The 2008 Summer Olympics open in Beijing on 8/08/08 at 8:08:08 PM Beijing time. That is 8:08:08 AM our time, also on 8/08/08. The Chinese are fond of symbolism, as I wrote about in this post last year. That post was about the Olympic emblem (Dancing Beijing) and the Olympic mascots (Beibei, Jingjing, Huanhuan, Yingying and Nini).
The number 8 is also symbolic to the Chinese. It is associated with prosperity and confidence.
I wish confidence, prosperity, good luck and good sportsmanship to all the athletes, and to China as the host of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad. May the Games be a success, and help to improve relationships between all people.
