Beijing Olympics 2008

The Summer Olympic Games of 2008, or more commonly referred to as the XXIX Olympiad, took place in Beijing from August 8th to August 24th. But Beijing should be recognized for achieving this great and honorable opportunity of becoming one of the hosting cities that will now go down in history forever as the host of these 2008 games. Admittedly, Beijing did win the opportunity of hosting city throughout a long awaited, and very exhaustive ballot, set up by the International Olympic Committee, or IOC. It had been decided since July of 2001 that Beijing had won the honor of being host.

However, there was more to this year's Olympiad than just a ballot. The government of China invested a vast amount of money just in this game alone, even by constructing entirely new facilities as well as new transportation systems. In 2004, the construction of the Beijing National Stadium began, in order to be finished by the year 2008.

While this is the third time for an Olympic game to be hosted on an Asian continent, as well as the fifth time outside of Europe and North America, is can be debatably the most entertaining, and best thought out hosting city in Asia to date. Their mascots alone were obviously severely thought out. The five Fuwa were not only made to represent the Olympic rings, and the Olympic games as a whole, but are also extremely symbolic to their home land of China as well, tying the Olympics and China together fully down to the hidden message "Welcome to Beijing" found in the mascots. The entire world came together as a whole to meet in Beijing, China for the 2008 Olympic games, and what better describes that than Beijing's motto itself, "One World, One Dream."

Twelve new venues were constructed and built to host the Olympian events, amongst the total of thirty-seven entire venues that were used. While China was protested in regards to carrying the Olympic flame, they have more than proved their worth. The other hosting cities that were being considered for the year of 2008 included: Paris, Toronto, Istanbul, and Osaka. It was Li Lanqing who said "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," and no one else could have explained this better. China used their economy and social stability to make the Olympiad what it truly should be: extravagant and exceptional.

China went above and beyond to make these games the most memorable, by going above and beyond. In early 2007, the construction of more than thirty venues specifically for the Beijing Olympics has already begun; a wide range of money had been spent, invested in renovating and reconstructing at least six venues not even a part of Beijing, and a total of fifty-nine centers of training. The Beijing National Aquatics Centre, the Beijing National Stadium, the Beijing National Indoor Stadium, along with many others can be considered the most important new architectural pieces, and will be seeing more fame for years to come.

By spending increasingly over two billion dollars on the 2008 Olympic games, China has most definitely made it two weeks to remember. It was this year's sensation and will not be forgotten easily. In conclusion, while many had protested China even having the Olympic flame, and still others were confused at how they obtained this large opportunity, it has now become apparent that Beijing was the best hosting city to have won the hosting ballot of this year. Had it not been China's year to hold the Olympics, it might not have been as memorable.

2008 Olympic Coin Sets

Collecting Olympic coins is a hobby for millions of people across the world. Collecting coins individually or even in sets has dated back to almost the very beginning of Olympic history. As stamps came along to help with the funding, and achieved a noticeably large amount of success with the game planning, coins were soon thought of, invited, and circulated to millions of people nationwide.

The best way possible to commemorate this great sporting event personally by you is to buy a set of Fuwa or 2008 Olympic Coin Sets, which is the official mascot of the 2008 Olympics. These coins will not only sell out increasingly fast, but will also gain quite a profit in the near future, and especially in the distant future when collectors need the missing pieces to their sets.

These 2008 Olympic Coin Sets are very beautifully made and considered to be one of the finest pieces of Chinese creations. These 2008 Olympic Coin Sets are available in five colors, each a color of the Olympic rings, and are named in two-syllable names, which actually represents the love for children in China; not to mention peace and friendship, as the Fuwa mascots represent.

The tradition of collecting these Olympic gold coins started first in Helsinki when it was originally introduced, and from then on there has been a tradition of gold coins available during every Olympic event. The coins are introduced, of course, specifically for the Olympic events and sell out months ahead of the original release dates. This year in 2008 Olympic Coin Sets were available and were only released in the amount of 60,000 with each of these sets consisting of six old coins. However, there are also silver coin sets that are available, containing twelve coins per set.

On the side of these 2008 Olympic Coin Sets features the dragon, which is a traditional symbol of China and the Chinese culture in general. 2008 Olympic Coin Sets also feature the name of the country, emblem of the games and year on the same side. On the opposing side of these coins holds the pictures of various traditional games of China like swimming, archery, cuju, wrestling and equestrian fields. The value of the gold coins in Chinese currency amounts to 150 Yuan, meaning that it will amount to thirty dollars in United States Dollars.

Olympic is the game in which people from many countries participate and even audience comes from many countries with Great Spirit to cheer their country and there can be no better way to take these coins to support your team and make them feel proud. There are many exchanges of coins sets taking place in the venues where Olympics are held and though not many people do it for profit, it's always advisable to be cautious while dealing for any of these souvenirs as you might be caught up in Olympic frenzy and pay much higher than deserved.

