2008 Olympics Opening and Closing Speech

I am attaching the 2008 Olympic Opening/closing ceremony speeches by IOC president. Observe the 'continuity, consistency and conclusive tone' of his words.

Any student of public speaking shall marvel at the brevity and bravado of the message encapsulated in a 5 min oration.

That's great leadership!!!


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OPENING SPEECH:
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Mr. President of the People's Republic of China, Mr. Liu Qi, Members of the Organizing Committee, dear Chinese friends, dear athletes:

1.For a long time, China has dreamed of opening its doors and inviting the world's athletes to Beijing for the Olympic Games. Tonight that dream comes true. Congratulations, Beijing.
2.You have chosen as the theme of these Games "One World, One Dream". That is what we are tonight.
3. As one world, we grieved with you over the tragic earthquake in Sichuan Province. We were moved by the great courage and solidarity of the Chinese people. As one dream, may these Olympic Games bring you joy, hope and pride.
4. Athletes, the Games were created for you by our founder, Pierre de Coubertin. These Games belong to you. Let them be the athletes' Games.
5. Remember that you are role models for the youths of the world. Reject doping and cheating. Make us proud of your achievements and your conduct.
6. As we bring the Olympic dream to life, our warm thanks go to the Beijing Organizing Committee for its tireless work. Our special thanks also go to the thousands of gracious volunteers, without whom none of this would be possible.
7. Beijing, you are a host to the present and a gateway to the future. Thank you.

I now have the honor of asking the President of the People's Republic of China to open the Games of the XXIX Olympiad of the modern era.

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CLOSING SPEECH:
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Dear Chinese friends,

1. Tonight, we come to the end of 16 glorious days which we will cherish forever. Thank you to the people of China, to all the wonderful volunteers and to BOCOG!
2. Through these Games, the world learned more about China, and China learned more about the world.
3. Athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees came to these dazzling venues and awed us with their talent. New stars were born. Stars from past Games amazed us again. We shared their joys and their tears, and we marveled at their ability. We will long remember the achievements we witnessed here.
4. As we celebrate the success of these Games, let us altogether wish the best for the talented athletes who will soon participate in the Paralympic Games. They also inspire us.
5. To the athletes tonight: You were true role models. You have shown us the unifying power of sport.
6. The Olympic spirit lives in the warm embrace of competitors from nations in conflict. Keep that spirit alive when you return home.

These were truly exceptional Games! And now, in accordance with tradition, I declare the Games of the XXIX Olympiad closed, and I call upon the youth of the world to assemble four years from now in London to celebrate the Games of the XXX Olympiad.

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