ATLANTA Dekalb International Training Center (ATLANTA DITC) Beijing Games Blog

HIGHLIGHTS of the ATLANTA DITC at the 2008 BEIJING OLYMPIC GAMES (August 4-31, 2008)

Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:28:00 EDT

ThirdOlympic Games for the ATLANTA DITC since the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games

8 athletes who trained at the ATLANTA DITC from 2002-2008 competed at Beijing 2008

From the group ofathletes who trained at the ATLANTA DITC and competed inBeijing 2008:one Olympic Gold medal at the triple jump, one 2nd position at the 200m (later DQ currentlyappealed) and a 4th position in the 100m for the same athlete

7ATLANTA DITC Board Members,ATLANTA DITCSports Director, ATLANTA DITC Artist-In-Residency attended the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games

August 6-27, 2008: The ATLANTA DITC had 2 permanent displays at the World Olympians Association (WOA) Olympians Reunion Center (ORC) at the Prince Jun Wang Fu Palace. The first display was in the park next to the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games Adidas stand and consisted of4 banners (see pictures below): ATLANTA DITC, ATLANTA DeKalb International Prep Classic (DIPC), April 4, 2009 WALK for PEACE in Atlanta,and the future ATLANTA DITC Sports Complex. The second displayin the 2 living roomsadjacent to the Prince Jun Palace conference room consistedof8 original oil paintings by US Olympic Artist Steve R. ALLEN (see pictures below).

August 10, 2008: ATLANTA DITC participated at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Sport, Tourism & Development Forum

August 14, 2008: ATLANTA LEGACY NIGHT organized by the ATLANTA DITC

* Awarding the 6 ATLANTA DITC PARSE Prizes
* Awarding the ATLANTA DITC LEGACY Award
* Presenting the ATLANTA DITC Sports Complex
* Announcing that the 1st ever "WALK for PEACE" will be held in ATLANTA
on April 4, 2009,then take place in other cities around the world

August 26, 2008: ATLANTA DITC 3rd Olympic painting "A Bridge of Friendship from Atlanta to Beijing" officially given tothe City of BEIJING and BOCOG

Started planning the ATLANTA LEGACY HOUSE for Vancouver 2010 and London 2012

The ATLANTA DITC Board of Directorsexpresses its deepest gratitude to the WORLD OLYMPIANS ASSOCIATION (WOA) President Mr. Dick FOSBURY and to the Director of the Beijing 2008 Olympians Reunion Center (ORC) Mr. Rob STULL for the honor ofhosting the ATLANTA DITCat the Prince Jun Wang Fu Palace for the duration of the2008 Beijing Olympic Games (August 6-27, 2008).

We also wish to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Dick FOSBURY and the WOA Board Members: George ANDREADIS (GRE), Charmaine CROOKS (CAN), Amadou DIA BA (SEN), Anthony LEDGARD GRIMM (PER), Kieren PERKINS (AUS), and Daichi SUZUKI (JPN) for 5 years of conclusive and tangible partnership between the WOA and the ATLANTA DITC in support of OLYMPIANS and future OLYMPIANS! We are looking forward to 4 more years of partnership.

SPONSORS of the ATLANTA DITC at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games

Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:08:00 EDT

We wish to thank the following entities for theircontributions (financial, IKD, ITD, VIK), making it possible for the ATLANTA DITC to be at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games:

ASE, LLC : Atlanta, USA

Richard Butcher : Washington DC, USA

DeKalb Development Authority : Decatur, USA

DeKalb County Government : Decatur, USA

CMX, Inc. : Washington DC, USA

Forging New Tomorrow, Inc. (FNT) : Atlanta, USA

Gary Koenig : Miami, USA

Ozell Stankus Architects Associates, Inc. : Atlanta, USA

The Steve R. Allen Foundation : Atlanta, USA

World Olympians Association (WOA) : Miami, USA

The abovecontributions amount to $833,602.30. Without our partnership with the World Olympians Association (WOA), the ATLANTA DITC Living Legacy of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Gamescould never have showcased at the Beijing 2008 Olympians Reunion Center (ORC) at the Prince Jun Wang Fu Palace (again our deepest appreciation and thanks to WOA President Dick Fosbury and ORC Director Rob Stull) 6 years of accomplishments, promoted the ATLANTA DITC to the Olympic family, to all the IOC Members, IFs, NOCs and NGBs representativesin Beijing as a premiere institution where Olympians, future Olympians and athletes can train in preparation for the 2010 Youth Olympic Games and the LONDON 2012 Olympic Games, hosted the very successful ATLANTA LEGACY NIGHT, and conducted the handover to the City of BEIJING and BOCOG of the 3^rd Olympic painting “A Bridge of Friendship from Atlanta to Beijing” by Olympic artist Steve R. ALLEN.

