Special report:   2008 Olympic Games      
        
    SINGAPORE, March 24 (Xinhua) -- A photo exhibition called "New Beijing Great Olympics" was launched here on Monday night to coincide with the lighting of the Olympic torch in Greece to mark the countdown to the Beijing Olympic Games in August this year.

    The five-day exhibition, which was organized by the Chinese Embassy in the city state, features over 80 pictures depicting the Olympic Spirit in China.

    Speaking at the launching ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Singapore Zhang Xiaokang said that the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games are a grand world gathering of peace, friendship and unity.

    The 2008 Olympics, which are not only China's but more importantly the world's at large, she said, adding that the Chinese people are maximizing their passions and efforts in order to deliver a grand event of "Green Olympics, Hi-Tech Olympics, People's Olympics" for the whole world.

    Meanwhile, Singapore's Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan said that the theme for the Beijing Olympic Games, "One World One Dream" is very apt.

    "It is reminder that we are one interconnected world, and we can achieve our dreams by staying true to the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect," he said.

    The minister believed that China will deliver and organize the Olympic Games of the highest standard.

Olympic flame lit in Ancient Olympia

Greek actress Maria Nafpliotou (R), playing the role of a high priestess, kindles a pot with the Olympic flame during the Olympic Flame Lighting Ceremony in Olympia, Greece, March 24, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)  Photo Gallery>>>

    OLYMPIA, Greece, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Greece's actress Maria Nafpliotou, the head priestess, lit the torch in the Olympic flame-lighting ceremony for the Beijing Games at the site of ancient Olympia on Monday. Full story