The five rings of different colors depicted in the 2008 Olympic Coin Sets are named in two syllable names and are further more called as BeiBei, which is representing water sports with its designated blue. Huanhuan, which has a color, will be representing the strength as well as the speed for events like high jump, running etc. Jingjing represents strength and deliverance and is the official black color of the Olympic ring; YingYing, holding true to track and field events, represents the yellow Olympic ring. Lastly, NiNi who flaunts the green color of the Olympic Ring will represent overall excellence in both gymnastics as well as aerobics.

In conclusion, it can thus be said that the 2008 Olympic Coin Sets are of great importance and signify several important things. When it comes to acquiring something of importance to cherish the Olympics, these coins are of course a very classy and delicate option which can be acquired at affordable, sometimes even dirt cheap prices, gaining an amazing amount of value as the years pass. The 2008 Olympic Coin Sets are the best among the collectibles when it comes to Olympic fans and are world renowned for the artistry used in them.

2008 Olympic Collectibles

Collectibles from the Olympic games will always be important to the fascinated Olympic fans, and to anyone else who joins in the activities. The larger and more popular the Olympic games become, the more collectibles there will be a need for. A collectible serves as a link, or memory, to the place and time that you received the collectible. For example, purchasing a collectible at the Olympic games in Beijing, will remind you of the Olympic games in Beijing. Collectibles are a huge part of the culture and Olympian experience, as well as a helping hand for funds.

Keeping memories or keepsakes in the form of memorabilia or collectibles is not a new idea. For the Olympic games, this idea came about around 1896, when the Olympic games reoccurred in modern times. Items such as Olympic stamps, Olympic coins, and other types of Olympic collectibles became very popular and extremely adored by the Olympian fans.

The Olympic Stamp collectibles were thought of by the Organizing Committee to simply balance the budget, making the stamps the first Olympic collectibles. The stamps could also be considered the first sponsors of the Olympics, because the stamps made it able for the Committee to construct four venues. The Olympic stamps are still very popular amongst Olympian fans and philatelists, people who study stamps, making them the survivors of several generations of collectibles.

In Athens around 1896, the first Olympic sports stamps came into circulation. There were seventy five thousand stamps, containing ten thousand Olympic stamps. These stamps can uncover all kinds of information about the mail services used in Athens at this time, such as the eight different marks on the stamps. Not only will the stamps reveal information on Athens during this time, but also on Stockholm in 1912, and Olympic hosting countries at later dates. Because of these stamps, the budgets of the Organizing Committee for the Olympic games, events, and the National Olympic Committee are safely secure.

In 1951, the Olympic coins began being circulated and now coin collectors became fans. Each coin collected will have its own background and its own history. Not only will an Olympic coin collectible serve you a memory, but also just thinking of where it's been and what's its past beheld should be fascinating. The very first modern Olympic coin was the 1951 Helsinki coin, serving its own very fascinating history. Coins are a huge token on the collectibles scale. Previous to carbon dating, a coin could determine when an activity had taken place and when a body had been buried, and they were considered extremely reliable when it came to this, as well. So for those who know the importance of a coin, and appreciate it, Olympic coin collectibles from 2008 can be bought and collected for your own personal set.

While some of the older, more classic and limited, Olympic coins might be a challenge to find, it is often not that hard to get your hands on these coins. With the world of today being introduced to the World Wide Web, it is increasingly simpler to buy a new coin to add to your set. However, the coin markets activity is growing, and your options of coins may be limited. There is a growing interest in the hobby of Olympic coin collecting.

It is obvious that the Olympic games have a major impact on millions of lives around the world, whether it is supporters, Olympians, coaches, or otherwise. The 2008 Olympic collectibles commemorate and represent all the hard work that has been done not only this year, but in past years as well. This is why Olympic collectibles are very popular and in abundance.

2008 Olympic Mascots Revealed in Beijing

What can be loved more than the beautiful message of friendship, but the blessings and the peace that is being carried to small children all around the world by the Chinese dolls? There are five of these Chinese dolls, as there are five rings in the Olympic rings symbol, and will be the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Official Mascots.

These mascots were planned out longer before this year's Olympic game, starting much farther back as at least November of 2005, exactly one thousand days before the 2008 Olympic ceremony. In November, they were happily revealed to the entire world, boasting their inspiration and their specific colors to children and adults all around. The distinctiveness of the five dolls' colors comes from the Olympic Rings and each color that they possess. The mascots are a representation of five children who are playing with one another to form a very close circle of friendship.

The mascots are designed to behold the characteristics of China, and are therefore representations of the four most popular animals in China, as well; the fish, Tibetan antelope, swallow, and the panda. The last and fifth mascot, of course, is to represent the ever-lasting Olympic Flame itself.