Thank you, merci, muchas gracias, spasibo,
obrigado obrigado, asante sana, shukran, xièxie!

The ATLANTA DITC Team

Eight Paintings by Olympic Artist Steve B. ALLEN on Display during BEIJING 2008

Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 13:04:00 EDT

Eight (8) paintings by Olympic Artist Steve R. ALLEN were on display at the Jun Wang Fu Palace from August 5 through August 26, 2008. The 8 paintings were part of the official displays of the ATLANTA DEKALB INTERNATONAL TRAINING CENTER (ATLANTA DITC). The Jun Wang Fu Palace was the official Olympian Reunion Center (ORC) during Beijing 2008.

BEIJING 2008 DAY 27 - Saturday August 30, 2008:

Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 20:24:00 EDT

We got up early to make sure we would have enough time to enjoy walking up and down the Great Wall at Mutianyu. We took a taxi from our flat to the Prince Jun Wang Fu Palace where our driver Mr. Lee would meet us at 8 a.m. to drive us to Mutianyu. According toLily, a friend of China National Women's Team Handball Coach LANG Zhengping,Mr. LEE would take us to the best part of the Great Wall. At 7:50a.m. a blackHonda Accord stopped next tous at the entrance to the Jun Palace. Two minutes from 8 a.m. my phone ran and I realized thatit was the man in theHonda,Mr. LEE our driver calling me!

THE GREAT WALL AT MUTIANYU
Finally, when we get there it starts to rain. Not much, but just enough to get wet through in 20 minutes.Our friend LUO Yongrong suggestswe get raincoats. Those tight yellow, blueor pink plastic coats they would distribute on rainy days during the Games, but I prefer holding an umbrella that our driver Lee gets out of the boot of his Honda Accord.

For more information on the Great Wall at Mutianyu

BEIJING 2008 DAY 26 - Friday August 29, 2008: The Forbidden City

Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:59:00 EDT

TIANANMEN SQUARE
The Tiananmen Gate was first built in the 1420s in the Ming Dynasty. During the demise of the Ming Dynasty, heavy fighting between Li Zicheng and the early Qing emperors damaged (or perhaps destroyed) the gate. The Tiananmen square was originally designed and built in Beijing in 1651.

THE FORBIDDEN CITY
Our guide ZHANG Li Jun (Li Jun is his first name, which means beautiful gentleman) was an excellent guide. Both Murray and myself were impressed that she was so knowledgeable and pointing out so many of the details in and around the buildings of the Forbidden City that contain a total of 9,999 rooms! No less no more…

BEIJING 2008 DAY 26 - Friday August 29, 2008: The Summer Palace

Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:00:00 EDT

Finally Murray SANFORD and myself get to be tourists for two days and discover some of these wonderful sites everybody kept on talking about during the Games! We were so busy with all the ATLANTA DITC functions, the competitions venues we had to go to, promoting DeKalb County as the Premiere Sports Destination in Georgia and promoting the ATLANTA DITC as the best training place in preparation for the 2010 Singapore Youth Olympic Games and the 2010 London Games, planning the ATLANTA DITC-ATLANTA LEGACY House in Vancouver and London, and also meeting 10 International Sports Federations and 36 National Olympic Committees representatives, that during the Olympic Games and even after(since we were busy through the 27th with BOCOG and the City of Beijing) there wasreally not one minute left for us totakeoff to sightsee some of these landmarks in and around Beijing.

THE SUMMER PALACE
It is the largest imperial garden in the world, truly a museum of classical Chinese garden architecture. The initial construction of the Summer Palace began in 1750, commissioned by Emperor Qinlong as a gift for his mother's birthday. The construction took 15 years to complete. The plundering by French and English troops in 1860 destroyed most of the buildings, but they were renovated in 1888 by Empress Dowager Cixi.

