed or cited.<br />
(2) The statement about the meanings of the "Golgotha" in Latin and Aramaic are written as if they are etymologies, and yet the last part of the sentence has nothing to do with etymology, but instead speaks of a tradition. There is also no mention of the fact that the title might be metaphorical. To fix this, the etymologies need a citation. If it is true that the title might have been intended metaphorical, this needs to be added in addition to the etymologies along side the explanation of the tradition regarding the skull of Adam.<br />
[[User:LCP|LCP]] 17:54, 26 May 2007 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:I made chages several days ago to amend the problems I list above.[[User:LCP|LCP]] 15:24, 4 June 2007 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Please, anyone, define "antiquity" for the purposes of this article. [[Special:Contributions/74.130.20.255|74.130.20.255]] ([[User talk:74.130.20.255|talk]]) 22:25, 17 February 2008 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Sources ==<br />
<br />
I have again removed this:<br />
[http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diskussion:Golgota Eyewitness-reports about the location of Calvary]: <br />
as an in-line source.<br />
<br />
The link in question is to the discussion page in the German version of Wikipedia. Per [[WP:OR]] (emphasis added):<br />
<br />
"Primary, secondary, and tertiary sources<br />
{...} <br />
Tertiary sources are publications, such as encyclopedias, that sum up other secondary sources, and sometimes primary sources. ('''Wikipedia itself is a tertiary source'''.) <br />
{...}<br />
'''All articles on Wikipedia should be based on information collected from published primary and secondary sources'''."<br />
<br />
Using a wiki as a source for a wiki creates serious problems. What if next the de.wikipedia uses en.wikipedia as its source? A cites B which sites A, making it its own source!<br />
[[User:Mdbrownmsw|Mdbrownmsw]] 16:15, 11 June 2007 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:I have re-removed this item. It has been returned twice by an anonymous user with a varying IP addy. One more and I'll take this to RfC.<br />
:I welcome comments on this issue. There are numerous sources hidden in the page (as comments) with similar problems.<br />
:[[User:Mdbrownmsw|Mdbrownmsw]] 14:51, 12 June 2007 (UTC)<br />
<br />
::I support you in trying to eradicate the problem. Perhaps protection against new users, as on the Abortion pages, is the solution.[[User:LCP|LCP]] 14:57, 12 June 2007 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:::For the moment, I think blocking edits by new users is a bit too blunt an instrument for this issue. While it would -- temporarily at least -- prevent returning the material, it would NOT clarify the situation for the person who keeps returning the text (who seems to be unaware that there is any problem with the material. [[User:Mdbrownmsw|Mdbrownmsw]] 13:10, 13 June 2007 (UTC)<br />
<br />
== Cross section ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:Site de la tombe du Christ.JPG|thumb|200px|An English or textless version of this would be nice. ---[[User:84.20.17.84|84.20.17.84]] 10:52, 10 August 2007 (UTC)]]<br />
<br />
this article crosses the objective/subjective barrier, & as an encyclopedia article it should not. Embedded in its words is an ongoing argument attempting to sotto voce establish the "truth" of the Christian religion as a factual thing. It might be fixable with a bunch of small changes, but it doesn't pass my muster as is. <small>—Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/24.190.20.182|24.190.20.182]] ([[User talk:24.190.20.182|talk]]) 10:28, 7 September 2007 (UTC)</small><!-- Template:UnsignedIP --> <!--Autosigned by SineBot--><br />
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==Diagram done==<br />
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its svg, so its fully vector editable, based on the one provided in french by Guilhem D. Guilhem, removed the subjective/controversial statements leaving historical facts<br />
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im removing the diagram request<br />
<br />
cheers<br />
<br />
in fully ecumenical brotherhood your buddhist wikipedian [[User:Yupi666|Yupi666]] ([[User talk:Yupi666|talk]]) 19:52, 24 March 2008 (UTC)<br />
<br />
[[Image:Goglgotha.svg|thumb|200px|contact me if there is anything wrong.]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Yupi666&diff=200426143
User:Yupi666
2008-03-24T01:11:10Z
<p>Yupi666: /* My shortcuts */</p>
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<br />
==What I do at Wikipedia==<br />
<br />
I'm here to help develop webpages in which i have either a special interest or particular knowledge about, exploiting my geographical and cultural situation<br />
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But very mailnly I hope to contribute with Images and Diagrams, which my training and experience in graphic design have permited me to make<br />
<br />
==Personal History, schooling and career==<br />
<br />
Real Name: Luis Javier Rodriguez Lopez<br />
Born in Mexico, 1982<br />
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Studied a Licenciatura (Major) in [[marketing]] at the UCEM<br />
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<br />
Because like it or not English is a languje studied and understood throgout most of the world, specially in middle to high social classes which are the ones with better access to the internet and thus is understandable by the majority of people on the web, besides Wikipedia English is the most complete of the wikipedias in the languges i manage<br />
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Image:Archimedes bridge.jpg|[[Archimedes bridge]]<br />
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{|align="right" width="160px" style="background-color: transparent;"<br />
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<br />
<br />
{{userpage}}</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Yupi666&diff=200423577
User:Yupi666
2008-03-24T00:58:18Z
<p>Yupi666: /* My shortcuts */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:yupi666.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Picture of myself<br />
<div style="float: left; border:solid {{{1|#faad00}}} 1px; margin: 1px;"><br />
{| cellspacing="0" style="width: 238px; background: {{{2|#fccd88}}};"<br />
| style="width: 45px; height: 45px; background: {{{1|#fccd88}}}; text-align: center; font-size: {{{5|{{{id-s|14}}}}}}pt; color: {{{id-fc|black}}};" | '''{{{3|[[Image:Lotus-buddha.svg|40px]]}}}'''<br />
| style="font-size: {{{info-s|8}}}pt; padding: 4pt; line-height: 1.25em; color: {{{info-fc|black}}};" | {{{4|This user is a '''[[Buddhist]]'''.}}}<br />
|}</div><br />
{{user graphic-designer}}<br />
{{Userbox-2<br />
|border-c = #000000<br />
|border-s = 1<br />
|id1-c = #fcd116<br />
|id1-s = 8<br />
|id1-fc = #000<br />
|id1 = [[Image:Red flag II.svg|57px]]<br />
|info-c = #fcd116<br />
|info-s = 7<br />
|info-fc = #000000<br />
|info = <center>'''This user wants to [[Progressive taxation|<font color= #000000 >TAX THE RICH</font>]] to provide [[Welfare state|<font color= #000000>health care, education and welfare</font>]] for everyone.'''</center><br />
|id2-c = #DE0000<br />
|id2-s = 16<br />
|id2-fc = #000000<br />
|id2 = $ £<br>¥ €<br />
}}<br />
{{User:Disavian/Userboxes/Environmentalist}}<br />
{{Userbox-2<br />
|border-c = #92000A<br />
|border-s = 1<br />
|id1-c = #708090<br />
|id1 = [[Image:A Tomato.jpg|50px]]<br />
|info-c = #708090<br />
|info-s = 8<br />
|info-fc = #000000<br />
|info = <center>'''This user wants to eat [[Tomacco|<font color = #92000A >Tomacco</font>]]''' </center><br />
|id2-s = 8<br />
|id2-c = #708090<br />
|id2 = [[WP:UA|<font color = #92000A >WP:UA</font>]]<br />
}}<br />
{{User:Scepia/Go}}<br />
]]<br />
<br />
==What I do at Wikipedia==<br />
<br />
I'm here to help develop webpages in which i have either a special interest or particular knowledge about, exploiting my geographical and cultural situation<br />
<br />
But very mailnly I hope to contribute with Images and Diagrams, which my training and experience in graphic design have permited me to make<br />
<br />
==Personal History, schooling and career==<br />
<br />
Real Name: Luis Javier Rodriguez Lopez<br />
Born in Mexico, 1982<br />
<br />
Studied a Licenciatura (Major) in [[marketing]] at the UCEM<br />
Have attended many courses in both marketing, [[art]] and [[design]]<br />
<br />
My career has been mainly in the field of graphic design and advertising<br />
<br />
==Why do I contribute at the english and not the spanish wikipedia==<br />
<br />
Because like it or not English is a languje studied and understood throgout most of the world, specially in middle to high social classes which are the ones with better access to the internet and thus is understandable by the majority of people on the web, besides Wikipedia English is the most complete of the wikipedias in the languges i manage<br />
<br />
==My interests==<br />
<br />
Im particularily interested in the following topics<br />
<br />
*[[Marketing]]<br />
*[[Design]]<br />
*[[Modern art|Modern]] and [[Contemporary Art]]<br />
*[[Bebop]] and [[Hard bop]] Jazz<br />
*Contemporary, [[Indie music]]<br />
*[[Progressive Metal]]<br />
<br />
But in a more general manner I'm interested in almost everything, so if you've got an Illustration or a Diagram youy neeed for any article, contact me<br />
<br />
==My Image and diagrams contributions==<br />
<br />
If you think there is a mistake in one of them or you would like me to help you with something in particular contact me<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
<br />
Image:Archimedes bridge.jpg|[[Archimedes bridge]]<br />
Image:Solid_liquid_gas.jpg|A diagram of how the configuration of molecules/atoms differs for the solid, [[liquid]], and gas phases<br />
Image:buoyancy.jpg|determinants of [[Buoyancy]]<br />
Image:deadlift_illustration.jpg|[[Deadlift]]<br />
Image:menu_cost.jpg|diagram of the [[Menu cost]] phenomena<br />
Image:wage_labour.jpg|Graph of Labor Market in respect to [[minimum wage]]<br />
Image:Communication_emisor.jpg|One of the models of [[communication]]<br />
Image:Encoding_communication.jpg|Another model for [[communication]]<br />
Image:Immersed_tube_type_a.svg|One of the types of [[immersed tube]]<br />
Image:Immersed_tube_type_b.svg|Another type of [[immersed tube]]<br />
<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==My Article and translation contributions==<br />
<br />
{|align="right" width="160px" style="background-color: transparent;"<br />
|-<br />
|<div><br />
{{boxboxtop| }}<br />
{{Proofreader|es|Spanish}}<br />
{{Template:User mexico2}}<br />
</div></div><br />
{{boxboxbottom}}<br />
</div><br />
|}<br />
<br />
*Created [[A.J.E.F]]<br />
*Created [[Minera San Xavier]]<br />
<br />
*turned [[You, the Living]] from a stub to an article<br />
*turned [[El Búfalo de la Noche (film)|El Búfalo de la Noche]] from a stub to an article<br />
<br />
==My shortcuts==<br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Wikipedia_requested_diagram_images<br><br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Most_wanted_articles<br><br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Requested_articles<br><br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Reward_board<br><br />
<br />
==Contact==<br />
[[Image:yupi666_logo.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Logo]]<br />
<br />
Visit my online graphic portfolio<br />
http://www.coroflot.com/ljrodriguez<br />
<br />
Visit my pictures<br />
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ljrodriguez/<br />
<br />
My solo music project<br />
http://www.myspace.com/yupisixsixsix<br />
<br />
My myspace<br />
http://www.myspace.com/yupi666<br />
<br />
My last.fm username is the same as here<br />
<br />
E.mail me at my user name @gmail.com<br />
<br />
<br />
{{userpage}}</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Yupi666&diff=200422990
User:Yupi666
2008-03-24T00:55:31Z
<p>Yupi666: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:yupi666.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Picture of myself<br />
<div style="float: left; border:solid {{{1|#faad00}}} 1px; margin: 1px;"><br />
{| cellspacing="0" style="width: 238px; background: {{{2|#fccd88}}};"<br />
| style="width: 45px; height: 45px; background: {{{1|#fccd88}}}; text-align: center; font-size: {{{5|{{{id-s|14}}}}}}pt; color: {{{id-fc|black}}};" | '''{{{3|[[Image:Lotus-buddha.svg|40px]]}}}'''<br />
| style="font-size: {{{info-s|8}}}pt; padding: 4pt; line-height: 1.25em; color: {{{info-fc|black}}};" | {{{4|This user is a '''[[Buddhist]]'''.}}}<br />
|}</div><br />
{{user graphic-designer}}<br />
{{Userbox-2<br />
|border-c = #000000<br />
|border-s = 1<br />
|id1-c = #fcd116<br />
|id1-s = 8<br />
|id1-fc = #000<br />
|id1 = [[Image:Red flag II.svg|57px]]<br />
|info-c = #fcd116<br />
|info-s = 7<br />
|info-fc = #000000<br />
|info = <center>'''This user wants to [[Progressive taxation|<font color= #000000 >TAX THE RICH</font>]] to provide [[Welfare state|<font color= #000000>health care, education and welfare</font>]] for everyone.'''</center><br />
|id2-c = #DE0000<br />
|id2-s = 16<br />
|id2-fc = #000000<br />
|id2 = $ £<br>¥ €<br />
}}<br />
{{User:Disavian/Userboxes/Environmentalist}}<br />
{{Userbox-2<br />
|border-c = #92000A<br />
|border-s = 1<br />
|id1-c = #708090<br />
|id1 = [[Image:A Tomato.jpg|50px]]<br />
|info-c = #708090<br />
|info-s = 8<br />
|info-fc = #000000<br />
|info = <center>'''This user wants to eat [[Tomacco|<font color = #92000A >Tomacco</font>]]''' </center><br />
|id2-s = 8<br />
|id2-c = #708090<br />
|id2 = [[WP:UA|<font color = #92000A >WP:UA</font>]]<br />
}}<br />
{{User:Scepia/Go}}<br />
]]<br />
<br />
==What I do at Wikipedia==<br />
<br />
I'm here to help develop webpages in which i have either a special interest or particular knowledge about, exploiting my geographical and cultural situation<br />
<br />
But very mailnly I hope to contribute with Images and Diagrams, which my training and experience in graphic design have permited me to make<br />
<br />
==Personal History, schooling and career==<br />
<br />
Real Name: Luis Javier Rodriguez Lopez<br />
Born in Mexico, 1982<br />
<br />
Studied a Licenciatura (Major) in [[marketing]] at the UCEM<br />
Have attended many courses in both marketing, [[art]] and [[design]]<br />
<br />
My career has been mainly in the field of graphic design and advertising<br />
<br />
==Why do I contribute at the english and not the spanish wikipedia==<br />
<br />
Because like it or not English is a languje studied and understood throgout most of the world, specially in middle to high social classes which are the ones with better access to the internet and thus is understandable by the majority of people on the web, besides Wikipedia English is the most complete of the wikipedias in the languges i manage<br />
<br />
==My interests==<br />
<br />
