The following is the full text of the closing speech delivered by International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge at the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games on Sunday night.

Dear Chinese friends,

Tonight, we come to the end of 16 glorious days which we will cherish forever.

Thank you to the people of China, to all the wonderful volunteers and to BOCOG!

Through these Games, the world learned more about China, and China learned more about the world. Athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees came to these dazzling venues and awed us with their talent.

New stars were born. Stars from past Games amazed us again. We shared their joys and their tears, and we marveled at their ability. We will long remember the achievements we witnessed here.

As we celebrate the success of these Games, let us altogether wish the best for the talented athletes who will soon participate in the Paralympic Games. They also inspire us.

To the athletes tonight: You were true role models. You have shown us the unifying power of sport. The Olympic spirit lives in the warm embrace of competitors from nations in conflict. Keep that spirit alive when you return home.

These were truly exceptional Games!

And now, in accordance with tradition, I declare the Games of the XXIX Olympiad closed, and I call upon the youth of the world to assemble four years from now in London to celebrate the Games of the XXX Olympiad.

Thank you!

(Xinhua News Agency August 24, 2008)