We walked in through the South Gate. Murray got himself a ticket (my entry was free with my BEIJING 2008 credentials) and we got an electric yellow cart that drove us to the Grand Pavilion. We admired the inside wood structure of the Pavilion, then proceeded to walk over the 17 Arch Bridge, the largest and longest of its kind in China.

From the island we took a Dragon boat to the Marble Boat docking area. From there we walked along the long covered corridor to the entrance of the Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiangge). You could see the Tower from the entrance at the base of the mountain. Murray decided to stay. From the Tower of Buddhist Incense you realize how big that section of the Summer Palace is. In all the Palace consists of consists of over 3,000 structures including pavilions, towers, bridges, and corridors. Too bad that it was so foggy - we could barely see the 17 Arch Bridge. On a clear day the sight must be breathtaking. The yellow roofs are in sharp contrast with the red beans in each and every one of the buildings that exhibit so many intricate drawings of dragons, sphinxes and royalties that ruled China for centuries.

The map of the Summer Palace

BEIJING 2008 DAY 23 - Tuesday August 26, 2008: Olympic Painting "A Bridge of Friendship from Atlanta to Beijing" by Olympic Artist Steve R. ALLEN donated to the BEIJING 2008 Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (BOCOG) and to the City of BEIJING

Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:01:00 EDT

Tonight at the Prince Jun Wang Fu Palace site of the World Olympians Reunion Center (ORC) the Samsung Marriage of Excellence cultural eventfeatured international artists including Sheila E., Taylor DAYNE, Oliver JONES, Li TONG, Chen LIN and the Canadian International School of Beijing Children's Choir. This cultural event will be televised by CCTV at a future date.

United States Congresswoman Diane WATSON started a tradition during the 2000 Sydney XXVI Olympiad whereby a gift to the City hosting the Games was presented. This tradition is embodied in the form of an Olympic painting celebrating the friendship between the people of the United States of America and the host city.

In 2004, during the Athens Olympic Games, the painting known as "Celebration of Peace Through Sports" to the Mayor of Athens thus continuing the tradition during the Games.

Tonight the ATLANTA DITC presented to theBeijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) and the City of Beijing a painting "A Bridge of Friendship from Atlanta to Beijing" specifically created by US Olympic Artist Steve R. Allen. The symbol ofpeace, sport and friendship was officially donated by the ATLANTA DITC to Mr. Zhou ZHENGBO from the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad.

HE Sam SULLIVAN Mayor of the City of Vancouver also attended the event. A similar gift will be made during Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games (February 12-28, 2010) to the City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

BEIJING 2008 DAY 21 - Sunday August 24, 2008: The ATLANTA DITC Team at the Closing Ceremony

Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 23:58:00 EDT

Another milestone was achieved when the ATLANTA DITC Team attended the Closing Ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Beijing Games. There was also a lot of excitement in the air since we started making plans during the Beijing Games to have a physical presence during the LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC Games with our first ATLANTA DITC Legacy house!

BEIJING 2008 DAYS 18-19 - Wednesday-Thursday 21-22, 2008: Two days of Modern Pentathlon

Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:54:00 EDT

Wednesday August 21, 2008
It has been over a year since Modern Pentathlon entered the life of the ATLANTA DITC. During the summer of 2008, together with Bethany Peace Point Equestrian Foundation, Inc. (BPEF), the ATLANTA DITC won thebid to host the 2009 Modern Pentathlon World Cup II in Atlanta. Later we were part of the BPEF bid to become the next USA Pentathlon NGB (National Governing Body).

In the end, our ATLANTA DITC Board Member Rob STULL, an accomplished pentathlete himself, will be sitting on the initial USOC designated USA Pentathlon Board of Directors. The initial Board of USA Pentathlon is a merger of some of the representatives from BPEF bid of which the ATLANTA DITC was part, along with representatives from the USA Pentathlon, Inc bid led by Elaine CHERIS who was also NBC’s commentator for Modern Pentathlon during the BEIJING 2008 Games.

Moving forward, based on all our discussions with UIPMOfficials from Dr. Klaus SCHORMANN, the President, to Mr. Juan Antonia SAMARANCH Jr, the Vice President, Mr. John HOLLAND, President of NORCECA, as well as UIPM staff, the ATLANTA DITC and DeKalb County are still expected to host the World Cup II, so we better learn, watch and meet the Modern Pentathlon family during these two days of events!