Im particularily interested in the following topics<br />
<br />
*[[Marketing]]<br />
*[[Design]]<br />
*[[Modern art|Modern]] and [[Contemporary Art]]<br />
*[[Bebop]] and [[Hard bop]] Jazz<br />
*Contemporary, [[Indie music]]<br />
*[[Progressive Metal]]<br />
<br />
But in a more general manner I'm interested in almost everything, so if you've got an Illustration or a Diagram youy neeed for any article, contact me<br />
<br />
==My Image and diagrams contributions==<br />
<br />
If you think there is a mistake in one of them or you would like me to help you with something in particular contact me<br />
<br />
<gallery><br />
<br />
Image:Archimedes bridge.jpg|[[Archimedes bridge]]<br />
Image:Solid_liquid_gas.jpg|A diagram of how the configuration of molecules/atoms differs for the solid, [[liquid]], and gas phases<br />
Image:buoyancy.jpg|determinants of [[Buoyancy]]<br />
Image:deadlift_illustration.jpg|[[Deadlift]]<br />
Image:menu_cost.jpg|diagram of the [[Menu cost]] phenomena<br />
Image:wage_labour.jpg|Graph of Labor Market in respect to [[minimum wage]]<br />
Image:Communication_emisor.jpg|One of the models of [[communication]]<br />
Image:Encoding_communication.jpg|Another model for [[communication]]<br />
Image:Immersed_tube_type_a.svg|One of the types of [[immersed tube]]<br />
Image:Immersed_tube_type_b.svg|Another type of [[immersed tube]]<br />
<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==My Article and translation contributions==<br />
<br />
{|align="right" width="160px" style="background-color: transparent;"<br />
|-<br />
|<div><br />
{{boxboxtop| }}<br />
{{Proofreader|es|Spanish}}<br />
{{Template:User mexico2}}<br />
</div></div><br />
{{boxboxbottom}}<br />
</div><br />
|}<br />
<br />
*Created [[A.J.E.F]]<br />
*Created [[Minera San Xavier]]<br />
<br />
*turned [[You, the Living]] from a stub to an article<br />
*turned [[El Búfalo de la Noche (film)|El Búfalo de la Noche]] from a stub to an article<br />
<br />
==My shortcuts==<br />
[[Category:Wikipedia_requested_diagram_images]]<br />
[[Wikipedia:Most_wanted_articles]]<br />
[[Requested_articles]]<br />
[[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Reward_board]]<br />
<br />
==Contact==<br />
[[Image:yupi666_logo.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Logo]]<br />
<br />
Visit my online graphic portfolio<br />
http://www.coroflot.com/ljrodriguez<br />
<br />
Visit my pictures<br />
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ljrodriguez/<br />
<br />
My solo music project<br />
http://www.myspace.com/yupisixsixsix<br />
<br />
My myspace<br />
http://www.myspace.com/yupi666<br />
<br />
My last.fm username is the same as here<br />
<br />
E.mail me at my user name @gmail.com<br />
<br />
<br />
{{userpage}}</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Minera_San_Xavier&diff=200419127
Minera San Xavier
2008-03-24T00:36:36Z
<p>Yupi666: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox_Company<br />
|company_name=Minera San Xavier<br />
|company_logo=<br />
|company_type=Subsidiary of [[Metallica Resources]] Inc.<br />
|foundation=1886 ([[Cerro de San Pedro]], [[San Luis Potosí]], [[México]])<br />
|location=[[Cerro de San Pedro]], [[San Luis Potosí]], [[México]]<br />
|slogan=Generango el Desarrollo (Generating Development)<br />
|revenue=<br />
|industry=[[Mining]]<br />
|products =Golg, Silver.<br />
|homepage=[http://msx.com.mx/]<br />
}}<br />
'''Minera San Xavier''' <br />
<br />
It's the Subsidiary of canadian company [[Metallica Resources]] Inc. created for the explotaition of gold and silver from [[Cerro de San Pedro]], a municipality of [[San Luis Potosí]] just 12 kilometers away from the capital city of the state.<br />
<br />
The company has defied legal resolutions against its operation <ref>{{cite web|Angeles Cruz Martinez|title= Semarnat y Sedena deben explicar su participación con Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[La Jornada]]|date=2005-27-02|url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2005/02/27/036n1soc.php}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|Mines & Communities Website|title= Mexico: Court Decision Stops San Luis de Potosí Gold Project|publisher= Mines & Communities Website|date=2004-27-02|url=http://www.minesandcommunities.org/Action/press483.htm}}</ref> by arranging economically with the mexican ecological authority, SEMARNAT, pushing them to disregard ecological research done by many independent institutions and to instead accept uncontested the studies the mining company has done themselves.<br />
<br />
===Enviromental disaster===<br />
<br />
Just 12 kilometers away from the capital of the state, all independent studies <ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref> remark that the ecological damage will be grave and irreversible, the contamination will affect the state's capital and larger city, [[San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí|San Luis Potosí]], specially given that the explotaition site lies over the city's underground water currents.<ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
The mining used in the site is known as [[open pit mining]] [[Leaching#Metallurgical_application_of_leaching|leaching]] by [[cyanide]], which is banned in first world countries because of its disastrous ecological consecuences.<ref>Montemayor, Carlos. ''Amenaza ambiental con Minera San Xavier''. (Mexico City: La Jornada, October 18th 2004)</ref> And which in similar projects, like the [[Real de Angeles]] Mining Complex has proven to poison the blood of the inhabitants of the zone as far aways as twenty kilometers in all directions. <ref>{{cite web|author= [[Olivia Portillo]]|publisher= Universidad Autonoma de Mexico, Difusion Cultural UNAM, Centro Universitario de Estudios Cinematograficos ([[CUEC]])|date=2007|url=http://youtube.com/watch?v=9upkyfC3uos|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
It will also damage the flora and fauna, and it has damaged the historical patrimony at the town.<br />
<br />
Ana Maria Alvarado, a member of the community of Cerro de San Pedro and representative of the Broad Opposition Front testified how plans to establish an open pit gold mine in her community would, in fact, destroy historic 17th century landmarks, displace the population, cause irreparable damage to the environment and leach harmful cyanide into the water supply of 1.5 million inhabitants in the surrounding area. She described the considerable risks to the environment and the community of a process that will use 32 million litres of water, 16 tons of cyanide and 25 tons of explosives on a daily basis. Moreover, she testified that Metallica is doing all this in contravention of Mexican law.<ref>{{cite web|author= Mary Corkery Executive Director, Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives; Bruce Cox, Executive Director GREENPEACE; Joan Kuyek, National Coordinator MiningWatch Canada; Roy Culpeper, President and CEO The North-South Institute; Fraser Reilly-King, Coordinator Halifax Initiative Coalition; Doug Olthuis, Executive Director Steelworkers Humanity Fund; Mike Shields, Director International Department CAW- Canada|title=Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources|publisher= Halifax Initiative|date=April 28, 2006|url=http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Cerro de San Pedro]]<br />
*[[San Luis Potosí]]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<div class="references-small"><br />
<references/><br />
</div class="references-small"><br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
<br />
*[http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704| Halifax Initiative's Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources]<br />
*[http://www.minesandcommunities.org/Action/press483.htm|court descicion revokes Minera San Xavier's Permits]<br />
*[http://www.msx.com.mx/, Official website (spanish)]<br />
*[http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|Technical paper by prestiguious university researchers, detailing the ecological impact (spanish)]<br />
*[http://www.angelfire.com/rebellion2/antimsx/|website for the FAO, Frente amplo opositor; Wide Oposition Front against Minera San Xavier (spanish)]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Environmental disasters]]<br />
<br />
[[es:Minera San xavier]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Minera_San_Xavier&diff=200418847
Minera San Xavier
2008-03-24T00:35:11Z
<p>Yupi666: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox_Company<br />
|company_name=Minera San Xavier<br />
|company_logo=<br />
|company_type=Subsidiary of [[Metallica Resources]] Inc.<br />
|foundation=1886 ([[Cerro de San Pedro]], [[San Luis Potosí]], [[México]])<br />
|location=[[Cerro de San Pedro]], [[San Luis Potosí]], [[México]]<br />
|slogan=Generango el Desarrollo (Generating Development)<br />
|revenue=<br />
|industry=[[Mining]]<br />
|products =Golg, Silver.<br />
|homepage=[http://msx.com.mx/]<br />
}}<br />
'''Minera San Xavier''' <br />
<br />
It's the Subsidiary of canadian company [[Metallica Resources]] Inc. created for the explotaition of Cerro de San Pedro, a municipality of [[San Luis Potosí]] just 12 kilometers away from the capital city of the state.<br />
<br />
The company has defied legal resolutions against its operation <ref>{{cite web|Angeles Cruz Martinez|title= Semarnat y Sedena deben explicar su participación con Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[La Jornada]]|date=2005-27-02|url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2005/02/27/036n1soc.php}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|Mines & Communities Website|title= Mexico: Court Decision Stops San Luis de Potosí Gold Project|publisher= Mines & Communities Website|date=2004-27-02|url=http://www.minesandcommunities.org/Action/press483.htm}}</ref> by arranging economically with the mexican ecological authority, SEMARNAT, pushing them to disregard ecological research done by many independent institutions and to instead accept uncontested the studies the mining company has done themselves.<br />
<br />
===Enviromental disaster===<br />
<br />
Just 12 kilometers away from the capital of the state, all independent studies <ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref> remark that the ecological damage will be grave and irreversible, the contamination will affect the state's capital and larger city, [[San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí|San Luis Potosí]], specially given that the explotaition site lies over the city's underground water currents.<ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
The mining used in the site is known as [[open pit mining]] [[Leaching#Metallurgical_application_of_leaching|leaching]] by [[cyanide]], which is banned in first world countries because of its disastrous ecological consecuences.<ref>Montemayor, Carlos. ''Amenaza ambiental con Minera San Xavier''. (Mexico City: La Jornada, October 18th 2004)</ref> And which in similar projects, like the [[Real de Angeles]] Mining Complex has proven to poison the blood of the inhabitants of the zone as far aways as twenty kilometers in all directions. <ref>{{cite web|author= [[Olivia Portillo]]|publisher= Universidad Autonoma de Mexico, Difusion Cultural UNAM, Centro Universitario de Estudios Cinematograficos ([[CUEC]])|date=2007|url=http://youtube.com/watch?v=9upkyfC3uos|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
It will also damage the flora and fauna, and it has damaged the historical patrimony at the town.<br />
<br />
Ana Maria Alvarado, a member of the community of Cerro de San Pedro and representative of the Broad Opposition Front testified how plans to establish an open pit gold mine in her community would, in fact, destroy historic 17th century landmarks, displace the population, cause irreparable damage to the environment and leach harmful cyanide into the water supply of 1.5 million inhabitants in the surrounding area. She described the considerable risks to the environment and the community of a process that will use 32 million litres of water, 16 tons of cyanide and 25 tons of explosives on a daily basis. Moreover, she testified that Metallica is doing all this in contravention of Mexican law.<ref>{{cite web|author= Mary Corkery Executive Director, Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives; Bruce Cox, Executive Director GREENPEACE; Joan Kuyek, National Coordinator MiningWatch Canada; Roy Culpeper, President and CEO The North-South Institute; Fraser Reilly-King, Coordinator Halifax Initiative Coalition; Doug Olthuis, Executive Director Steelworkers Humanity Fund; Mike Shields, Director International Department CAW- Canada|title=Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources|publisher= Halifax Initiative|date=April 28, 2006|url=http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Cerro de San Pedro]]<br />
*[[San Luis Potosí]]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<div class="references-small"><br />
<references/><br />
</div class="references-small"><br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
<br />
*[http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704| Halifax Initiative's Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources]<br />
*[http://www.minesandcommunities.org/Action/press483.htm|court descicion revokes Minera San Xavier's Permits]<br />
*[http://www.msx.com.mx/, Official website (spanish)]<br />
*[http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|Technical paper by prestiguious university researchers, detailing the ecological impact (spanish)]<br />
*[http://www.angelfire.com/rebellion2/antimsx/|website for the FAO, Frente amplo opositor; Wide Oposition Front against Minera San Xavier (spanish)]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Environmental disasters]]<br />
<br />
[[es:Minera San xavier]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Minera_San_Xavier&diff=200418757
Minera San Xavier
2008-03-24T00:34:45Z
<p>Yupi666: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox_Company<br />
|company_name=Minera San Xavier<br />
|company_logo=<br />
|company_type=Subsidiary of [[Metallica Resources]] Inc.<br />
|foundation=1886 ([[Cerro de San Pedro]], [[San Luis Potosí]], [[México]])<br />
|location=[[Cerro de San Pedro]], [[San Luis Potosí]], [[México]]<br />
|slogan=Generango el Desarrollo (Generating Development)<br />
|revenue=<br />
|industry=[[Mining]]<br />
|products =Golg, Silver.<br />
|homepage=[http://msx.com.mx/]<br />
}}<br />
'''Minera San Xavier''' <br />
<br />
It's the Subsidiary of canadian company [[Metallica Resources]] Inc. created for the explotaition of Cerro de San Pedro, a municipality of [[San Luis Potosí]] just 12 kilometers away from the capital city od the state.<br />
<br />
