The 2008 Olympic Landscape Sculpture Contest Exhibition comes to New Zealand capital Wellington on Thursday.

The 110 pieces were selected from more than 2000 entries from 90 countries and regions being sending to an international competition.

Inspired by the immortal sculptures of ancient Athens, the Beijing Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (BOCOG) organized the competition in 2005. Artists from around the world were invited to submit their sculpture designs, depicting some aspect of the Olympic Games or the Olympic Movement.

From the earthy energy of The Five Elements to the gravitas of Colossus the Olympic, the works impress people. Finely wrought in high-quality materials such as copper and bronze, the sculptures have a substantial heft and presence. In various styles, they are full of imagination, demonstrating the themes of peace, friendship, competition, harmony and progress.

Derek Fry, Wellington City Council's Director of City Services and Events, said Wellington is fortunate to host the exhibition about one year before the Beijing Olympics.

"We'd like to thank the Beijing Organizing Committee and the New Zealand Olympic Committee for helping bring us this unique exhibition. These works are a visual treat, and convey the Olympic spirit," said Kerry Prendergast, Mayor of Wellington.

Shien Joe, exhibition organizer, told Xinhua News Agency that the sculptures have already attracted 100 million viewers in 13 Chinese cities and in London, Seoul, Los Angeles, Rome and New Zealand cities.

The exhibition will run until October 15, then goes to Fiji and Chicago.

(Xinhua News Agency October 12, 2007)