Yingdong Natatorium of the National Olympic Sports Center
We arrived at 1:00pm for the Men's Swimming event. I had been here several times before to watch water polo. This venue is at walking distance from Team Handball. As the swimmers of heat 2 entered, Sam SACKSEN was in lane 6^th number 127. When his name was read, you could here his parents Jennifer and Joachim SACKSEN shout in the audience.When Sam completed his 200m swim, I sent the following 2 text messages to his Dad Joachim SACKSEN.

At 2:44pm
Text message from Marc Daniel to Joachim SACKSEN
2 0899 congratulations Sam
And again at 3:16pm the same message since I was not sure the first one went through
Text message from Marc Daniel to Joachim SACKSEN
2 0899 congratulations Sam

For the last heat Eli BREMER was in lane 9^th number 117, finishing 6^th with a time of 2 02 80By the end of swimming, Sam SACKEN and Eli BREMER were respectively 30^th and 34^th.

Most unfortunately that would be all my Modern Pentathlon for the day since I had meetings with FILA Officials includingFILA President, and those meetings were scheduled in the morning and late in the afternoon.

Results of the day for the Men:
Men's Shooting 10m Air Pistol
Fencing Hall / Thu Aug 21 2008 / Start Time: 8:30
Men's Fencing Epee One Touch
OSC Stadium / Thu Aug 21 2008 / Start Time: 10:00
Men's Swimming 200m Freestyle
Yingdong Natatorium / Thu Aug 21 2008 / Start Time: 14:30
Men's Riding Show Jumping
OSC Stadium / Thu Aug 21 2008 / Start Time: 17:00
Men's Running 3000m
OSC Stadium / Thu Aug 21 2008 / Start Time: 20:00
MEN FINAL RESULTS
Thu Aug 21 2008

Thursday August 22, 2008
Today, I am really devoting the day to Modern Pentathlon!

FENCING HALL of the NATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER
YONGDONG NATATORIUM
OLYMPIC SPORTS CENTER STADIUM

Results of the day for the Women:
Women's Shooting 10m Air Pistol
Fencing Hall /Fri Aug 22 2008 / Start Time: 8:30
Women's Fencing Epee One Touch
OSC Stadium /Fri Aug 22 2008 / Start Time: 10:00
Women's Swimming 200m Freestyle
Yingdong Natatorium /Fri Aug 22 2008 / Start Time: 14:30
Women's Riding Show Jumping
OSC Stadium /Fri Aug 22 2008 / Start Time: 17:00
Women's Running 3000m
OSC Stadium /Fri Aug 22 2008 / Start Time: 20:00
WOMEN FINAL RESULTS
FriAug 22 2008

Here are a few video clips on the two days of competitions:
Modern pentathlon - Horse crashes
Modern pentathlon - Women's riding & running
Modern pentathlon - Women's swimming
Modern pentathlon - Women's fencing
Medal ceremony: Men's pentathlon

Here is UIPM August 2008 Newsletter

BEIJING 2008 DAY 18 - Thursday August 21, 2008: Meeting with FILA President Raphael MARTINETTI

Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:01:00 EDT

Mr. Raphael MARTINETTI FILA President and FILA Consultant Mr. Daniel ROBIN (2 time 1968 Silver Olympic Medalist in Greco-Roman and Freestyle Wrestling)met withDr. Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST to discussa collaborationbetweenFILA and ATLANTA DITC. President MARTINETTI formally agreed to move ahead with a partnership with the ATLANTA DITC.

The 1st wrestling match I watched pittedSteve MOCCO (USA) against LIANG Lei (China). Will have to do some major cathing up on wrestling when we return to Atlanta. Just another challenge!