The company has defied legal resolutions against its operation <ref>{{cite web|Angeles Cruz Martinez|title= Semarnat y Sedena deben explicar su participación con Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[La Jornada]]|date=2005-27-02|url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2005/02/27/036n1soc.php}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|Mines & Communities Website|title= Mexico: Court Decision Stops San Luis de Potosí Gold Project|publisher= Mines & Communities Website|date=2004-27-02|url=http://www.minesandcommunities.org/Action/press483.htm}}</ref> by arranging economically with the mexican ecological authority, SEMARNAT, pushing them to disregard ecological research done by many independent institutions and to instead accept uncontested the studies the mining company has done themselves.<br />
<br />
===Enviromental disaster===<br />
<br />
Just 12 kilometers away from the capital of the state, all independent studies <ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref> remark that the ecological damage will be grave and irreversible, the contamination will affect the state's capital and larger city, [[San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí|San Luis Potosí]], specially given that the explotaition site lies over the city's underground water currents.<ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
The mining used in the site is known as [[open pit mining]] [[Leaching#Metallurgical_application_of_leaching|leaching]] by [[cyanide]], which is banned in first world countries because of its disastrous ecological consecuences.<ref>Montemayor, Carlos. ''Amenaza ambiental con Minera San Xavier''. (Mexico City: La Jornada, October 18th 2004)</ref> And which in similar projects, like the [[Real de Angeles]] Mining Complex has proven to poison the blood of the inhabitants of the zone as far aways as twenty kilometers in all directions. <ref>{{cite web|author= [[Olivia Portillo]]|publisher= Universidad Autonoma de Mexico, Difusion Cultural UNAM, Centro Universitario de Estudios Cinematograficos ([[CUEC]])|date=2007|url=http://youtube.com/watch?v=9upkyfC3uos|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
It will also damage the flora and fauna, and it has damaged the historical patrimony at the town.<br />
<br />
Ana Maria Alvarado, a member of the community of Cerro de San Pedro and representative of the Broad Opposition Front testified how plans to establish an open pit gold mine in her community would, in fact, destroy historic 17th century landmarks, displace the population, cause irreparable damage to the environment and leach harmful cyanide into the water supply of 1.5 million inhabitants in the surrounding area. She described the considerable risks to the environment and the community of a process that will use 32 million litres of water, 16 tons of cyanide and 25 tons of explosives on a daily basis. Moreover, she testified that Metallica is doing all this in contravention of Mexican law.<ref>{{cite web|author= Mary Corkery Executive Director, Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives; Bruce Cox, Executive Director GREENPEACE; Joan Kuyek, National Coordinator MiningWatch Canada; Roy Culpeper, President and CEO The North-South Institute; Fraser Reilly-King, Coordinator Halifax Initiative Coalition; Doug Olthuis, Executive Director Steelworkers Humanity Fund; Mike Shields, Director International Department CAW- Canada|title=Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources|publisher= Halifax Initiative|date=April 28, 2006|url=http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Cerro de San Pedro]]<br />
*[[San Luis Potosí]]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<div class="references-small"><br />
<references/><br />
</div class="references-small"><br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
<br />
*[http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704| Halifax Initiative's Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources]<br />
*[http://www.minesandcommunities.org/Action/press483.htm|court descicion revokes Minera San Xavier's Permits]<br />
*[http://www.msx.com.mx/, Official website (spanish)]<br />
*[http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|Technical paper by prestiguious university researchers, detailing the ecological impact (spanish)]<br />
*[http://www.angelfire.com/rebellion2/antimsx/|website for the FAO, Frente amplo opositor; Wide Oposition Front against Minera San Xavier (spanish)]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Environmental disasters]]<br />
<br />
[[es:Minera San xavier]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=You,_the_Living&diff=200418537
You, the Living
2008-03-24T00:33:50Z
<p>Yupi666: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[image:Du_levande_movie_Poster.jpg|right|Movie poster]]<br />
{{Infobox Film<br />
| name = You, the Living<br />
| image = <br />
| image_size = <br />
| caption = <br />
| director = [[Roy Andersson]]<br />
| producer = Philippe Bober<br />
| writer = Roy Andersson <br />
| narrator = <br />
| starring = Jessika Lundberg<br>Björn Englund<br>Fred Anderson<br />
| music = <br />
| cinematography = Gustav Danielsson <br />
| editing = <br />
| distributor = <br />
| released = [[24 May]] [[2007]] (Cannes Film Festival)<br>[[21 September]] 2007 (Sweden)<br />
| runtime = <br />
| country = [[Sweden]]<br />
| language = [[Swedish language|Swedish]]<br />
| budget = <br />
| preceded_by = <br />
| followed_by = <br />
| website = <br />
| amg_id = <br />
| imdb_id = 0445336 <br />
}}<br />
'''''You, the Living''''' ([[Swedish language|Swe]]: ''Du levande'') is a [[2007 in film|2007]] film by [[Sweden|Swedish]] director [[Roy Andersson]]. It premiered at the [[2007 Cannes Film Festival]], as part of the ''[[Un Certain Regard]]'' selection <ref>[http://www.festival-cannes.com/index.php/en/archives/film/4436111 Selection at Cannes Film Festival]</ref>. <br />
<br />
The film is an exploration on the "grandeur of existence"<ref>[http://www.royandersson.com/dulevande/ Roy Andersson section at the official website]</ref>, centered around the lives of an overweight woman, a disgruntled psychiatrist, a heart broken groupie, a carpenter, a bussiness consultant, an elementary school teacher with emotional issues and his rug selling husband, among others.<br />
<br />
Shot on an unconventional manner, it consists of a fluent succession of exactly 50 short [[sketch]]es, each filmed in one take. Most of them have a [[tragicomedy|tragicomic]] undertone. It utilizes a combination of alienation tecniques such as setting the charaters on grim make up and having them talk to the camera, turning them into vessels for the message of the movie without having them loose their humanity as would happen on [[epic theatre]].<br />
<br />
The film won the audience award at the 2008 [[Gothenburg Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117979764.html?categoryId=13&cs=1 |title=‘Living’ nabs Gothenburg award |author=Gunnar Rehlin |date=[[2008-01-28]] |accessdate=2008-02-05 |work=Variety}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Plot==<br />
<br />
Some of the stories connect loosely, but the real conection is the function of all the characters being essentially human, and developing the themes of life, existence and happiness.<br />
<br />
some of the stories of the movie are the following:<br />
<br />
* A overweight woman laments her life while being completly selfabsorbed<br />
* A carpenter ([[Leif Larsson]]) has a dream where he i condemned and executed for breaking a 200 year old china set.<br />
* A pickpocket ([[Waldemar Nowak]]) steals the wallet of a high roller at a fine restaurant before he has payed the bill.<br />
* A psychiatrist ([[Håkan Angser]]) has lost faith in peoples ability to be happy because of their selfishness.<br />
* A Business consultant (Olle Olson) gets his hair butchered by an upset barber ([[Kemal Sen]]) before attending a meeting where the CEO ([[Bengt C.W. Carlsson]]) dies of a heart attack.<br />
* A tuba player ([[Björn Englund]])saves money by playing in funerals, including the one of the CEO.<br />
* A girl ([[Jan Wikbladh]]) finds her musical idol, Micke Larsson ([[Eric Bäckman]]) in a tavern, he invites her and her friend a drink but afterwards he gives her false directions for a band rehearsal.<br />
* Husband and wife ([[Pär Fredriksson]] and [[Jessica Nilsson]]) affect their respective jobs lingering about a figh they had.<br />
<br />
<br />
Throguout the film a number of ideas are explored repeatedly, one of these [[leitmotif]]s is the concept of dreams, and how they reflect the humanity, fears, feelings and desires of the characters.<br />
Another is the use of music, in conjuction with dialogues and editing, both as a track and performed on camera, the movie starts with a monologue which ends up being rapped to nordic folk music, which is being played by lone musicians each in different rooms in different parts of the city.<br />
<br />
==Production==<br />
<br />
With a budget of over five million euros, the movie took three years on the making "it is not the shootings themselves that take time, but the work on creating the enviroments. We build almost all sets in studio, even those which take place outdoors. Most of the time we start from the sketches by roy" said Johan Carlsson, production manager.<br />
<br />
Sweden is the main country for shooting but the film is a co-production between Sweeden, France, Germany, Denmark and Norway. Eighteen different organizations were involved in financing the production.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.royandersson.com/dulevande/en/index.htm |title=Production section of the website|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
*[http://www.royandersson.com/dulevande/en/index.htm Official Site]<br />
*[http://www.royandersson.com/dulevande/video/Du%20Levande.mov Teaser trailer]<br />
*{{imdb title|id=0445336 |title=Du levande}}<br />
*[http://european-films.net/content/view/737/118/ Review] at european-films.net<br />
<br />
{{expand}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:2007 films]]<br />
[[Category:Swedish films]]<br />
[[Category:Swedish-language films]]<br />
[[Category:Drama films]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Das jüngste Gewitter]]<br />
[[fi:Sinä elävä]]<br />
[[sv:Du levande]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=El_b%C3%BAfalo_de_la_noche_(film)&diff=200418048
El búfalo de la noche (film)
2008-03-24T00:31:13Z
<p>Yupi666: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[image:El_bufalo_de_la_noche.jpg|220px|right|Movie poster]]<br />
{{Infobox Film<br />
| name = El búfalo de la noche<br />
| image = <br />
| image_size = <br />
| caption = <br />
| director = [[Jorge Hernandez Aldana]]<br />
| producer = La Neta Films/Naco Films<br />
| writer = Guillermo Arriaga, Jorge Hernandez Aldana<br />
| narrator = <br />
| starring = Walther Cantú<br>Francisco Cardoso<br>Liz Gallardo<br>Gabriel González<br>Armando Hernández<br>Verónica Langer<br>Diego Luna<br />
| music = Omar Rodriguez Lopez<br />
| cinematography = Gustav Danielsson <br />
| editing = <br />
| distributor = <br />
| released = [[17 August]] [[2007]] (México)<br />
| runtime = <br />
| country = [[Mexico]]<br />
| language = [[Spanish language|Spanish]]<br />
| budget = <br />
| preceded_by = <br />
| followed_by = <br />
| website = http://www.bufalodelanoche-pelicula.com/<br />
| amg_id = <br />
| imdb_id = 0483577<br />
}}<br />
<br />
<br />
'''''El Búfalo de la Noche''''' ([[English language|English]]: '''''The Night Buffalo''''') is a [[2007 in film|2007]] film directed by [[Jorge Hernandez Aldana]] and written by [[Guillermo Arriaga]]. It is based on the novel by [[Guillermo Arriaga]] and stars [[Diego Luna]]. It was released in [[Mexico]] on August 17, 2007. American release date is unknown.<br />
<br />
The story revolves around a young schizophrenic man, Gregorio ([[Gabriel González]]) that commits suicide, affecting the lives of his girlfriend ([[Liz Gallardo]]) and best friend ([[Diego Luna]]), who were involved on a secret relationship, betraying Rodrigo's trust and inevitably envolving themselves on a guilt trip when Gregorio kills himself.<br />
<br />
It is planned to be shown around the world with distribution confirmed at Iran, Turkey, Luxemburg, Rumania, Serbia, Israel, Poland, Greece, Macedonia, Belgium and Holland.<br />
<br />
==The Movie==<br />
<br />
It follows the plotline of the [[The Night Buffalo|book]], structuring it in a much more cinematical manner. The setting is contemporary [[México]], and the characters are from the college students community, struggling to get ahead in a world that is getting more alienated by the time, where pysical contact fills the gaps in interpersonal communication.<br />
<br />
The writer, explained it on an interview: "It's anovel I wrote after teaching at the university for some time. After some years I realized young people are getting more emotionally damaged, their capacity as human beings of being introspective and relating to each other is everytime more deteriorated, this is precisely what the movie tries to reflect... Since the novel came out its natural audience has been people under thirty, who understand it better because they are going throught the same confusion stages as the characters."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2007/08/11/index.php?section=espectaculos&article=a08n1esp |title=Interview for La Jornada Newspaper|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref><br />
<br />
The apparent incongrunency on the characters actions, thoughts and personalities reflects a great deal of Latin American idiosincracies; The director said: "The importance of making this film is the contradictions of the characters, thats what gets them close to real people. The stories of young people we get to see on the big screen at Latin America usually come from other countries, and therefore reflect a reality we do not have here; we dedicate this film to address these problems on latinamerican youth with our own lenguage... Before we started shooting I did not know México has a high rate of suicide and youth schizophrenia, one of the highest on the world. This told me we made the right choice in talking about these issues: besides entertaining, we want to make a portrait of mexico, and a great deal of Latin America"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2007/08/11/index.php?section=espectaculos&article=a08n1esp |title=Interview for La Jornada Newspaper|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Production==<br />
<br />
The rights to the novel were previously sold to another production company, but were revoqued when the writter, [[Guillermo Arriaga]] saw the project turn into something he did not agree with. Having gone throught a similar ordeal years before with the 1999 movie "[[Un Dulce Olor a Muerte]]" ([[a sweet scent of death]]) also based on one of is novels and directed by [[Gabriel Retes]]. He had promised himself he would not let another movie turn the message of his work into something unrelated.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bufalodelanoche-pelicula.com/ |title=Production section of the website, Notas de produccion|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref><br />
<br />
