Special report: 2008 Olympic Games

    TOKYO, July 23 (Xinhua) -- International Olympic Committee Vice President Chiharu Igaya said Wednesday that he hope the upcoming Beijing Olympic games could be a great success and be inscribed in the Olympic history.

    The Beijing Olympics adopted brand-new designs and advanced technologies in its facilities to create favorable sports conditions for athletes around the world, Igaya said at the opening ceremony of a photo exhibition which is aimed at introducing Beijing to foreigners prior to the games.

    "China has overcome a series of challenges during the past seven years since the bidding success, and we are grateful for China's significant efforts to prepare the games," Igaya, who is also an executive board member of the Japan Olympic Committee, said at the exhibition held at the Chinese embassy in Japan.

    Hopefully players from around the world could learn China's long-lasting history and culture and deepen communication with the Chinese people through taking part in the games to contribute to world peace, Igaya added.