Bout Result
Men's FR 120 kg 1/8 Final /Bout No.142 /Mat C
CAU Gymnasium / Thu Aug 21 2008 / Start Time: 10:53

Referee	NULLI GABBIANI Giampero	No.33
Judge	MITCHELL James	No.30
Mat Chairman	BOUAZIZ Mohamed Kamel	No.3

RED
Name	NOC	No.
MOCCO Steve	United States	13

BLUE
Name	NOC	No.
LIANG Lei	China	16

Period	Technical points		Total	Time	Period	Technical points		Total
Period	2 minutes	30''	Total	Time	Period	2 minutes	30''	Total
1st Period	1		1	02:00	1st Period			0
Pause 30"					Pause 30"
2nd Period	1 1 1		3	02:00	2nd Period			0
Pause 30"					Pause 30"
3rd Period					3rd Period

Total Technical points	4
Classification points	3

Total Technical points	0
Classification points	0

Winner	Time
MOCCO Steve (USA)	10:59

PO 3:0 Decision by Points - the loser without technical point

BEIJING 2008 DAY 17 - Wednesday August 20, 2008: Churandy MARTINA finishes second at the 200m

Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:30:00 EDT

On August 18, 2008 Churandy MARTINA runs at 10:47 a.m. round 1 heat 7 and qualifies for the next round with a time of 20.78.

Again on the 18^th that evening at 08:19 p.m. he runs round 2 heat 3 and again qualifies for the next round with a time 20.42.

On August 19 at around 09:25 p.m. Churandy will run in the Semifinal 1 finishes 1^st and brakes a new National Record with a time of 20.11.

On August 20 Churandy MARTINA finishes 2^nd

Aprotest by US is filled (well beyond the legal approved30 minutes after the end of a race) for the DQ of Wallace SPEARMAN.Thisprotest to IAAF in turn leads to the DQ of Churandy MARTINA. Let us wait for the appeals process to run its course.Iftimely protest procedures were notrespected, let us hope thatChurandy MARTINA will regain his rightfully deserved 2^nd place.

Different sotry, same predicament for Olympic sprinter Martina by Tim Layden in SI.com on December 23, 2008
Martina makes case to win back Olympic 200 silver by SI.com on January 15, 2009

Results
Men's 200m Round 1 - Heat 7
National Stadium /Mon Aug 18 2008 /Start Time:10:47

World Record	19.32	JOHNSON Michael	USA	Atlanta, GA(USA)	Aug 1 1996
Olympic Record	19.32	JOHNSON Michael	USA	Atlanta, GA(USA)	Aug 1 1996

Wind:-0.7 m/s

Rank	Bib	Name	NOC	Date of Birth	Lane	React.	Fn	Result
1	2503	METU Obinna	Nigeria	Jul 12 1988	6	0.168		20.62	Q
2	1086	GULIYEV Ramil	Azerbaijan	May 29 1990	9	0.175		20.78	Q	SB
3	1003	MARTINA Churandy	Neth. Antilles	Jul 03 1984	8	0.172		20.78	Q
4	1237	VIANA Sandro	Brazil	Jun 23 1977	4	0.159	F1	20.84	q

Results
Men's 200m Round 2 - Heat 3
National Stadium /Mon Aug 18 2008 /Start Time:20:19

Wind:+0.4 m/s

Rank	Bib	Name	NOC	Date of Birth	Lane	React.	Fn	Result
1	1025	CHRISTIAN Brendan	Antigua/Barbuda	Dec 11 1983	5	0.166		20.26	Q
2	1003	MARTINA Churandy	Neth. Antilles	Jul 03 1984	8	0.175		20.42	Q
3	1112	BEYENS Kristof	Belgium	Jul 13 1983	9	0.155		20.50	Q

Results
Men's 200m Semifinal 1
National Stadium /Tue Aug 19 2008 /Start Time: 21:25

Wind:+0.1 m/s

Rank	Bib	Name	NOC	Date of Birth	Lane	React.	Fn	Result
1	1003	MARTINA Churandy	Neth. Antilles	Jul 03 1984	7	0.154		20.11	Q	NR
2	3317	DZINGAI Brian	Zimbabwe	Apr 29 1981	6	0.184		20.17	Q	=SB
3	3282	DIX Walter	United States	Jan 31 1986	4	0.161		20.19	Q