Upon this descition he took the project himself and set out to produce along a local businessman, he admittedly looked for a novice director to get a fresh outlook and finally settled for Jorge Henandez, whom he had awarded as the jury of a venezuelan short film contest.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bufalodelanoche-pelicula.com/ |title=Production section of the website, Notas de produccion|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref><br />
<br />
==The Soundtrack of the Film==<br />
<br />
[[Omar Rodriguez-Lopez]] of [[The Mars Volta]] wrote the score which was performed mostly by [[Omar Rodriguez-Lopez|Rodriguez-Lopez]] himself with some songs performed by the entire [[The Mars Volta|Mars Volta]] band.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
<br />
*[[The Night Buffalo|El Búfalo de la Noche (book)]]<br />
*[[The Mars Volta]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
*[http://www.bufalodelanoche-pelicula.com/ Official Site]<br />
*{{imdb title|0483577}}<br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bufalo de la Noche, El}}<br />
[[Category:2007 films]]<br />
[[Category:Drama films]]<br />
[[Category:Mexican films]]<br />
[[Category:Spanish-language films]]<br />
<br />
{{expand}}</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cerro_de_San_Pedro&diff=200364724
Cerro de San Pedro
2008-03-23T20:12:46Z
<p>Yupi666: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cleanup|date=June 2007}}<br />
{{Orphan|date=June 2007}}<br />
<br />
'''Cerro de San Pedro''' is a village in the [[Mexican]] state of [[San Luis Potosí]]. The town started as a mining town for gold and silver. It was the founding town of the state, and its figure is prominent in the state's coat of arms.<br />
[[Image:CerroSnPedro Mexico.jpg|thumb|250px|Panorama of the village San Pedro to the right and the San Pedro mine behind it.]]<br />
<br />
==Location==<br />
<br />
The village is located in the central part of the state. The coordinates of the city center are 100º 48’ east [[longitude]] and 22º 13’ north [[latitude]], and 2,040 meters above [[sea level]]. The city borders [[Soledad de Graciano Sánchez]] on the north and west, [[Armadillo de los Infante]] on the east, and San Luis Potosí and [[Villa de Zaragoza]] on the south.<br />
<br />
==Enviromental disaster==<br />
<br />
For over ten years, the community and the Broad Opposition Front ([[FAO]]) have been engaged in a legal battle with [[Metallica Resources]] Inc. and their subsidiary [[Minera San Xavier]], Because of the agressive operation of an open sky mine that htreatens to destroy the town and poison everything in miles around. The courts have consistently handed down judgments in favour of the community and FAO. on February 2006, the courts annulled Metallica's temporary permit to use explosives as it contravenes a state decree recognizing Cerro de San Pedro and the surrounding area as a protected site due to the unique flora and fauna in the area. Yet, Metallica Resources Inc. went ahead with blasting and other operations, in complete violation of Mexican law. Furthermore, Mexican authorities at all levels of government have demonstrated a complete lack of political will to enforce the law.<ref>{{cite web|author= Mary Corkery Executive Director, Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives; Bruce Cox, Executive Director GREENPEACE; Joan Kuyek, National Coordinator MiningWatch Canada; Roy Culpeper, President and CEO The North-South Institute; Fraser Reilly-King, Coordinator Halifax Initiative Coalition; Doug Olthuis, Executive Director Steelworkers Humanity Fund; Mike Shields, Director International Department CAW- Canada|title=Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources|publisher= Halifax Initiative|date=April 28, 2006|url=http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
The mining used in the site is known as [[open pit mining]] [[Leaching#Metallurgical_application_of_leaching|leaching]] by [[cyanide]], which is banned in first world countries because of its disastrous ecological consecuences.<ref>Montemayor, Carlos. ''Amenaza ambiental con Minera San Xavier''. (Mexico City: La Jornada, October 18th 2004)</ref> And which in similar projects, like the [[Real de Angeles]] Mining Complex has proven to poison the blood of the inhabitants of the zone as far aways as twenty kilometers in all directions. <ref>{{cite web|author= [[Olivia Portillo]]|publisher= Universidad Autonoma de Mexico, Difusion Cultural UNAM, Centro Universitario de Estudios Cinematograficos ([[CUEC]])|date=2007|url=http://youtube.com/watch?v=9upkyfC3uos|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
Just 12 kilometers away from the capital of the state, all independent studies <ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref> remark that the ecological damage caused by Minera San Xavier will be grave and irreversible, the contamination will affect the state's capital and larger city, [[San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí|San Luis Potosí]], specially given that the explotaition site lies over the city's underground water currents.<ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
Ana Maria Alvarado, a member of the community of Cerro de San Pedro and representative of the Broad Opposition Front testified how plans to establish an open pit gold mine in her community would, in fact, destroy historic 17th century landmarks, displace the population, cause irreparable damage to the environment and leach harmful cyanide into the water supply of 1.5 million inhabitants in the surrounding area. She described the considerable risks to the environment and the community of a process that will use 32 million litres of water, 16 tons of cyanide and 25 tons of explosives on a daily basis. Moreover, she testified that Metallica is doing all this in contravention of Mexican law.<ref>{{cite web|author= Mary Corkery Executive Director, Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives; Bruce Cox, Executive Director GREENPEACE; Joan Kuyek, National Coordinator MiningWatch Canada; Roy Culpeper, President and CEO The North-South Institute; Fraser Reilly-King, Coordinator Halifax Initiative Coalition; Doug Olthuis, Executive Director Steelworkers Humanity Fund; Mike Shields, Director International Department CAW- Canada|title=Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources|publisher= Halifax Initiative|date=April 28, 2006|url=http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Repression and crimes against NGO's===<br />
<br />
Although the law is clearly on the community's side, the Mexican authorities are not willing to enforce the law. Thus, while she was in Canada, Ms. Alvarado spoke of how, having no other recourse, the FAO and community members have begun to try to physically stop the mining operation by peacefully placing themselves in the path of Metallica's machinery.<br />
<br />
On April 14, employees of Minera San Xavier reportedly attacked two members of the FAO. [[Enrique Rivera Sierra]], FAO's lawyer, was repeatedly struck on the head. Witnesses heard his assailants shout, "let's see if you continue speaking against Minera San Xavier, my boss will be very happy with my work and if you continue talking, you are going to die".<ref>{{cite web|author= Mary Corkery Executive Director, Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives; Bruce Cox, Executive Director GREENPEACE; Joan Kuyek, National Coordinator MiningWatch Canada; Roy Culpeper, President and CEO The North-South Institute; Fraser Reilly-King, Coordinator Halifax Initiative Coalition; Doug Olthuis, Executive Director Steelworkers Humanity Fund; Mike Shields, Director International Department CAW- Canada|title=Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources|publisher= Halifax Initiative|date=April 28, 2006|url=http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
<br />
In [[1583]], in the town of Mesquitique, [[Brother Diego de la Magdalena]] met with some of the [[Guachichil]] natives. Among them was one named Cualiname or Gualiname, who called their attention to golden outlines in their face paintings. The friar asked him where he had obtained this pigment. The native told him that there was much of the powder to the east of their present location.<br />
<br />
Brother Diego told Brother Francisco Franco about this discovery, who told Captain [[Miguel Caldera]], who took possession of the place. Captain Caldera sent Gregorio de León, Juan de la Torre, and Pedro de Anda to prospect for minerals. The latter named the place San Pedro del Potosí, to honor his namesake saint and in memory of the famous mines of the Potosí in Alto Perú, today Bolivia.<br />
<br />
In and around the hill was much gold and silver, but there was not enough water to make it worth mining. The nearest water was towards the north, in a region still dominated by several native Chichimeca tribes, and where the city of San Luis Potosí would later arise. The historian Primo Feliciano Velázquez y Basalenque included extensive descriptions of the place in his accounts.<br />
<br />
== Contemporary History ==<br />
<br />
The mines were operated by, among other companies, Metalúrgica Mexicana, ASARCO. During its time, a mining strike was called (1948), which was lost by the miners; the company decided to leave, not before collapsing the main shafts and tunnels. The mines were never declared exhausted.<br />
<br />
== Towns ==<br />
<br />
This Municipality includes several towns and some colonies, as follows:<br />
<br />
[[Image:snpedroslp01.jpg|thumb|120px|Map of Cerro of San Pedro]]<br />
<br />
* Cerro de San Pedro (Cabecera Municipal)<br />
* Portezuelo<br />
* Real del Potosi<br />
* Monte De Caldera<br />
* Cuesta de Campa<br />
* La Zapatilla<br />
* Divisadero<br />
* Calderon<br />
* Jesus Maria<br />
* Joyita de la Cruz<br />
* La Florida<br />
* Granjas de San Pedro<br />
* Granjas de la Florida<br />
* Planta del Carmen<br />
<br />
== The present time ==<br />
<br />
Nowadays, with more efficient modern methods, the infrastructure is being implemented to resume operations using mines open to the sky. This has caused great concern to anthropologists, ecologists, scientists<ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref> remark that the ecological damage caused by Minera San Xavier will be grave and irreversible, the contamination will affect the state's capital and larger city, [[San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí|San Luis Potosí]], specially given that the explotaition site lies over the city's underground water currents.<ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/ParteI.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref> and civil population who fear this will affect the historic sites, flora, fauna and the adjunt capital city's water supply from the use of cyanide in the mining process.<br />
<br />
== Names of Selected Mines ==<br />
La Descubridora, San Pedro Celestial, Bisnagas, Barreno, Socavon Aventurero Mina la Victoria,5 de Mayo, San Pedro el Alto, San Pedro el Bajo, Catillas (located on Bufa Hill), Begonia, Socavon del Rey, Dorotea, La Encantada, La Flor, Tiro San Pedro, Tiro Juarez, Cañon de las Mulas, Salon Colorado<br />
<br />
== Main Shafts ==<br />
San Pedro shaft, Juarez shaft, Begonia shaft<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<div class="references-small"><br />
<references/><br />
</div class="references-small"><br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
*[http://www.lugaresdemexico.com/sanpedro.html Reference Cerro de San Pedro in San Luis Potosí]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Cities and towns in San Luis Potosí]]<br />
[[Category:Environmental disasters]]<br />
<br />
[[es:Cerro de San Pedro]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cerro_de_San_Pedro&diff=200363618
Cerro de San Pedro
2008-03-23T20:06:55Z
<p>Yupi666: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cleanup|date=June 2007}}<br />
{{Orphan|date=June 2007}}<br />
<br />
'''Cerro de San Pedro''' is a village in the [[Mexican]] state of [[San Luis Potosí]]. The town started as a mining town for gold and silver. It was the founding town of the state, and its figure is prominent in the state's coat of arms.<br />
[[Image:CerroSnPedro Mexico.jpg|thumb|250px|Panorama of the village San Pedro to the right and the San Pedro mine behind it.]]<br />
<br />
==Location==<br />
<br />
The village is located in the central part of the state. The coordinates of the city center are 100º 48’ east [[longitude]] and 22º 13’ north [[latitude]], and 2,040 meters above [[sea level]]. The city borders [[Soledad de Graciano Sánchez]] on the north and west, [[Armadillo de los Infante]] on the east, and San Luis Potosí and [[Villa de Zaragoza]] on the south.<br />
<br />
==Enviromental disaster==<br />
<br />
For over ten years, the community and the Broad Opposition Front ([[FAO]]) have been engaged in a legal battle with [[Metallica Resources]] Inc. and their subsidiary [[Minera San Xavier]], Because of the agressive operation of an open sky mine that htreatens to destroy the town and poison everything in miles around. The courts have consistently handed down judgments in favour of the community and FAO. on February 2006, the courts annulled Metallica's temporary permit to use explosives as it contravenes a state decree recognizing Cerro de San Pedro and the surrounding area as a protected site due to the unique flora and fauna in the area. Yet, Metallica Resources Inc. went ahead with blasting and other operations, in complete violation of Mexican law. Furthermore, Mexican authorities at all levels of government have demonstrated a complete lack of political will to enforce the law.<ref>{{cite web|author= Mary Corkery Executive Director, Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives; Bruce Cox, Executive Director GREENPEACE; Joan Kuyek, National Coordinator MiningWatch Canada; Roy Culpeper, President and CEO The North-South Institute; Fraser Reilly-King, Coordinator Halifax Initiative Coalition; Doug Olthuis, Executive Director Steelworkers Humanity Fund; Mike Shields, Director International Department CAW- Canada|title=Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources|publisher= Halifax Initiative|date=April 28, 2006|url=http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
The mining used in the site is known as [[open pit mining]] [[Leaching#Metallurgical_application_of_leaching|leaching]] by [[cyanide]], which is banned in first world countries because of its disastrous ecological consecuences.<ref>Montemayor, Carlos. ''Amenaza ambiental con Minera San Xavier''. (Mexico City: La Jornada, October 18th 2004)</ref> And which in similar projects, like the [[Real de Angeles]] Mining Complex has proven to poison the blood of the inhabitants of the zone as far aways as twenty kilometers in all directions. <ref>{{cite web|author= [[Olivia Portillo]]|publisher= Universidad Autonoma de Mexico, Difusion Cultural UNAM, Centro Universitario de Estudios Cinematograficos ([[CUEC]])|date=2007|url=http://youtube.com/watch?v=9upkyfC3uos|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