To further explain these mascots, the fish is called BeiBei. The Panda is called JingJing, and HuanHuan is the representation of the Olympic Flame. YingYing is a Tibetan antelope, whereas NiNi is a swallow. The reason behind their, mostly rhyming, two syllabled names is so that it is easier for them, and more traditional, to express affection to the children of China.

BeiBei, who is the representation of the blue Olympic ring is said to be kind and pure. BeiBei's knowledge lies in water sports, as it is also the representation of the fish. In China, the symbol of a fish is said to bring prosperity. The mascot who has been noted for strength is JingJing, the black Olympic ring. There are many people whom adore pandas, because they are increasingly loveable, which makes JingJing a national treasure and overall highly protected species in China. This mascot is meant to be charming and to bring happiness and smile to all the children.

Then there is the child of fire, HuanHuan. HuanHuan is experienced at any of the ball games and events, and is in symbolization of the red Olympic Ring. He is the oldest, and biggest brother of the other dollars, creating spirit amongst every one. It is because of HaunHaun that the other dolls have the courage and inspiration to compete harder than they already do, with his light reflecting blessings of China.

YingYing is a quick-witted and agile boy who represents the yellow Olympic ring. All Antelopes possess the same agility. YingYing's flying pose represents the essence of a unique species, which is one of the first animals put under protection in China. IT is also a symbol of China's landscape. YingYing is very strong in track and field events
Nini is strong in gymnastics and represents the green Olympic ring; it also represents innocence among the five friendlies. Its design if from the beautiful kites children in Beijing fly every spring and summer. She is a symbol of the sky and good luck while spreading blessings everywhere she flies.
These Five Friendlies have been choose as young ambassadors for the Olympic Games and when their names are placed together Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni, they say "Welcome to Beijing." The sea, forest, fire, earth and sky are clearly present in these Five Friendlies. These five nature elements are seen in the Five Friendlies origins and headpieces. Each of these Friendlies will spread prosperity, happiness, passion, health and good luck to every continent from Beijing.

The mission of these Five Friendlies is to bring the world together in not only peace, but also friendship through the Olympic spirit, while reaching out to the world and inviting every man, woman and child to take part in this great celebration of humanity. China will host the Olympics in 2008 and it will reflect its theme of One World, One Dream to every continent.

2008 Olympic Stamp Album
Olympic Stamps are widely recognized as being one of the official collectors items of the Olympic Games. The stamps are sold to promote the Olympic games and fund the wide range of expenses for the Olympics, and are therefore popular on two levels; they are popular with the stamp collectors themselves, and they are popular with fans and supporters of the Olympic games. Thousands of people purchase these stamps as collectible items, and they will hike up quite a value in due time.
Rightfully named the "Light the Passion 2008 Stamp Album" this volume of 2008 collectible stamps inspired by the 2008 Beijing Olympics is an authentic Olympics collection of memorabilia, and is licensed by both the Olympic committee in China as well as the China Postal Bureau to be included amongst the official collector's items featured for this year's Olympic games. This collection of stamps depicts and commemorates the 2008 Olympics torch relay that had led to the kick-off of the games in Beijing. Describing in great detail the journey of the torch, this stamp collection also provides an illustrated history of the Olympic Torch, the ceremony's importance amongst the games, and the process that went into designing the 2008 Olympics Games official torch.
Beware; you do not own an official collection of these stamps unless you have purchased a Sealed album containing 30 Official Beijing Olympics stamps with the title "Light The Passion 2008 Stamp Album." As the printing was limited, many scammers may try to replicate this soon to be valuable collection of official memorabilia, and will sell it at a lower cost to ensure that people will buy the fakes without a second thought. Before purchasing any collectible item from the Olympics line, always be sure to cross reference the item and examine the pictures of the collection if buying online. If detailed close-ups are not provided, reconsider the buyer you negotiate with, and always trust the official sites that are partners with the Olympic Games.
The Olympic torch was chosen as the focal point for this stamp collection because of the importance that is signified by this magnificent icon. Not only is the torch the symbol for the kick-off of every season of Olympic Games, but it is also a sign that points to the ignition of passion for physical excellence in the lives of citizens of all nations as well as the athletes that have been chosen to compete in the games and events. Since 1936 the torch has been a part of every host country's opening ceremony, and is used as a model to showcase the tradition and developing technology that each country has to offer.
Beijing chose to use the torch for the illustrations for one of the official stamp collections of the 2008 Olympic Games also because fire and pyrotechnics have been a very large part of Chinese culture since the ancient times. Wowing all spectator nations with their stunning displays of light and fire, China more than lived up to expectations with the start of the 2008 Olympic Games, and the torch was the singular item that had started it all.
This stamp collection is just one of many of the officially licensed 2008 Olympic Games stamp albums. Each album tells a story and holds on to their own unique importance as it pertains to Beijing and the Olympic Games of 2008.