Related stories

Rules for the Implementation of Regulations on the Management of Foreign Invested Financial Institutes for the People's Republic of China (the Rules) Beijing Seeks Best of the Best for Olympics Provisional Rules on the Administration of Foreign Enterprises Engaging in Design Activities for Construction Projects within the People's Republic of China (the "Rules") Implementation Measures of the "Rules of the People's Republic of China on Customs Protection of Intellectual Property Rights" General Policy for Volunteers for the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games

Beijing Seeks Best of the Best for 2008 Ceremonies

On March 1,2005  the organizers of the city's 2008 Olympics Games began soliciting proposals and plans concerning the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games

"We open the door for all talented individuals and organizations to come up with proposals for splendid opening and closing ceremonies," said Jiang Xiaoyu, vice-president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG).

Acceptance of submissions for the two ceremonies began on March 1 and ends on July 31, the BOCOG announced.

Surprise, secrecy, showbiz and synchronization are all ingredients for spectacular ceremonies, which are considered very important because they are the most eye-catching and memorable moments of any Games.

The internationally acclaimed director Zhang Yimou, who directed an eight-minute Chinese performance in Athens, will likely play a key role in the 2008 Games.

Submitted proposals should cover all the key aspects of the ceremonies including lighting the Olympic flame, the athletes' parade, a symbolic release of doves and artistic performances.

Those that personify the unique features of the Beijing Games and China's cultural heritage are likely to win favour. BOCOG will then set up a panel to make a final selection.

Anyone interested in taking part in the historic event is welcome; but foreign nationals or organizations are required to team up with Chinese citizens or organizations to participate.

BOCOG will also invite well-known individuals and organizations to contribute their ideas and has also promised to solicit feedback from ordinary citizens.

Potential candidates may download a Request for Proposals from the official BOCOG Web site at www.beijing2008.com. Proposals should be delivered no later than 4 p.m. (Beijing time) on July 31, 2005.

The plans for the ceremonies are expected to be finalized before May 2007.

Jiang said it is hard to predict how much the ceremonies will cost, but the figure will not exceed that of Athens, whose organizers spent around 81 million euros (US$105 million) on their opening and closing ceremonies. It was three times the figure for the Sydney Games and the highest in Olympic history.

"We will ensure that there will be enough money to make the ceremonies wonderful, but we would like to do so in a prudent manner," Jiang said.

BOCOG is trying to work out a way for experienced foreign companies to get involved, so the programme will be appreciated by both foreigners and Chinese.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for August 8, 2008, and is expected to last four hours. The closing ceremony will end the Beijing Games on August 24.