2008 BEIJING SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES KICKS OFF
The 2008 Olympics begin officially in Beijing with more than 200 countries taking part in the opening ceremony at the Bird`s Nest stadium.
It is the most expensive show in the history of Olympic Games, directed by Chinese film director Zhang Yimou. China has spent US $ 17 bln to prepare for Games.
10500 athletes will compete for 302 medals in 39 kinds of sports. Over 200 world`s broadcasting companies will televise the Games.
West End star Sarah Brightman and Liu Huan, China`s most versatile singer will regale the audience toward the end of the opening ceremony. The three-and-a-half-hour gala will begin with the beating of the ancient Chinese drum, fou. The one-hour "main" performance, divided into two parts, will be intervened by "a Chinese scroll painting". About 15,000 performers are expected to wow spectators in the Bird`s Nest, as well as billions of others watching it live on TV across the world. Modern technology and wire performances will highlight China`s iconic civilization through to the modern times.
China will accentuate on powder, compass, paper and typography - the greatest discoveries gifted to the world. The audience will watch the topics on the Great Silk Road, literature, opera and painting.
Later, athletes will parade into Beijing`s National Stadium to kick off the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Presidents of the International Olympic Committee and Beijing 2008 Olympic Organizing Committee will deliver speeches.
About 100 heads of states and governments will attend the event.
Azerbaijan has gained 39 licenses, 44 athletes will compete for Olympic medals. Azerbaijan will be for the first time presented in equestrian and rhythmic gymnastics (group).
Chinese alphabet has placed the Azerbaijani team 111th of the 205 competing nations.
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