In less than two days, the sacred flame of the 29th summer Olympic Games in Beijing, which has been burning atop the National Stadium in north Beijing since August 8, is going to be extinguished.
The Chinese people now can proudly announce to the world: we have lived up to the trust of the international community and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Meanwhile, the world can also say with gratification: we have made a correct decision by selecting Beijing and China as the Olympic host.
At the Beijing Olympic Games, miracles were produced and dreams fulfilled. To date, 38 world records have been refreshed at these Games.
American swimmer Michael Phelps grabbed eight gold medals in the Beijing pool with seven fresh world records, while Jamaican Usain Bolt was double crowned in men's 100m and 200m sprint with record speeds. Their superb performance has excited the whole world.
The Chinese delegation has so far topped the gold medal table, while other delegations, such as Mongolia, Togo, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, have made historic breakthroughs by winning their first Olympic medals or gold medals.
The Beijing Olympic Games are also full of touching moments: Russian Natalia Paderina and Georgian Nino Salukvadze hugged each other for celebration after taking silver and bronze respectively in women's 10m air pistol, fully demonstrating mankind's love for peace and friendship.
33-year-old Oksana Chusovitina, a former Uzbek gymnast who prolonged her career and moved to Germany to raise funds for her leukemia-afflicted son, won a silver in women's vault and moved the world with her great maternal love.
When German weightlifter Matthias Steiner held high both his gold medal and a photo of his beloved wife, who was killed in a car accident one year ago, on the award podium, spectators and TV audience were all deeply touched by his endless love.
When South African Natalie du Toit finished 16th in the grueling women's 10-kilometer open water race and told the press "I don't even think about not having a leg," people marveled at her triumph over adversity.
The Beijing Olympic Games are a milestone in the course of the great reinvigoration of the Chinese nation. And this generation of the Chinese people are lucky to witness a century-old dream of the nation finally come true.
The success of the Beijing Olympic Games has also reflected the great achievements China has scored after three decades of reform and opening-up.
Without the material and spiritual progress achieved over the past 30 years, it would have been impossible for the Chinese to attain their goal of "hosting a high-standard and unique Olympic Games."
Over the past seven years, China has tried its best to fulfill its commitments to the international community, earnestly performed its international duties, and prepared for the Games with an open mind and in a down-to-earth manner. It is not just Beijing, but the whole country that has given everything to guarantee the success of the Olympic Games.
The Beijing Olympic Games are an opportunity for China. The hosting of these Games has boosted the Chinese people's self-esteem, enhanced national cohesion, and reinforced the country's faith in pursuing a peaceful development.
The Beijing Olympic Games have helped the world to better understand China's social system and development mode, and have added impetus to China's opening-up to the outside world.
Through the Beijing Olympic Games, the world has had a better knowledge of what China is like -- a country that makes constant progress, emphasizes friendship and harmony, keeps its promises, and respects all international rules.
As the main host city, Beijing has benefited directly from the Olympic Games, which have left such modern, iconic architecture as the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube, and also greatly promoted the local infrastructure construction.
More importantly, these Games have infused the public with the concept of "green Olympics, high-tech Olympics and people's Olympics," which will play a significant role in promoting China's environmental protection, scientific innovation and public participation in social affairs.
The Chinese people have also impressed the world with their immense enthusiasm for the Games and their warm support for all competing athletes, regardless of their nationality, race or sport. The world has seen the hospitality, kindness and tolerance of the Chinese people through the performance of millions of volunteers, cheerleaders and spectators.
The Beijing Olympic Games also mark the integration of the Western civilization with the Chinese civilization. The Olympic spirit, which underlines respect for the rules, encouragement of participation and fair play, has left a precious spiritual legacy for the Chinese people. Just as the IOC predicted seven years ago, the Beijing Olympic Games would "leave a unique legacy for both China and sport as a whole."
The Beijing Olympic Games have also greatly promoted the development of the Olympic Movement. The Olympic Games have become a symbol of modern civilization since their revival 112 years ago. However, such a symbol would have been incomplete if the Games had not come to the origin of the oriental civilization and the home of one fifth of world population.
Thanks to the joint efforts by the Chinese people, the IOC and the international community, the Olympic flame was finally brought to Beijing, lighting up the Chinese people's dream of a harmonious world that features solidarity, friendship and peace.
A successful Olympic Games in Beijing -- it is indeed the most precious gift the Chinese nation has presented to the world.
(Xinhua News Agency August 23, 2008)