Beijing is hosting the 2007 China Forum on the Humanities and Social Sciences, which this year has combined with the Beijing Olympic Games International Conference. At this illustrious platform, over 30 Olympic-related experts and scholars have gathered to share perspectives on humanistic concepts, study the social value of the Olympic Games and delve into the relationship between the construction of a harmonious world and the ongoing Olympic efforts.

Hosted by Renmin University, the two-day seminar will try and provide academic and intellectual fuel to Olympic preparations. Luminaries like Dean Baim, professor from Pepperdine University's Economic Institute, Ferran Brunet, professor at Barcelona Autonomous University's Economic School and Roy Panagiotopoulou, professor at Athens University's Medium and Communication Institution are in attendance.

Addressing the corroboration between Chinese traditional sports in modern times and current Olympic development, Cui Lequan, director of Academic Research, China Sports Museum, Sports Culture Development Center, the National Sport General Administration, described the journey from conflict to partnership.

Firstly, the Olympic spirit that has engulfed China created a positive mood for the improvement of traditional sports in China. However, this mood has faced a cultural gap between east and west which has seen China's traditional sports culture lose ground against the boasted variety of Olympic movements. Losses in this regard were stemmed when performances of Chinese martial arts were added to the Olympic program.

Talking about humanistic Olympics, Zhao Shu, Vice-president of Beijing Cultural Union noted that as hallmarks of Beijing culture, famous Chinese brands represented a part of the city's history and that foreigners wishing to take home a fully cultural experience from the 2008 Games should embrace and understand these. Such an adoption would enable Beijing's precious cultural heritage to enjoy prolonged development in the post-Olympic era.

The Olympics have become one of China's key pulpits for expression and identification amidst global tensions that China's rise may threaten Western dominance in several areas. According to Jennifer Hubbert, professor of sociology and anthropology at Lewis and Clark College, US, the Olympic Games will help ease these tensions and depict China in a positive light.

While the main events will be staged in Beijing, Hong Kong will also share in the Olympic limelight as it welcomes the equestrian events. However, a survey conducted by John Ap, professor at Hong Kong Polytechnic University's School of Hotel & Tourism Management, the impact of the Games has been minimal in Hong Kong although their perception is generally thought to be positive.

"This is understandable given that Hong Kong is the host city for one of the less popular Olympic events," he explained, saying that renewed enthusiastic promotions among local residents could imbue them with a sense of participation in partly hosting the largest sports event in the world.

Speaking on the use of the gymnasiums after the Olympics, Lin Xianpeng, professor at Beijing Sports University, suggested various plans such as establishing a strategic alliance to improve the gyms profitable returns, emphasizing research into potential uses of the gyms and fostering potential avenues for professional sports therein.

Juan Antonio Samaranch, former President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), lent the events an air of grace and experience as he was named honorary professor of Renmin University.

"I am sure that the Olympic Games in Beijing will be the best in Olympic history," said the veteran of many Olympic campaigns.

Jennifer Hubbert, professor of sociology and anthropology at Lewis and Clark College, US

Gordie Howell, professor of Physical Education and Sports Institution of Rollin College, US

Sam Carter, professor from Emily Carr Institute, Canada

Lin Xianpeng, professor from Beijing Sport University

He Zhenliang (L), honorary president of the Chinese Olympic Committee and IOC member.

(China.org.cn by Li Xiao June 25, 2007)