Over 1,500 kinds of flowers selected for Olympic use

(BEIJING, Jan. 7) -- Every Olympic host city has put forth its best efforts to ensure a successful international competitive atmosphere, while at the same time, showcasing the best the city (and the country) has to offer. In this respect, the Olympic Games staged in Athens has best embodied this concept; from the "welcome home" slogan to the appearance of Athena and Zeus during the opening ceremony to the olive branches, bouquets, and crowns offered to Olympic champions…Grecian culture exuded in the background of the Olympic Games.

As the Beijing Olympics draw near, what kind of flowers will decorate Olympic athletes taking a stand on the winners' podium?

On December 1, 2007, the Beijing Olympic flower distribution center was completely set up. During the Games, bouquets will be arranged daily here, to be sent directly and immediately in an air-tight vehicle to the Olympic venue.

According to Zhao Dongming, director of the Cultural Activities Department of BOCOG, about 3,000 flowers will be given away during the Olympics and 4,000 during the Paralympics, all of which will undergo strict inspection standards set by the organization. In addition, award presentations for events taking place in Qingdao and Hong Kong, which also require gifts of flower bouquets, will follow the same strict standardization process.　The flower distribution program has already been set up, but has not yet been officially released to the public.

Three years in the making

It took roughly three years to get the Olympic flower distribution program to the point where it is now. Starting in 2005, the city hosted annual flower design competitions and staged two seminars related to Olympic flower arrangements. Experts flocked to the capital with innovative ideas to create unique floral designs for the Olympic Games.

According to reports, the main flowers to be used in the bouquets for award presentations have already been selected. The floral arrangements are to be characteristically Chinese, capable of being enjoyed by local and ordinary citizens, and in line with international etiquette standards. Roses and various peonies top the favorites list.

1,500 kinds of flowers

Fresh flowers are everywhere to be seen and smelled in the Fengtai Flower Distribution Center. Here, over 1,500 kinds of flowers have been carefully selected for use in the many display areas and during the various kinds of Olympic ceremonies. In August, these high-quality flowers will be sent safely and accurately to the various Olympic venues.

The Center covers 2,600 square meters, and is set up for research and development, processing, production, packaging, and distribution. Already, there is a link between the Center and other flower centers throughout the country, wherein flowers can be sent directly to the base to be prepared for Olympic presentation, after which an air-conditioned vehicle will transport the end products to the Olympic venues.

To date, the Center is equipped with six air-tight vehicles to meet requirements for the "Good Luck Beijing" series of sports events. For the Olympic Games in August, that number is expected to rise to 30.

After the Games, the Center will still serve floral fans, customizing arrangements to meet the needs of customers, offering top service to local residents.