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| The People's Bank of China Donated the Precious Metal Commemorative Coins for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad to the International Olympic Committee | | | |
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On August 11, 2008, the People's Bank of China donated the precious metal commemorative coins for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The lifelong honorary president of IOC-- Mr. Juan Antonio Samaranch, vice executive president of Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee – Mr. Jiang Xiaoyu and vice president of the People's Bank of China – Mr. Ma Delun attended the donation ceremony.
Representing the International Olympic Committee, president of the IOC – Mr. Jacques Rogge and the Olympic Museum, Mr. Samaranch firstly expressed his appreciation towards the People's Bank of China's donation of the whole series of the precious metal commemorative coins for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad to the IOC. Mr. Samaranch denoted that the Olympic Games owns a history of 2400 years, and the host countries' issuance of the Olympic Games commemorative coins is one of the most important conventions. The issuance of the precious metal commemorative coins for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad is not just a great event for the host city and host country, meanwhile it shows the centuries-old history and culture of China to the world. The Olympic Games commemorative coins donated by China are to be exhibited in the Olympic museum in Lausanne. Mr. Samaranch emphasized that as an old friend of China, he felt very pleased to witness the success of the Beijing Olympic Games, and it is of significant meaning to China and the Olympic Games. Finally, Mr. Samaranch expressed his best wishes that all the programs of Beijing Olympic Games carried out smoothly.
Mr. Ma Delun denoted in his presentation that in order to commemorate the Games of the XXIX Olympiad held in Beijing and in accordance with the "Agreement for the Issuance of the Precious Metal Commemorative Coins for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad"signed by the People's Bank of China and Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee, the People's Bank of China has successfully issued three series of precious metal commemorative coins for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad since 2006, all of which are full of distinct Chinese tradition and deep Olympic spirit, and it would be an exquisite cultural heritage for Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The precious metal commemorative coins for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad are to be exhibited in the Olympic museum in Lausanne permanently, which is not just an honor for the gold coin industry of China, but an important way to continuously publicize Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and the glorious culture of China for five thousand years by means of the legal tender of the state.
Mr. Jiang Xiaoyu stated in his presentation that since the issuance of the commemorative coins for the Games of the XV Olympiad in Helsinki in 1951, the Olympic commemorative coins had become the most important and precious souvenirs. The precious metal commemorative coins for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad played an important role on enriching the preparation work of Beijing Olympic Games, publicizing the Olympic spirit and enriching the monetary culture of China.
On the donation ceremony, Mr. Samaranch also awarded the donation certificate to the People's Bank of China representing the International Olympic Committee. |
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