Just 12 kilometers away from the capital of the state, all independent studies <ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref> remark that the ecological damage caused by Minera San Xavier will be grave and irreversible, the contamination will affect the state's capital and larger city, [[San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí|San Luis Potosí]], specially given that the explotaition site lies over the city's underground water currents.<ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
Ana Maria Alvarado, a member of the community of Cerro de San Pedro and representative of the Broad Opposition Front testified how plans to establish an open pit gold mine in her community would, in fact, destroy historic 17th century landmarks, displace the population, cause irreparable damage to the environment and leach harmful cyanide into the water supply of 1.5 million inhabitants in the surrounding area. She described the considerable risks to the environment and the community of a process that will use 32 million litres of water, 16 tons of cyanide and 25 tons of explosives on a daily basis. Moreover, she testified that Metallica is doing all this in contravention of Mexican law.<ref>{{cite web|author= Mary Corkery Executive Director, Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives; Bruce Cox, Executive Director GREENPEACE; Joan Kuyek, National Coordinator MiningWatch Canada; Roy Culpeper, President and CEO The North-South Institute; Fraser Reilly-King, Coordinator Halifax Initiative Coalition; Doug Olthuis, Executive Director Steelworkers Humanity Fund; Mike Shields, Director International Department CAW- Canada|title=Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources|publisher= Halifax Initiative|date=April 28, 2006|url=http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Repression and crimes against NGO's===<br />
<br />
Although the law is clearly on the community's side, the Mexican authorities are not willing to enforce the law. Thus, while she was in Canada, Ms. Alvarado spoke of how, having no other recourse, the FAO and community members have begun to try to physically stop the mining operation by peacefully placing themselves in the path of Metallica's machinery.<br />
<br />
On April 14, employees of Minera San Xavier reportedly attacked two members of the FAO. [[Enrique Rivera Sierra]], FAO's lawyer, was repeatedly struck on the head. Witnesses heard his assailants shout, "let's see if you continue speaking against Minera San Xavier, my boss will be very happy with my work and if you continue talking, you are going to die".<ref>{{cite web|author= Mary Corkery Executive Director, Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives; Bruce Cox, Executive Director GREENPEACE; Joan Kuyek, National Coordinator MiningWatch Canada; Roy Culpeper, President and CEO The North-South Institute; Fraser Reilly-King, Coordinator Halifax Initiative Coalition; Doug Olthuis, Executive Director Steelworkers Humanity Fund; Mike Shields, Director International Department CAW- Canada|title=Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources|publisher= Halifax Initiative|date=April 28, 2006|url=http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
<br />
In [[1583]], in the town of Mesquitique, [[Brother Diego de la Magdalena]] met with some of the [[Guachichil]] natives. Among them was one named Cualiname or Gualiname, who called their attention to golden outlines in their face paintings. The friar asked him where he had obtained this pigment. The native told him that there was much of the powder to the east of their present location.<br />
<br />
Brother Diego told Brother Francisco Franco about this discovery, who told Captain [[Miguel Caldera]], who took possession of the place. Captain Caldera sent Gregorio de León, Juan de la Torre, and Pedro de Anda to prospect for minerals. The latter named the place San Pedro del Potosí, to honor his namesake saint and in memory of the famous mines of the Potosí in Alto Perú, today Bolivia.<br />
<br />
In and around the hill was much gold and silver, but there was not enough water to make it worth mining. The nearest water was towards the north, in a region still dominated by several native Chichimeca tribes, and where the city of San Luis Potosí would later arise. The historian Primo Feliciano Velázquez y Basalenque included extensive descriptions of the place in his accounts.<br />
<br />
== Contemporary History ==<br />
<br />
The mines were operated by, among other companies, Metalúrgica Mexicana, ASARCO. During its time, a mining strike was called (1948), which was lost by the miners; the company decided to leave, not before collapsing the main shafts and tunnels. The mines were never declared exhausted.<br />
<br />
== Towns ==<br />
<br />
This Municipality includes several towns and some colonies, as follows:<br />
<br />
[[Image:snpedroslp01.jpg|thumb|120px|Map of Cerro of San Pedro]]<br />
<br />
* Cerro de San Pedro (Cabecera Municipal)<br />
* Portezuelo<br />
* Real del Potosi<br />
* Monte De Caldera<br />
* Cuesta de Campa<br />
* La Zapatilla<br />
* Divisadero<br />
* Calderon<br />
* Jesus Maria<br />
* Joyita de la Cruz<br />
* La Florida<br />
* Granjas de San Pedro<br />
* Granjas de la Florida<br />
* Planta del Carmen<br />
<br />
== The present time ==<br />
<br />
Nowadays, with more efficient modern methods, the infrastructure is being implemented to resume operations using mines open to the sky. This has caused great concern to anthropologists, ecologists and civil population who fear this will affect the historic sites, flora, fauna and the adjunt capital city's water supply from the use of cyanide in the mining process.<br />
<br />
== Names of Selected Mines ==<br />
La Descubridora, San Pedro Celestial, Bisnagas, Barreno, Socavon Aventurero Mina la Victoria,5 de Mayo, San Pedro el Alto, San Pedro el Bajo, Catillas (located on Bufa Hill), Begonia, Socavon del Rey, Dorotea, La Encantada, La Flor, Tiro San Pedro, Tiro Juarez, Cañon de las Mulas, Salon Colorado<br />
<br />
== Main Shafts ==<br />
San Pedro shaft, Juarez shaft, Begonia shaft<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<div class="references-small"><br />
<references/><br />
</div class="references-small"><br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
*[http://www.lugaresdemexico.com/sanpedro.html Reference Cerro de San Pedro in San Luis Potosí]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Cities and towns in San Luis Potosí]]<br />
[[Category:Environmental disasters]]<br />
<br />
[[es:Cerro de San Pedro]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Minera_San_Xavier&diff=200363310
Minera San Xavier
2008-03-23T20:05:23Z
<p>Yupi666: /* Enviromental disaster */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox_Company<br />
|company_name=Minera San Xavier<br />
|company_logo=<br />
|company_type=Subsidiary of [[Metallica Resources]] Inc.<br />
|foundation=1886 ([[Cerro de San Pedro]], [[San Luis Potosí]], [[México]])<br />
|location=[[Cerro de San Pedro]], [[San Luis Potosí]], [[México]]<br />
|slogan=Generango el Desarrollo (Generating Development)<br />
|revenue=<br />
|industry=[[Mining]]<br />
|products =Golg, Silver.<br />
|homepage=[http://msx.com.mx/]<br />
}}<br />
'''Minera San Xavier''' <br />
<br />
It's the Subsidiary of canadian company [[Metallica Resources]] Inc. created for the explotaition of Cerro de San Pedro, a municipality of [[San Luis Potosí]] just 20 kilometers away from the capital city.<br />
<br />
The company has defied legal resolutions against its operation <ref>{{cite web|Angeles Cruz Martinez|title= Semarnat y Sedena deben explicar su participación con Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[La Jornada]]|date=2005-27-02|url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2005/02/27/036n1soc.php}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|Mines & Communities Website|title= Mexico: Court Decision Stops San Luis de Potosí Gold Project|publisher= Mines & Communities Website|date=2004-27-02|url=http://www.minesandcommunities.org/Action/press483.htm}}</ref> by arranging economically with the mexican ecological authority, SEMARNAT, pushing them to disregard ecological research done by many independent institutions and to instead accept uncontested the studies the mining company has done themselves.<br />
<br />
===Enviromental disaster===<br />
<br />
Just 12 kilometers away from the capital of the state, all independent studies <ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref> remark that the ecological damage will be grave and irreversible, the contamination will affect the state's capital and larger city, [[San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí|San Luis Potosí]], specially given that the explotaition site lies over the city's underground water currents.<ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
The mining used in the site is known as [[open pit mining]] [[Leaching#Metallurgical_application_of_leaching|leaching]] by [[cyanide]], which is banned in first world countries because of its disastrous ecological consecuences.<ref>Montemayor, Carlos. ''Amenaza ambiental con Minera San Xavier''. (Mexico City: La Jornada, October 18th 2004)</ref> And which in similar projects, like the [[Real de Angeles]] Mining Complex has proven to poison the blood of the inhabitants of the zone as far aways as twenty kilometers in all directions. <ref>{{cite web|author= [[Olivia Portillo]]|publisher= Universidad Autonoma de Mexico, Difusion Cultural UNAM, Centro Universitario de Estudios Cinematograficos ([[CUEC]])|date=2007|url=http://youtube.com/watch?v=9upkyfC3uos|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
It will also damage the flora and fauna, and it has damaged the historical patrimony at the town.<br />
<br />
Ana Maria Alvarado, a member of the community of Cerro de San Pedro and representative of the Broad Opposition Front testified how plans to establish an open pit gold mine in her community would, in fact, destroy historic 17th century landmarks, displace the population, cause irreparable damage to the environment and leach harmful cyanide into the water supply of 1.5 million inhabitants in the surrounding area. She described the considerable risks to the environment and the community of a process that will use 32 million litres of water, 16 tons of cyanide and 25 tons of explosives on a daily basis. Moreover, she testified that Metallica is doing all this in contravention of Mexican law.<ref>{{cite web|author= Mary Corkery Executive Director, Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives; Bruce Cox, Executive Director GREENPEACE; Joan Kuyek, National Coordinator MiningWatch Canada; Roy Culpeper, President and CEO The North-South Institute; Fraser Reilly-King, Coordinator Halifax Initiative Coalition; Doug Olthuis, Executive Director Steelworkers Humanity Fund; Mike Shields, Director International Department CAW- Canada|title=Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources|publisher= Halifax Initiative|date=April 28, 2006|url=http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Cerro de San Pedro]]<br />
*[[San Luis Potosí]]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<div class="references-small"><br />
<references/><br />
</div class="references-small"><br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
<br />
*[http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704| Halifax Initiative's Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources]<br />
*[http://www.minesandcommunities.org/Action/press483.htm|court descicion revokes Minera San Xavier's Permits]<br />
*[http://www.msx.com.mx/, Official website (spanish)]<br />
*[http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|Technical paper by prestiguious university researchers, detailing the ecological impact (spanish)]<br />
*[http://www.angelfire.com/rebellion2/antimsx/|website for the FAO, Frente amplo opositor; Wide Oposition Front against Minera San Xavier (spanish)]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Environmental disasters]]<br />
<br />
[[es:Minera San xavier]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Minera_San_Xavier&diff=200363243
Minera San Xavier
2008-03-23T20:04:58Z
<p>Yupi666: /* Enviromental disaster */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox_Company<br />
|company_name=Minera San Xavier<br />
|company_logo=<br />
|company_type=Subsidiary of [[Metallica Resources]] Inc.<br />
|foundation=1886 ([[Cerro de San Pedro]], [[San Luis Potosí]], [[México]])<br />
|location=[[Cerro de San Pedro]], [[San Luis Potosí]], [[México]]<br />
|slogan=Generango el Desarrollo (Generating Development)<br />
|revenue=<br />
|industry=[[Mining]]<br />
|products =Golg, Silver.<br />
|homepage=[http://msx.com.mx/]<br />
}}<br />
'''Minera San Xavier''' <br />
<br />
It's the Subsidiary of canadian company [[Metallica Resources]] Inc. created for the explotaition of Cerro de San Pedro, a municipality of [[San Luis Potosí]] just 20 kilometers away from the capital city.<br />
<br />
The company has defied legal resolutions against its operation <ref>{{cite web|Angeles Cruz Martinez|title= Semarnat y Sedena deben explicar su participación con Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[La Jornada]]|date=2005-27-02|url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2005/02/27/036n1soc.php}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|Mines & Communities Website|title= Mexico: Court Decision Stops San Luis de Potosí Gold Project|publisher= Mines & Communities Website|date=2004-27-02|url=http://www.minesandcommunities.org/Action/press483.htm}}</ref> by arranging economically with the mexican ecological authority, SEMARNAT, pushing them to disregard ecological research done by many independent institutions and to instead accept uncontested the studies the mining company has done themselves.<br />
<br />
===Enviromental disaster===<br />
<br />
The mining used in the site is known as [[open pit mining]] [[Leaching#Metallurgical_application_of_leaching|leaching]] by [[cyanide]], which is banned in first world countries because of its disastrous ecological consecuences.<ref>Montemayor, Carlos. ''Amenaza ambiental con Minera San Xavier''. (Mexico City: La Jornada, October 18th 2004)</ref><br />
<br />
Just 12 kilometers away from the capital of the state, all independent studies <ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref> remark that the ecological damage will be grave and irreversible, the contamination will affect the state's capital and larger city, [[San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí|San Luis Potosí]], specially given that the explotaition site lies over the city's underground water currents.<ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
