IOC awards Olympic Order in Gold to BOCOG

Beijing, Aug 27 (UNI) The International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge handed an Olympic Order in Gold to the Beijing 2008 Organising Committee (BOCOG) for all the hard work that went in to host truly exceptional Games here.

BOCOG president Liu Qi received the Olympic Order here on Monday as the IOC acknowledged its efforts for successful Beijing Olympics, which concluded on August 24.

''This was China's last gold medal of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games but perhaps the most important one because after seven years of intense preparations BOCOG and China has offered to the world 16 days of exciting Olympic sports competitions, supported by smooth operations - a success which has permitted the athletes to achieve their best in optimal conditions,'' the IOC said in a statement.

Along with the Olympic Order in Gold that was presented to Liu Qi, 14 members of the BOCOG's senior leadership were presented with the Olympic Order in Silver and a further 90 members received the Olympic rings.

''My colleagues and I are extremely honoured to be awarded the Olympic Order,'' said Liu and added, ''It's not only a honour for the entire team of BOCOG, but also a recognition of the hard work that the Chinese people have done to host a successful games,'' IOC added.

At the closing ceremony of the Beijing Games, Rogge thanked the people of China, BOCOG and the wonderful volunteers for their tremendous work and support for the Games.

This was echoed from all corners of the Olympic Movement.

From the athletes to the International Sports Federations via the media and Games sponsors, everyone praised the standard of the Games and the hospitality of the Chinese.

UNI XC RAR PY HT1908