This unit covers the wide-ranging impact of the Beijing Games of 2008. China is planning the 2008 games on a grand scale and planning to use the event as an opportunity for China to reveal itself to the world. China wants this to be a surprise. Journalists visiting the already famous Bird's Nest stadium have been warned to not take photographs so as not to detract from the surprise on 8 August 2008. Wang Wei, Secretary-General of the Beijing Organising Committee, said: 'The world does not really know as much about China as we wish', implying that the Games was to be a moment when China can reveal itself to the world as a new and worthy world player. Many regarded the Sydney Olympic and Paralympic Games as a similar opportunity.
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