2008 Summer Olympics closing ceremony

2008 Summer Olympics closing ceremony

The 2008 Summer Olympics closing ceremony happened at the Beijing National Stadium, called the Bird's Nest. It was led by famous Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou and began at 8:00 PM China time on August 24, 2008. In Chinese culture, the number 8 is linked to good luck.

Many musicians performed during the ceremony. Plácido Domingo and Song Zuying sang a song called The Flame of Love. Other performers were Wei Wei, Sun Nan, Leona Lewis, Jimmy Page, Andy Lau, Emil Chau, and Jackie Chan.

The ceremony showed the passing of the Olympic Games from Beijing to London. Guo Jinlong, the Mayor of Beijing, gave the Olympic flag to Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London. A special performance was also given by the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games.

Unlike the opening ceremony, which showed China's history, the closing ceremony was more joyful and fun to watch.

Sequence of events

Opening and a Homenage to Beijing

The closing ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics began with performances by the People's Liberation Army Navy Band. They played the Welcome March song and introduced important people, including China’s leader Hu Jintao. Fireworks started the ceremony at 20:00 China Standard Time. The flag of the People’s Republic of China was raised while the March of the Volunteers was played. There were also performances with drummers, dancers in special costumes, and acrobats on monowheels.

Attending heads of state and dignitaries

Many important leaders from around the world attended the closing ceremony. These included the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, the IOC President Jacques Rogge, and leaders such as Chinese President Hu Jintao, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and others from countries like the United States, Germany, and South Korea.

Entrance of the flag bearers

Flag bearers from all the countries entered the stadium, followed by the athletes. The athletes entered in no special order, creating a happy atmosphere with music and drumming. Athletes who won medals also entered the stadium to celebrate.

Men's Marathon Medal ceremony

The gold medal for the men’s marathon was given to Samuel Wanjiru of Kenya. Kenya’s national anthem was played as three flags were raised, including Kenya’s. Volunteer representatives were thanked for their help during the Games.

The Antwerp Ceremony

The Greek national flag was raised while the Greek national anthem, Hymn to Liberty, was played. Speeches were given by Liu Qi, President of the Beijing Organising Committee, and Jacques Rogge, IOC President. He declared the Beijing Games officially closed. The flag of the United Kingdom was raised while the British national anthem, God Save the Queen, was played. The Olympic flag was lowered, and soldiers folded it before giving it to the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, for the next Olympics in London.

From London, "With a whole Lotta love."

A special presentation showed London as the host of the next Olympics in 2012. It included a performance by Leona Lewis and Jimmy Page, who played a famous song, and a ceremonial football kick by David Beckham.

The Games End

The Olympic Flame was put out, marking the official end of the Games. Performers showed famous landmarks from around the world, and fireworks lit up the sky. Songs were performed by various artists, celebrating Beijing and the spirit of the Olympics.

Final last closing events

The ceremony ended with more performances and fireworks. Singers performed songs about Beijing, and dancers celebrated with athletes and spectators. The closing ceremony finished with a spectacular fireworks display at 21:55 China Standard Time.

Television

Main article: List of 2008 Summer Olympics broadcasters

Many people around the world watched the 2008 Summer Olympics on television. It was a very big audience. In China alone, about 842 million people watched on the main TV station, China Central Television. This meant most people in China were watching.

Anthems

A large choir sang the National Anthem of the People's Republic of China. They also sang the National Anthem of Greece and the National Anthem of Great Britain. Children from many countries sang the Olympic Hymn.

Victory Ceremony

The National Anthem of Kenya was performed.