Beijing 2008 Harmony Olympics and Love Journey

by Enrico Zanella on 19 Mar 2008 On 27 January last, the Beijing Olympic Building played host to the Opening Ceremony for the 'Harmony Olympics and Love Journey, Sailing Cruise to the Five Cities.' This is a National Event, announced at an International Press Conference, to carry the Olympic message all over China and bring social benefits, focused on children.

This is a rally, not a regatta or race. Event organisers are looking for interest for this event in Hong Kong and Macau. 'We are looking for sailing boat owners who want to join this important and unique event', says Enrico Zanella, President of the Sailing Boat Administration for 'Harmony Olympics and Love Journey'

This Event was launched by the Government and the Chinese Olympic Committee, and organized by 'China Friendship & Peace Development Fund' to promote the Olympic games and sports that will be hosted in 29 cities all over Greater China.

The Event will have two stages, by sea and by land, and will start in March and finish in July 2008. The first month will be characterised by the sea stage, the 'Sailing Cruise to the Five Cities' involving Shenzhen, Xiamen, Ningbo, Shanghai and Qingdao.

The sailing fleet will consist of three sailing boats representing the Olympics, and will carry the official flag and logo of the Beijing 2008 Olympic. Only the official boats will be allowed to carry the Official Sponsors’ logo. ‘Guest’ boats entering from Macau, Hong Kong and China will be free to expose sponsors assigned by the organizer of the sailing event.

Symbol of the event is the Testimonial Flag, which will be signed by the Mayors of the 29 cities participating in this event. On 25 March in Shenzhen during the Opening Ceremony Mr. Enrico Zanella will receive the Testimonial Flag, signed by the Mayor of Shenzhen, and will carry the flag to the other four cities in the sea journey.

The Flag will return to Beijing on 24 April, to be handed over and depart from the Great Wall on the land journey to the remaining 24 cities. This event will generate huge national exposure, and will be the biggest media event in China before the Olympics.

Programme of events
24 March Opening ceremony in Shenzhen
25 March Events Day and signing of the Flag
26 March Departure of the sailing fleet from Shenzhen to Xiamen
30 March Arrival in Xiamen and welcome ceremony
31 March Events Day and signing of the Flag in Xiamen
01 April Departure of the sailing fleet from Xiamen to Ningbo
07 April Arrival in Ningbo and welcome ceremony
08 April Events Day and signing of the Flag
09 April Departure of the sailing fleet from Ningbo to Shanghai
11 April Arrival in Shanghai and welcome ceremony
12 April Events Day and signing of the Flag
13 April Departure of the sailing fleet from Shanghai to Qingdao
21 April Arrival in Qingdao and welcome ceremony
22 April Final Ceremony, events and signing of the Flag
23 April The Flag is carried back to Beijing
24 April Ceremony at Great Wall to start the land stage of the journey of the Flag

For more information:
http://www.sinomarine.com/News.php?ClassID=4I