The mining used in the site is known as [[open pit mining]] [[Leaching#Metallurgical_application_of_leaching|leaching]] by [[cyanide]], which is banned in first world countries because of its disastrous ecological consecuences.<ref>Montemayor, Carlos. ''Amenaza ambiental con Minera San Xavier''. (Mexico City: La Jornada, October 18th 2004)</ref> And which in similar projects, like the [[Real de Angeles]] Mining Complex has proven to poison the blood of the inhabitants of the zone as far aways as twenty kilometers in all directions. <ref>{{cite web|author= [[Olivia Portillo]]|publisher= Universidad Autonoma de Mexico, Difusion Cultural UNAM, Centro Universitario de Estudios Cinematograficos ([[CUEC]])|date=2007|url=http://youtube.com/watch?v=9upkyfC3uos|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
It will also damage the flora and fauna, and it has damaged the historical patrimony at the town.<br />
<br />
Ana Maria Alvarado, a member of the community of Cerro de San Pedro and representative of the Broad Opposition Front testified how plans to establish an open pit gold mine in her community would, in fact, destroy historic 17th century landmarks, displace the population, cause irreparable damage to the environment and leach harmful cyanide into the water supply of 1.5 million inhabitants in the surrounding area. She described the considerable risks to the environment and the community of a process that will use 32 million litres of water, 16 tons of cyanide and 25 tons of explosives on a daily basis. Moreover, she testified that Metallica is doing all this in contravention of Mexican law.<ref>{{cite web|author= Mary Corkery Executive Director, Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives; Bruce Cox, Executive Director GREENPEACE; Joan Kuyek, National Coordinator MiningWatch Canada; Roy Culpeper, President and CEO The North-South Institute; Fraser Reilly-King, Coordinator Halifax Initiative Coalition; Doug Olthuis, Executive Director Steelworkers Humanity Fund; Mike Shields, Director International Department CAW- Canada|title=Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources|publisher= Halifax Initiative|date=April 28, 2006|url=http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Cerro de San Pedro]]<br />
*[[San Luis Potosí]]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<div class="references-small"><br />
<references/><br />
</div class="references-small"><br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
<br />
*[http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704| Halifax Initiative's Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources]<br />
*[http://www.minesandcommunities.org/Action/press483.htm|court descicion revokes Minera San Xavier's Permits]<br />
*[http://www.msx.com.mx/, Official website (spanish)]<br />
*[http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|Technical paper by prestiguious university researchers, detailing the ecological impact (spanish)]<br />
*[http://www.angelfire.com/rebellion2/antimsx/|website for the FAO, Frente amplo opositor; Wide Oposition Front against Minera San Xavier (spanish)]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Environmental disasters]]<br />
<br />
[[es:Minera San xavier]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cerro_de_San_Pedro&diff=200363042
Cerro de San Pedro
2008-03-23T20:03:47Z
<p>Yupi666: /* Enviromental disaster */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cleanup|date=June 2007}}<br />
{{Orphan|date=June 2007}}<br />
<br />
'''Cerro de San Pedro''' is a village in the [[Mexican]] state of [[San Luis Potosí]]. The town started as a mining town for gold and silver. It was the founding town of the state, and its figure is prominent in the state's coat of arms.<br />
[[Image:CerroSnPedro Mexico.jpg|thumb|250px|Panorama of the village San Pedro to the right and the San Pedro mine behind it.]]<br />
<br />
==Location==<br />
<br />
The village is located in the central part of the state. The coordinates of the city center are 100º 48’ east [[longitude]] and 22º 13’ north [[latitude]], and 2,040 meters above [[sea level]]. The city borders [[Soledad de Graciano Sánchez]] on the north and west, [[Armadillo de los Infante]] on the east, and San Luis Potosí and [[Villa de Zaragoza]] on the south.<br />
<br />
==Enviromental disaster==<br />
<br />
For over ten years, the community and the Broad Opposition Front ([[FAO]]) have been engaged in a legal battle with [[Metallica Resources]] Inc. and their subsidiary [[Minera San Xavier]], Because of the agressive operation of an open sky mine that htreatens to destroy the town and poison everything in miles around. The courts have consistently handed down judgments in favour of the community and FAO. on February 2006, the courts annulled Metallica's temporary permit to use explosives as it contravenes a state decree recognizing Cerro de San Pedro and the surrounding area as a protected site due to the unique flora and fauna in the area. Yet, Metallica Resources Inc. went ahead with blasting and other operations, in complete violation of Mexican law. Furthermore, Mexican authorities at all levels of government have demonstrated a complete lack of political will to enforce the law.<ref>{{cite web|author= Mary Corkery Executive Director, Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives; Bruce Cox, Executive Director GREENPEACE; Joan Kuyek, National Coordinator MiningWatch Canada; Roy Culpeper, President and CEO The North-South Institute; Fraser Reilly-King, Coordinator Halifax Initiative Coalition; Doug Olthuis, Executive Director Steelworkers Humanity Fund; Mike Shields, Director International Department CAW- Canada|title=Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources|publisher= Halifax Initiative|date=April 28, 2006|url=http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
The mining used in the site is known as [[open pit mining]] [[Leaching#Metallurgical_application_of_leaching|leaching]] by [[cyanide]], which is banned in first world countries because of its disastrous ecological consecuences.<ref>Montemayor, Carlos. ''Amenaza ambiental con Minera San Xavier''. (Mexico City: La Jornada, October 18th 2004)</ref> And which in similar projects, like the [[Real de Angeles]] Mining Complex has proven to poison the blood of the inhabitants of the zone as far aways as twenty kilometers in all directions. <ref>{{cite web|author= [[Olivia Portillo]]|publisher= Universidad Autonoma de Mexico, Difusion Cultural UNAM, Centro Universitario de Estudios Cinematograficos ([[CUEC]])|date=2007|url=http://youtube.com/watch?v=9upkyfC3uos|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
Just 12 kilometers away from the capital of the state, all independent studies <ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref> remark that the ecological damage caused by Minera San Xavier will be grave and irreversible, the contamination will affect the state's capital and larger city, [[San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí|San Luis Potosí]], specially given that the explotaition site lies over the city's underground water currents.<ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
Ana Maria Alvarado, a member of the community of Cerro de San Pedro and representative of the Broad Opposition Front testified how plans to establish an open pit gold mine in her community would, in fact, destroy historic 17th century landmarks, displace the population, cause irreparable damage to the environment and leach harmful cyanide into the water supply of 1.5 million inhabitants in the surrounding area. She described the considerable risks to the environment and the community of a process that will use 32 million litres of water, 16 tons of cyanide and 25 tons of explosives on a daily basis. Moreover, she testified that Metallica is doing all this in contravention of Mexican law.<ref>{{cite web|author= Mary Corkery Executive Director, Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives; Bruce Cox, Executive Director GREENPEACE; Joan Kuyek, National Coordinator MiningWatch Canada; Roy Culpeper, President and CEO The North-South Institute; Fraser Reilly-King, Coordinator Halifax Initiative Coalition; Doug Olthuis, Executive Director Steelworkers Humanity Fund; Mike Shields, Director International Department CAW- Canada|title=Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources|publisher= Halifax Initiative|date=April 28, 2006|url=http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Repression and crimes against NGO's===<br />
<br />
Although the law is clearly on the community's side, the Mexican authorities are not willing to enforce the law. Thus, while she was in Canada, Ms. Alvarado spoke of how, having no other recourse, the FAO and community members have begun to try to physically stop the mining operation by peacefully placing themselves in the path of Metallica's machinery.<br />
<br />
On April 14, employees of Minera San Xavier reportedly attacked two members of the FAO. [[Enrique Rivera Sierra]], FAO's lawyer, was repeatedly struck on the head. Witnesses heard his assailants shout, "let's see if you continue speaking against Minera San Xavier, my boss will be very happy with my work and if you continue talking, you are going to die".<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
<br />
In [[1583]], in the town of Mesquitique, [[Brother Diego de la Magdalena]] met with some of the [[Guachichil]] natives. Among them was one named Cualiname or Gualiname, who called their attention to golden outlines in their face paintings. The friar asked him where he had obtained this pigment. The native told him that there was much of the powder to the east of their present location.<br />
<br />
Brother Diego told Brother Francisco Franco about this discovery, who told Captain [[Miguel Caldera]], who took possession of the place. Captain Caldera sent Gregorio de León, Juan de la Torre, and Pedro de Anda to prospect for minerals. The latter named the place San Pedro del Potosí, to honor his namesake saint and in memory of the famous mines of the Potosí in Alto Perú, today Bolivia.<br />
<br />
In and around the hill was much gold and silver, but there was not enough water to make it worth mining. The nearest water was towards the north, in a region still dominated by several native Chichimeca tribes, and where the city of San Luis Potosí would later arise. The historian Primo Feliciano Velázquez y Basalenque included extensive descriptions of the place in his accounts.<br />
<br />
== Contemporary History ==<br />
<br />
The mines were operated by, among other companies, Metalúrgica Mexicana, ASARCO. During its time, a mining strike was called (1948), which was lost by the miners; the company decided to leave, not before collapsing the main shafts and tunnels. The mines were never declared exhausted.<br />
<br />
== Towns ==<br />
<br />
This Municipality includes several towns and some colonies, as follows:<br />
<br />
[[Image:snpedroslp01.jpg|thumb|120px|Map of Cerro of San Pedro]]<br />
<br />
* Cerro de San Pedro (Cabecera Municipal)<br />
* Portezuelo<br />
* Real del Potosi<br />
* Monte De Caldera<br />
* Cuesta de Campa<br />
* La Zapatilla<br />
* Divisadero<br />
* Calderon<br />
* Jesus Maria<br />
* Joyita de la Cruz<br />
* La Florida<br />
* Granjas de San Pedro<br />
* Granjas de la Florida<br />
* Planta del Carmen<br />
<br />
== The present time ==<br />
<br />
Nowadays, with more efficient modern methods, the infrastructure is being implemented to resume operations using mines open to the sky. This has caused great concern to anthropologists, ecologists and civil population who fear this will affect the historic sites, flora, fauna and the adjunt capital city's water supply from the use of cyanide in the mining process.<br />
<br />
== Names of Selected Mines ==<br />
La Descubridora, San Pedro Celestial, Bisnagas, Barreno, Socavon Aventurero Mina la Victoria,5 de Mayo, San Pedro el Alto, San Pedro el Bajo, Catillas (located on Bufa Hill), Begonia, Socavon del Rey, Dorotea, La Encantada, La Flor, Tiro San Pedro, Tiro Juarez, Cañon de las Mulas, Salon Colorado<br />
<br />
== Main Shafts ==<br />
San Pedro shaft, Juarez shaft, Begonia shaft<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<div class="references-small"><br />
<references/><br />
</div class="references-small"><br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
*[http://www.lugaresdemexico.com/sanpedro.html Reference Cerro de San Pedro in San Luis Potosí]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Cities and towns in San Luis Potosí]]<br />
[[Category:Environmental disasters]]<br />
<br />
[[es:Cerro de San Pedro]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cerro_de_San_Pedro&diff=200362829
Cerro de San Pedro
2008-03-23T20:02:42Z
<p>Yupi666: /* Enviromental disaster */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cleanup|date=June 2007}}<br />
{{Orphan|date=June 2007}}<br />
<br />
'''Cerro de San Pedro''' is a village in the [[Mexican]] state of [[San Luis Potosí]]. The town started as a mining town for gold and silver. It was the founding town of the state, and its figure is prominent in the state's coat of arms.<br />
[[Image:CerroSnPedro Mexico.jpg|thumb|250px|Panorama of the village San Pedro to the right and the San Pedro mine behind it.]]<br />
<br />
==Location==<br />
<br />
The village is located in the central part of the state. The coordinates of the city center are 100º 48’ east [[longitude]] and 22º 13’ north [[latitude]], and 2,040 meters above [[sea level]]. The city borders [[Soledad de Graciano Sánchez]] on the north and west, [[Armadillo de los Infante]] on the east, and San Luis Potosí and [[Villa de Zaragoza]] on the south.<br />
<br />
==Enviromental disaster==<br />
<br />
For over ten years, the community and the Broad Opposition Front ([[FAO]]) have been engaged in a legal battle with [[Metallica Resources]] Inc. and their subsidiary [[Minera San Xavier]], Because of the agressive operation of an open sky mine that htreatens to destroy the town and poison everything in miles around. The courts have consistently handed down judgments in favour of the community and FAO. on February 2006, the courts annulled Metallica's temporary permit to use explosives as it contravenes a state decree recognizing Cerro de San Pedro and the surrounding area as a protected site due to the unique flora and fauna in the area. Yet, Metallica Resources Inc. went ahead with blasting and other operations, in complete violation of Mexican law. Furthermore, Mexican authorities at all levels of government have demonstrated a complete lack of political will to enforce the law.<ref>{{cite web|author= Mary Corkery Executive Director, Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives; Bruce Cox, Executive Director GREENPEACE; Joan Kuyek, National Coordinator MiningWatch Canada; Roy Culpeper, President and CEO The North-South Institute; Fraser Reilly-King, Coordinator Halifax Initiative Coalition; Doug Olthuis, Executive Director Steelworkers Humanity Fund; Mike Shields, Director International Department CAW- Canada|title=Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources|publisher= Halifax Initiative|date=April 28, 2006|url=http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
