IOC President Kirsty Coventry sent a congratulatory letter to the opening ceremony of the 16th Beijing Olympic City Sports Culture Festival and the sixth "8.8" Beijing Sports Shopping Carnival. The event,held on the evening of Aug 7 at the Beijing Olympic Museum, saw a number of distinguished attendees,including Sima Hong, Vice-Mayor of Beijing and President of the Beijing Olympic City Development Association.

Beijing’s tribute to the Olympic spirit was described as "truly inspiring’’ by Alexandros Vidouris, Minister Counselor Chargé d'affaires and the Embassy of Greece in Beijing.

The event will run from Aug 1-31, featuring a diverse lineup of sports events and "Dual Olympic" cultural activities.