Like the Five Olympic Rings from which they draw their color and inspiration, Fuwa will serve as the Official Mascots of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, carrying a message of friendship and peace -- and good wishes from China -- to children all over the world.

Designed to express the playful qualities of five little children who form an intimate circle of friends, Fuwa also embody the natural characteristics of four of China's most popular animals -- the Fish, the Panda, the Tibetan Antelope, the Swallow -- and the Olympic Flame.

Each of Fuwa has a rhyming two-syllable name -- a traditional way of expressing affection for children in China. Beibei is the Fish, Jingjing is the Panda, Huanhuan is the Olympic Flame, Yingying is the Tibetan Antelope and Nini is the Swallow.

When you put their names together -- Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni -- they say "Welcome to Beijing," offering a warm invitation that reflects the mission of Fuwa as young ambassadors for the Olympic Games.

Fuwa also embody both the landscape and the dreams and aspirations of people from every part of the vast country of China. In their origins and their headpieces, you can see the five elements of nature -- the sea, forest, fire, earth and sky -- all stylistically rendered in ways that represent the deep traditional influences of Chinese folk art and ornamentation.

In the ancient culture of China, there is a grand tradition of spreading good wishes through signs and symbols. Each of Fuwa symbolizes a different blessing -- and will honor this tradition by carrying their good wishes to the children of the world. Prosperity, happiness, passion, health and good luck will be spread to every continent as Fuwa carry their invitation to Beijing 2008 to every part of the globe.

At the heart of their mission -- and through all of their work -- Fuwa will seek to unite the world in peace and friendship through the Olympic spirit. Dedicated to helping Beijing 2008 spread its theme of One World, One Dream to every continent, Fuwa reflect the deep desire of the Chinese people to reach out to the world in friendship through the Games -- and to invite every man, woman and child to take part in the great celebration of human solidarity that China will host in the light of the flame in 2008.


In China's traditional culture and art, the fish and water designs are symbols of prosperity and harvest. And so Beibei carries the blessing of prosperity. A fish is also a symbol of surplus in Chinese culture, another measure of a good year and a good life.

The ornamental lines of the water-wave designs are taken from well-known Chinese paintings of the past. Among Fuwa, Beibei is known to be gentle and pure. Strong in water sports, she reflects the blue Olympic ring.

Jingjing makes children smile -- and that's why he brings the blessing of happiness wherever he goes. You can see his joy in the charming naivety of his dancing pose and the lovely wave of his black and white fur. As a national treasure and a protected species, pandas are adored by people everywhere. The lotus designs in Jingjing's headdress, which are inspired by the porcelain paintings of the Song Dynasty (A.D.960-1234), symbolize the lush forest and the harmonious relationship between man and nature. Jingjing was chosen to represent our desire to protect nature's gifts -- and to preserve the beauty of nature for all generations. Jingjing is charmingly naïve and optimistic. He is an athlete noted for strength who represents the black Olympic ring.

In the intimate circle of Fuwa, Huanhuan is the big brother. He is a child of fire, symbolizing the Olympic Flame and the passion of sport -- and passion is the blessing he bestows. Huanhuan stands in the center of Fuwa as the core embodiment of the Olympic spirit. And while he inspires all with the passion to run faster, jump higher and be stronger, he is also open and inviting. Wherever the light of Huanhuan shines, the inviting warmth of Beijing 2008 -- and the wishful blessings of the Chinese people -- can be felt. The fiery designs of his head ornament are drawn from the famed Dunhuang murals -- with just a touch of China's traditional lucky designs. Huanhuan is outgoing and enthusiastic. He excels at all the ball games and represents the red Olympic ring.

Friday, October 3, 2008

THE MEMBERS

The first membership list of the IOC in 1894 included a total of 15 individuals, but the number today is currently 110, including the President and the Executive Board. At present, the IOC also has one Honorary President, 25 honorary members and 2 honour members. The composition of the IOC’s general membership today is reflective of the important part that is also played by the other segments of the Olympic family. This is demonstrated via the current Olympic Charter stipulation that 15 representatives of the different Olympic family constituents (individuals holding leadership positions within an IF, NOC or athlete members of the Athletes’ Commission) can become IOC members. Forty-four of the IOC’s current members have taken part in the Olympic Games as athletes, of whom 26 are medallists. In more recent years, the IOC membership has also evolved in terms of gender. In 1981, Pirjo Häggman and Flor Isava Fonseca were the first women to be elected as IOC members, and today there are 16 in the IOC, of whom Mrs Gunilla Lindberg is Vice-President, while the others are members or honorary members.

THE PRESIDENTS

It is a common misconception that, as the founder of the modern Olympic Games, Pierre de Coubertin was also the first IOC President. Instead, following the original stipulation that the President should be from the country hosting the upcoming Games, it was the Greek Demetrius Vikelas who was the first IOC President. The original rule was quickly replaced, however, and modifications to it can be found in the various editions of the Olympic Charter. As a result, the number of individuals who have held the position of IOC President has been few, and the period of their presidency has varied considerably. Today, in accordance with Rule 20 of the Olympic Charter, the President is elected by secret ballot for a period of eight years, with the possibility of a single extension of four years.
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What is OCOGs?

The Organisation of the Olympic Games is entrusted by the IOC to the NOC of the country of the host city as well as to the host city itself. The NOC forms, for that purpose, an Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (OCOG), which, from the time it is constituted, communicates directly with the IOC, from whichit receives instructions. The OCOG executive body includes: the IOC member or members in the country; the President and Secretary General of the NOC; and at least one member representing, and designated by the host city. The OCOG must undertake its work in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the Host City Contract concluded between the IOC, the NOC and the city. Some of the aspects of an OCOG’s work include:
• to give equal treatment to every sport on the programme and ensure that competitions are held according to the rules of the IFs;
The Olympic Movement/February 2008 Page 4/4
• to choose and, if necessary, create the required facilities, competition sites, stadiums and training halls, and to arrange for the equipment required;
• to accommodate the athletes, their entourage and the officials;
• to organise the cultural events that are an essential element of the celebration of the Olympic Games.
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