The mining used in the site is known as [[open pit mining]] [[Leaching#Metallurgical_application_of_leaching|leaching]] by [[cyanide]], which is banned in first world countries because of its disastrous ecological consecuences.<ref>Montemayor, Carlos. ''Amenaza ambiental con Minera San Xavier''. (Mexico City: La Jornada, October 18th 2004)</ref> And which in similar projects, like the [[Real de Angeles]] Mining Complex has proven to poison the blood of the inhabitants of the zone as far aways as twenty kilometers in all directions <ref>{{cite web|author= [[Olivia Portillo]]|publisher= Universidad Autonoma de Mexico, Difusion Cultural UNAM, Centro Universitario de Estudios Cinematograficos ([[CUEC]])|date=2007|url=http://youtube.com/watch?v=9upkyfC3uos|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
Just 12 kilometers away from the capital of the state, all independent studies <ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref> remark that the ecological damage will be grave and irreversible, the contamination will affect the state's capital and larger city, [[San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí|San Luis Potosí]], specially given that the explotaition site lies over the city's underground water currents.<ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
Ana Maria Alvarado, a member of the community of Cerro de San Pedro and representative of the Broad Opposition Front testified how plans to establish an open pit gold mine in her community would, in fact, destroy historic 17th century landmarks, displace the population, cause irreparable damage to the environment and leach harmful cyanide into the water supply of 1.5 million inhabitants in the surrounding area. She described the considerable risks to the environment and the community of a process that will use 32 million litres of water, 16 tons of cyanide and 25 tons of explosives on a daily basis. Moreover, she testified that Metallica is doing all this in contravention of Mexican law.<ref>{{cite web|author= Mary Corkery Executive Director, Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives; Bruce Cox, Executive Director GREENPEACE; Joan Kuyek, National Coordinator MiningWatch Canada; Roy Culpeper, President and CEO The North-South Institute; Fraser Reilly-King, Coordinator Halifax Initiative Coalition; Doug Olthuis, Executive Director Steelworkers Humanity Fund; Mike Shields, Director International Department CAW- Canada|title=Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources|publisher= Halifax Initiative|date=April 28, 2006|url=http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Repression and crimes against NGO's===<br />
<br />
Although the law is clearly on the community's side, the Mexican authorities are not willing to enforce the law. Thus, while she was in Canada, Ms. Alvarado spoke of how, having no other recourse, the FAO and community members have begun to try to physically stop the mining operation by peacefully placing themselves in the path of Metallica's machinery.<br />
<br />
On April 14, employees of Minera San Xavier reportedly attacked two members of the FAO. [[Enrique Rivera Sierra]], FAO's lawyer, was repeatedly struck on the head. Witnesses heard his assailants shout, "let's see if you continue speaking against Minera San Xavier, my boss will be very happy with my work and if you continue talking, you are going to die".<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
<br />
In [[1583]], in the town of Mesquitique, [[Brother Diego de la Magdalena]] met with some of the [[Guachichil]] natives. Among them was one named Cualiname or Gualiname, who called their attention to golden outlines in their face paintings. The friar asked him where he had obtained this pigment. The native told him that there was much of the powder to the east of their present location.<br />
<br />
Brother Diego told Brother Francisco Franco about this discovery, who told Captain [[Miguel Caldera]], who took possession of the place. Captain Caldera sent Gregorio de León, Juan de la Torre, and Pedro de Anda to prospect for minerals. The latter named the place San Pedro del Potosí, to honor his namesake saint and in memory of the famous mines of the Potosí in Alto Perú, today Bolivia.<br />
<br />
In and around the hill was much gold and silver, but there was not enough water to make it worth mining. The nearest water was towards the north, in a region still dominated by several native Chichimeca tribes, and where the city of San Luis Potosí would later arise. The historian Primo Feliciano Velázquez y Basalenque included extensive descriptions of the place in his accounts.<br />
<br />
== Contemporary History ==<br />
<br />
The mines were operated by, among other companies, Metalúrgica Mexicana, ASARCO. During its time, a mining strike was called (1948), which was lost by the miners; the company decided to leave, not before collapsing the main shafts and tunnels. The mines were never declared exhausted.<br />
<br />
== Towns ==<br />
<br />
This Municipality includes several towns and some colonies, as follows:<br />
<br />
[[Image:snpedroslp01.jpg|thumb|120px|Map of Cerro of San Pedro]]<br />
<br />
* Cerro de San Pedro (Cabecera Municipal)<br />
* Portezuelo<br />
* Real del Potosi<br />
* Monte De Caldera<br />
* Cuesta de Campa<br />
* La Zapatilla<br />
* Divisadero<br />
* Calderon<br />
* Jesus Maria<br />
* Joyita de la Cruz<br />
* La Florida<br />
* Granjas de San Pedro<br />
* Granjas de la Florida<br />
* Planta del Carmen<br />
<br />
== The present time ==<br />
<br />
Nowadays, with more efficient modern methods, the infrastructure is being implemented to resume operations using mines open to the sky. This has caused great concern to anthropologists, ecologists and civil population who fear this will affect the historic sites, flora, fauna and the adjunt capital city's water supply from the use of cyanide in the mining process.<br />
<br />
== Names of Selected Mines ==<br />
La Descubridora, San Pedro Celestial, Bisnagas, Barreno, Socavon Aventurero Mina la Victoria,5 de Mayo, San Pedro el Alto, San Pedro el Bajo, Catillas (located on Bufa Hill), Begonia, Socavon del Rey, Dorotea, La Encantada, La Flor, Tiro San Pedro, Tiro Juarez, Cañon de las Mulas, Salon Colorado<br />
<br />
== Main Shafts ==<br />
San Pedro shaft, Juarez shaft, Begonia shaft<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<div class="references-small"><br />
<references/><br />
</div class="references-small"><br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
*[http://www.lugaresdemexico.com/sanpedro.html Reference Cerro de San Pedro in San Luis Potosí]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Cities and towns in San Luis Potosí]]<br />
[[Category:Environmental disasters]]<br />
<br />
[[es:Cerro de San Pedro]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Minera_San_Xavier&diff=200362811
Minera San Xavier
2008-03-23T20:02:36Z
<p>Yupi666: /* Enviromental disaster */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Infobox_Company<br />
|company_name=Minera San Xavier<br />
|company_logo=<br />
|company_type=Subsidiary of [[Metallica Resources]] Inc.<br />
|foundation=1886 ([[Cerro de San Pedro]], [[San Luis Potosí]], [[México]])<br />
|location=[[Cerro de San Pedro]], [[San Luis Potosí]], [[México]]<br />
|slogan=Generango el Desarrollo (Generating Development)<br />
|revenue=<br />
|industry=[[Mining]]<br />
|products =Golg, Silver.<br />
|homepage=[http://msx.com.mx/]<br />
}}<br />
'''Minera San Xavier''' <br />
<br />
It's the Subsidiary of canadian company [[Metallica Resources]] Inc. created for the explotaition of Cerro de San Pedro, a municipality of [[San Luis Potosí]] just 20 kilometers away from the capital city.<br />
<br />
The company has defied legal resolutions against its operation <ref>{{cite web|Angeles Cruz Martinez|title= Semarnat y Sedena deben explicar su participación con Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[La Jornada]]|date=2005-27-02|url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2005/02/27/036n1soc.php}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|Mines & Communities Website|title= Mexico: Court Decision Stops San Luis de Potosí Gold Project|publisher= Mines & Communities Website|date=2004-27-02|url=http://www.minesandcommunities.org/Action/press483.htm}}</ref> by arranging economically with the mexican ecological authority, SEMARNAT, pushing them to disregard ecological research done by many independent institutions and to instead accept uncontested the studies the mining company has done themselves.<br />
<br />
===Enviromental disaster===<br />
<br />
The mining used in the site is known as [[open pit mining]] [[Leaching#Metallurgical_application_of_leaching|leaching]] by [[cyanide]], which is banned in first world countries because of its disastrous ecological consecuences.<ref>Montemayor, Carlos. ''Amenaza ambiental con Minera San Xavier''. (Mexico City: La Jornada, October 18th 2004)</ref><br />
<br />
Just 12 kilometers away from the capital of the state, all independent studies <ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref> remark that the ecological damage will be grave and irreversible, the contamination will affect the state's capital and larger city, [[San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí|San Luis Potosí]], specially given that the explotaition site lies over the city's underground water currents.<ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
It will also damage the flora and fauna, and it has damaged the historical patrimony at the town.<br />
<br />
Ana Maria Alvarado, a member of the community of Cerro de San Pedro and representative of the Broad Opposition Front testified how plans to establish an open pit gold mine in her community would, in fact, destroy historic 17th century landmarks, displace the population, cause irreparable damage to the environment and leach harmful cyanide into the water supply of 1.5 million inhabitants in the surrounding area. She described the considerable risks to the environment and the community of a process that will use 32 million litres of water, 16 tons of cyanide and 25 tons of explosives on a daily basis. Moreover, she testified that Metallica is doing all this in contravention of Mexican law.<ref>{{cite web|author= Mary Corkery Executive Director, Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives; Bruce Cox, Executive Director GREENPEACE; Joan Kuyek, National Coordinator MiningWatch Canada; Roy Culpeper, President and CEO The North-South Institute; Fraser Reilly-King, Coordinator Halifax Initiative Coalition; Doug Olthuis, Executive Director Steelworkers Humanity Fund; Mike Shields, Director International Department CAW- Canada|title=Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources|publisher= Halifax Initiative|date=April 28, 2006|url=http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Cerro de San Pedro]]<br />
*[[San Luis Potosí]]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<div class="references-small"><br />
<references/><br />
</div class="references-small"><br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
<br />
*[http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704| Halifax Initiative's Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources]<br />
*[http://www.minesandcommunities.org/Action/press483.htm|court descicion revokes Minera San Xavier's Permits]<br />
*[http://www.msx.com.mx/, Official website (spanish)]<br />
*[http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|Technical paper by prestiguious university researchers, detailing the ecological impact (spanish)]<br />
*[http://www.angelfire.com/rebellion2/antimsx/|website for the FAO, Frente amplo opositor; Wide Oposition Front against Minera San Xavier (spanish)]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Environmental disasters]]<br />
<br />
[[es:Minera San xavier]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cerro_de_San_Pedro&diff=200360111
Cerro de San Pedro
2008-03-23T19:49:28Z
<p>Yupi666: /* Enviromental disaster */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cleanup|date=June 2007}}<br />
{{Orphan|date=June 2007}}<br />
<br />
'''Cerro de San Pedro''' is a village in the [[Mexican]] state of [[San Luis Potosí]]. The town started as a mining town for gold and silver. It was the founding town of the state, and its figure is prominent in the state's coat of arms.<br />
[[Image:CerroSnPedro Mexico.jpg|thumb|250px|Panorama of the village San Pedro to the right and the San Pedro mine behind it.]]<br />
<br />
==Location==<br />
<br />
The village is located in the central part of the state. The coordinates of the city center are 100º 48’ east [[longitude]] and 22º 13’ north [[latitude]], and 2,040 meters above [[sea level]]. The city borders [[Soledad de Graciano Sánchez]] on the north and west, [[Armadillo de los Infante]] on the east, and San Luis Potosí and [[Villa de Zaragoza]] on the south.<br />
<br />
==Enviromental disaster==<br />
<br />
For over ten years, the community and the Broad Opposition Front ([[FAO]]) have been engaged in a legal battle with [[Metallica Resources]] Inc. and their subsidiary [[Minera San Xavier]], Because of the agressive operation of an open sky mine that htreatens to destroy the town and poison everything in miles around. The courts have consistently handed down judgments in favour of the community and FAO. on February 2006, the courts annulled Metallica's temporary permit to use explosives as it contravenes a state decree recognizing Cerro de San Pedro and the surrounding area as a protected site due to the unique flora and fauna in the area. Yet, Metallica Resources Inc. went ahead with blasting and other operations, in complete violation of Mexican law. Furthermore, Mexican authorities at all levels of government have demonstrated a complete lack of political will to enforce the law.<ref>{{cite web|author= Mary Corkery Executive Director, Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives; Bruce Cox, Executive Director GREENPEACE; Joan Kuyek, National Coordinator MiningWatch Canada; Roy Culpeper, President and CEO The North-South Institute; Fraser Reilly-King, Coordinator Halifax Initiative Coalition; Doug Olthuis, Executive Director Steelworkers Humanity Fund; Mike Shields, Director International Department CAW- Canada|title=Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources|publisher= Halifax Initiative|date=April 28, 2006|url=http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
The mining used in the site is known as [[open pit mining]] [[Leaching#Metallurgical_application_of_leaching|leaching]] by [[cyanide]], which is banned in first world countries because of its disastrous ecological consecuences.<ref>Montemayor, Carlos. ''Amenaza ambiental con Minera San Xavier''. (Mexico City: La Jornada, October 18th 2004)</ref><br />
<br />
Just 20 kilometers away from the capital of the state, all independent studies <ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref> remark that the ecological damage will be grave and irreversible, the contamination will affect the state's capital and larger city, [[San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí|San Luis Potosí]], specially given that the explotaition site lies over the city's underground water currents.<ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
