Liu Qi, president of the BOCOG delivers speech at the Olympic closing ceremony August 24. [Xinhua]

The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games is a grand celebration of sport, peace and friendship, said chief organizer Liu Qi at the closing ceremony of the Games held in the National Stadium in north Beijing on Sunday night.

"The Beijing Olympic Games is a testimony of the fact that the world has its trust rested upon China," said Liu, president of the Beijing Organizing Committee of the 29th Olympic Games (BOCOG), adding that "The Chinese people, teeming with enthusiasm, have honored the commitments they solemnly made."

On behalf of the BOCOG, he expressed his sincere gratitude to the IOC, IFs, NOCs, and all friends who have contributed to the success of this Olympic Games.

Liu said in his speech that the past 16 days has witnessed superb athletic performances and sportsmanship. Athletes from 204 countries and regions have competed in the Games in the Olympic spirit.

He congratulated athletes on their great achievements, saying that they have shown off their great perseverance, given their very best in a fair play environment, and achieved amazing results by breaking 38 world records and 85 Olympic records.

Liu also expressed thanks to media and all those who have participated in the Games. "Let us pay tribute to all those who have participated in the Games! Let us thank the media and all the staff who have worked so hard to make the Games such a great event."

Liu said "One World, One Dream" in Chinese, English and French, stressing that the world today is in need of mutual understanding, inclusiveness, cooperation and harmonious development.

Owing to the Games, people have been united as one Olympic family, regardless of their nationalities, ethnic origins and cultural backgrounds. Their understanding has been deepened and their friendship renewed, he added.

Liu said the Chinese people's enthusiasm in embracing the world will be ablaze forever. "At this moment we hope you will bear in mind the vigor and vitality of Beijing and the co-host cities, bear in mind the Chinese people who are deeply faithful to the Olympic Movement, and bear in mind the smile and dedication of the volunteers. We sincerely wish the Olympic Movement a sustainable development."

(Xinhua News Agency August 24, 2008)