Ana Maria Alvarado, a member of the community of Cerro de San Pedro and representative of the Broad Opposition Front testified how plans to establish an open pit gold mine in her community would, in fact, destroy historic 17th century landmarks, displace the population, cause irreparable damage to the environment and leach harmful cyanide into the water supply of 1.5 million inhabitants in the surrounding area. She described the considerable risks to the environment and the community of a process that will use 32 million litres of water, 16 tons of cyanide and 25 tons of explosives on a daily basis. Moreover, she testified that Metallica is doing all this in contravention of Mexican law.<ref>{{cite web|author= Mary Corkery Executive Director, Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives; Bruce Cox, Executive Director GREENPEACE; Joan Kuyek, National Coordinator MiningWatch Canada; Roy Culpeper, President and CEO The North-South Institute; Fraser Reilly-King, Coordinator Halifax Initiative Coalition; Doug Olthuis, Executive Director Steelworkers Humanity Fund; Mike Shields, Director International Department CAW- Canada|title=Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources|publisher= Halifax Initiative|date=April 28, 2006|url=http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Repression and crimes against NGO's===<br />
<br />
Although the law is clearly on the community's side, the Mexican authorities are not willing to enforce the law. Thus, while she was in Canada, Ms. Alvarado spoke of how, having no other recourse, the FAO and community members have begun to try to physically stop the mining operation by peacefully placing themselves in the path of Metallica's machinery.<br />
<br />
On April 14, employees of Minera San Xavier reportedly attacked two members of the FAO. [[Enrique Rivera Sierra]], FAO's lawyer, was repeatedly struck on the head. Witnesses heard his assailants shout, "let's see if you continue speaking against Minera San Xavier, my boss will be very happy with my work and if you continue talking, you are going to die".<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
<br />
In [[1583]], in the town of Mesquitique, [[Brother Diego de la Magdalena]] met with some of the [[Guachichil]] natives. Among them was one named Cualiname or Gualiname, who called their attention to golden outlines in their face paintings. The friar asked him where he had obtained this pigment. The native told him that there was much of the powder to the east of their present location.<br />
<br />
Brother Diego told Brother Francisco Franco about this discovery, who told Captain [[Miguel Caldera]], who took possession of the place. Captain Caldera sent Gregorio de León, Juan de la Torre, and Pedro de Anda to prospect for minerals. The latter named the place San Pedro del Potosí, to honor his namesake saint and in memory of the famous mines of the Potosí in Alto Perú, today Bolivia.<br />
<br />
In and around the hill was much gold and silver, but there was not enough water to make it worth mining. The nearest water was towards the north, in a region still dominated by several native Chichimeca tribes, and where the city of San Luis Potosí would later arise. The historian Primo Feliciano Velázquez y Basalenque included extensive descriptions of the place in his accounts.<br />
<br />
== Contemporary History ==<br />
<br />
The mines were operated by, among other companies, Metalúrgica Mexicana, ASARCO. During its time, a mining strike was called (1948), which was lost by the miners; the company decided to leave, not before collapsing the main shafts and tunnels. The mines were never declared exhausted.<br />
<br />
== Towns ==<br />
<br />
This Municipality includes several towns and some colonies, as follows:<br />
<br />
[[Image:snpedroslp01.jpg|thumb|120px|Map of Cerro of San Pedro]]<br />
<br />
* Cerro de San Pedro (Cabecera Municipal)<br />
* Portezuelo<br />
* Real del Potosi<br />
* Monte De Caldera<br />
* Cuesta de Campa<br />
* La Zapatilla<br />
* Divisadero<br />
* Calderon<br />
* Jesus Maria<br />
* Joyita de la Cruz<br />
* La Florida<br />
* Granjas de San Pedro<br />
* Granjas de la Florida<br />
* Planta del Carmen<br />
<br />
== The present time ==<br />
<br />
Nowadays, with more efficient modern methods, the infrastructure is being implemented to resume operations using mines open to the sky. This has caused great concern to anthropologists, ecologists and civil population who fear this will affect the historic sites, flora, fauna and the adjunt capital city's water supply from the use of cyanide in the mining process.<br />
<br />
== Names of Selected Mines ==<br />
La Descubridora, San Pedro Celestial, Bisnagas, Barreno, Socavon Aventurero Mina la Victoria,5 de Mayo, San Pedro el Alto, San Pedro el Bajo, Catillas (located on Bufa Hill), Begonia, Socavon del Rey, Dorotea, La Encantada, La Flor, Tiro San Pedro, Tiro Juarez, Cañon de las Mulas, Salon Colorado<br />
<br />
== Main Shafts ==<br />
San Pedro shaft, Juarez shaft, Begonia shaft<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<div class="references-small"><br />
<references/><br />
</div class="references-small"><br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
*[http://www.lugaresdemexico.com/sanpedro.html Reference Cerro de San Pedro in San Luis Potosí]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Cities and towns in San Luis Potosí]]<br />
[[Category:Environmental disasters]]<br />
<br />
[[es:Cerro de San Pedro]]</div>
Yupi666
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cerro_de_San_Pedro&diff=200359857
Cerro de San Pedro
2008-03-23T19:48:06Z
<p>Yupi666: /* Enviromental disaster */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cleanup|date=June 2007}}<br />
{{Orphan|date=June 2007}}<br />
<br />
'''Cerro de San Pedro''' is a village in the [[Mexican]] state of [[San Luis Potosí]]. The town started as a mining town for gold and silver. It was the founding town of the state, and its figure is prominent in the state's coat of arms.<br />
[[Image:CerroSnPedro Mexico.jpg|thumb|250px|Panorama of the village San Pedro to the right and the San Pedro mine behind it.]]<br />
<br />
==Location==<br />
<br />
The village is located in the central part of the state. The coordinates of the city center are 100º 48’ east [[longitude]] and 22º 13’ north [[latitude]], and 2,040 meters above [[sea level]]. The city borders [[Soledad de Graciano Sánchez]] on the north and west, [[Armadillo de los Infante]] on the east, and San Luis Potosí and [[Villa de Zaragoza]] on the south.<br />
<br />
==Enviromental disaster==<br />
<br />
For over ten years, the community and the Broad Opposition Front ([[FAO]]) have been engaged in a legal battle with [[Metallica Resources]] Inc. and their subsidiary [[Minera San Xavier]], The courts have consistently handed down judgments in favour of the community and FAO. on February 2006, the courts annulled Metallica's temporary permit to use explosives as it contravenes a state decree recognizing Cerro de San Pedro and the surrounding area as a protected site due to the unique flora and fauna in the area. Yet, Metallica Resources Inc. went ahead with blasting and other operations, in complete violation of Mexican law. Furthermore, Mexican authorities at all levels of government have demonstrated a complete lack of political will to enforce the law.<ref>{{cite web|author= Mary Corkery Executive Director, Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives; Bruce Cox, Executive Director GREENPEACE; Joan Kuyek, National Coordinator MiningWatch Canada; Roy Culpeper, President and CEO The North-South Institute; Fraser Reilly-King, Coordinator Halifax Initiative Coalition; Doug Olthuis, Executive Director Steelworkers Humanity Fund; Mike Shields, Director International Department CAW- Canada|title=Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources|publisher= Halifax Initiative|date=April 28, 2006|url=http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
The mining used in the site is known as [[open pit mining]] [[Leaching#Metallurgical_application_of_leaching|leaching]] by [[cyanide]], which is banned in first world countries because of its disastrous ecological consecuences.<ref>Montemayor, Carlos. ''Amenaza ambiental con Minera San Xavier''. (Mexico City: La Jornada, October 18th 2004)</ref><br />
<br />
Just 20 kilometers away from the capital of the state, all independent studies <ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref> remark that the ecological damage will be grave and irreversible, the contamination will affect the state's capital and larger city, [[San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí|San Luis Potosí]], specially given that the explotaition site lies over the city's underground water currents.<ref>{{cite web|Comisión de la UASLP para la revisión del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier, Coordinación de la Comisión para la revisión del proyecto CSP-MSX|title=Opinión técnico-científica sobre los componentes ambientales del Proyecto Cerro de San Pedro de Minera San Xavier|publisher= [[Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí]]|date=2007-05-05|url=http://ambiental.uaslp.mx/productos/csp/csp.htm|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
Ana Maria Alvarado, a member of the community of Cerro de San Pedro and representative of the Broad Opposition Front testified how plans to establish an open pit gold mine in her community would, in fact, destroy historic 17th century landmarks, displace the population, cause irreparable damage to the environment and leach harmful cyanide into the water supply of 1.5 million inhabitants in the surrounding area. She described the considerable risks to the environment and the community of a process that will use 32 million litres of water, 16 tons of cyanide and 25 tons of explosives on a daily basis. Moreover, she testified that Metallica is doing all this in contravention of Mexican law.<ref>{{cite web|author= Mary Corkery Executive Director, Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives; Bruce Cox, Executive Director GREENPEACE; Joan Kuyek, National Coordinator MiningWatch Canada; Roy Culpeper, President and CEO The North-South Institute; Fraser Reilly-King, Coordinator Halifax Initiative Coalition; Doug Olthuis, Executive Director Steelworkers Humanity Fund; Mike Shields, Director International Department CAW- Canada|title=Letter to Ministers Mackay and Emerson on Metallica Resources|publisher= Halifax Initiative|date=April 28, 2006|url=http://www.halifaxinitiative.org/index.php/LAC/704|accessdate= 2008-22-03}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Repression and crimes against NGO's===<br />
<br />
Although the law is clearly on the community's side, the Mexican authorities are not willing to enforce the law. Thus, while she was in Canada, Ms. Alvarado spoke of how, having no other recourse, the FAO and community members have begun to try to physically stop the mining operation by peacefully placing themselves in the path of Metallica's machinery.<br />
<br />
On April 14, employees of Minera San Xavier reportedly attacked two members of the FAO. [[Enrique Rivera Sierra]], FAO's lawyer, was repeatedly struck on the head. Witnesses heard his assailants shout, "let's see if you continue speaking against Minera San Xavier, my boss will be very happy with my work and if you continue talking, you are going to die".<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
<br />
In [[1583]], in the town of Mesquitique, [[Brother Diego de la Magdalena]] met with some of the [[Guachichil]] natives. Among them was one named Cualiname or Gualiname, who called their attention to golden outlines in their face paintings. The friar asked him where he had obtained this pigment. The native told him that there was much of the powder to the east of their present location.<br />
<br />
Brother Diego told Brother Francisco Franco about this discovery, who told Captain [[Miguel Caldera]], who took possession of the place. Captain Caldera sent Gregorio de León, Juan de la Torre, and Pedro de Anda to prospect for minerals. The latter named the place San Pedro del Potosí, to honor his namesake saint and in memory of the famous mines of the Potosí in Alto Perú, today Bolivia.<br />
<br />
In and around the hill was much gold and silver, but there was not enough water to make it worth mining. The nearest water was towards the north, in a region still dominated by several native Chichimeca tribes, and where the city of San Luis Potosí would later arise. The historian Primo Feliciano Velázquez y Basalenque included extensive descriptions of the place in his accounts.<br />
<br />
== Contemporary History ==<br />
<br />
The mines were operated by, among other companies, Metalúrgica Mexicana, ASARCO. During its time, a mining strike was called (1948), which was lost by the miners; the company decided to leave, not before collapsing the main shafts and tunnels. The mines were never declared exhausted.<br />
<br />
== Towns ==<br />
<br />
This Municipality includes several towns and some colonies, as follows:<br />
<br />
[[Image:snpedroslp01.jpg|thumb|120px|Map of Cerro of San Pedro]]<br />
<br />
* Cerro de San Pedro (Cabecera Municipal)<br />
* Portezuelo<br />
* Real del Potosi<br />
* Monte De Caldera<br />
* Cuesta de Campa<br />
* La Zapatilla<br />
* Divisadero<br />
* Calderon<br />
* Jesus Maria<br />
* Joyita de la Cruz<br />
* La Florida<br />
* Granjas de San Pedro<br />
* Granjas de la Florida<br />
* Planta del Carmen<br />
<br />
== The present time ==<br />
<br />
Nowadays, with more efficient modern methods, the infrastructure is being implemented to resume operations using mines open to the sky. This has caused great concern to anthropologists, ecologists and civil population who fear this will affect the historic sites, flora, fauna and the adjunt capital city's water supply from the use of cyanide in the mining process.<br />
<br />
== Names of Selected Mines ==<br />
La Descubridora, San Pedro Celestial, Bisnagas, Barreno, Socavon Aventurero Mina la Victoria,5 de Mayo, San Pedro el Alto, San Pedro el Bajo, Catillas (located on Bufa Hill), Begonia, Socavon del Rey, Dorotea, La Encantada, La Flor, Tiro San Pedro, Tiro Juarez, Cañon de las Mulas, Salon Colorado<br />
<br />
== Main Shafts ==<br />
San Pedro shaft, Juarez shaft, Begonia shaft<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<div class="references-small"><br />
<references/><br />
</div class="references-small"><br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
*[http://www.lugaresdemexico.com/sanpedro.html Reference Cerro de San Pedro in San Luis Potosí]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Cities and towns in San Luis Potosí]]<br />
[[Category:Environmental disasters]]<br />
<br />
[[es:Cerro de San Pedro]]</div>
Yupi666