Results
Men's 200m Final
National Stadium /Wed Aug 20 2008 /Start Time: 22:20

Wind:-0.9 m/s

Rank	Bib	Name	NOC	Date of Birth	Lane	React.	Fn	Result
1	2163	BOLT Usain	Jamaica	Aug 21 1986	5	0.182		19.30		WR
2	3152	CRAWFORD Shawn	United States	Jan 14 1978	4	0.210		19.96
3	3282	DIX Walter	United States	Jan 31 1986	8	0.151		19.98
4	3317	DZINGAI Brian	Zimbabwe	Apr 29 1981	6	0.185		20.22
5	1813	MALCOLM Christian	Great Britain	Jun 03 1979	3	0.212		20.40
6	2868	COLLINS Kim	StKitts/Nevis	Apr 05 1976	2	0.165		20.59
	1003	MARTINA Churandy	Neth. Antilles	Jul 03 1984	7	0.144		DQ	R 163.3
	3236	SPEARMON Wallace	United States	Dec 24 1984	9	0.167		DQ	R 163.3

BEIJING 2008 DAY 14 - Sunday August 17, 2008: Francoise MBANGO ETONE wins OLYMPIC Gold

Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:59:00 EDT

On August 17th, 2008, Mbango Etone, a Cameroon national, won her second Olympic Gold medal in triple jump at 15m 39, and her first Gold medal in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

At the recommendation of the ATLANTA DITC, NYC 2012 invited her in December 2004 to come to the United States as one of eight Olympians (along with Ian Thorpe and Nadia Comaneci) honored at Times Square's New Year's Eve Ceremony by the New York City 2012 Olympic Bid Committee. After the 2005 New Year's festivities, Mbango Etone came to visit the ATLANTA DITC. While in Atlanta she trained at GA Tech and worked with Coach Nat PAGE.The visit was highlighted by an appearance at Tisha Waller's Ashford Park Elementary School. Ms. Waller, a two time U.S. Olympian high jumper herself, graciously invited Mbango Etone to speak to her class. DeKalb County CEO and DeKalb County Commissioners officially proclaimed Friday January 7, 2005, to be Françoise Mbango Etone Day.

While in Atlanta, she also met with Ambassador Andrew Young, Co-Chair of the ATLANTA DITC and Chairman of GoodWorks International who concluded Mbango Etone's Atlanta visit and short term training. The Olympic champion explained her interest in furthering her education and spoke to Ambassador Andrew Young regarding Atlanta's educational opportunities. Ambassador Young's responded by explaining that it is the mission of the ATLANTA DITC to provide educational avenues to training athletes.

Here are the results of the triple jump!

Below the pictures by Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST of the the Triple Jump Award's Ceremony atthe Bird's Nest on August 18, 2008

Results

Women's Triple Jump Final

National Stadium /Sun Aug 17 2008 /Start Time:21:35

World Record	15.50	KRAVETS Inessa	UKR	Gothenburg(SWE)	Aug 10 1995
Olympic Record	15.33	KRAVETS Inessa	UKR	Atlanta, GA(USA)	Jul 31 1996

Rank

Bib

Name

NOC

Date of Birth

- 1 -

- 2 -

- 3 -

- 4 -

- 5 -

- 6 -

Result

Wind

1408

MBANGO ETONE Francoise

Apr 14 1976

15.19

15.39

14.82

14.88

15.39

OR AR

+1.3

+0.5

+0.7

+0.1

-0.1

+0.1

+0.5

2762

LEBEDEVA Tatyana

Jul 21 1976

15.00

15.17

15.32

14.40

15.32

+1.2

+1.0

+0.5

0.0

+0.3

+0.7

+0.5

1932

DEVETZI Hrysopiyi

Oct 02 1975

14.96

15.23

+0.8

+1.6

+1.1

+0.6

+0.3

+0.5

+1.6

BEIJING 2008 DAY 12-13 - Friday-Saturday August 15-16, 2008: Churandy MARTINA from the Netherland Antilles finishes 4th at the 100m

Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:23:00 EDT

Round 1 had 10 heats, and Chruandy MARTINA was in the last one. He qualifies with 10.35! 5 heats for round 2 of the 100m. Keeping our fingers crossed! Still in the race after round 2 with a new National record of 9.99

Will be back on Saturday for the Semi-final and finals!

Churandy makes it through the semi-finals and qualifies with a time of 9.94. Moving to the finals of the fatest race in the world!

We are so proud of Churandy MARTINA who will finish 4th with a time of 9.93 a new National Record for the Netherland Antilles!

As with the Bird's Nest Olympic flame, the same one willkeep burning until the LONDON 2010 when Churandy MARTINA is finally on the Olympic podium for the 100m He can and will achieve that OLYMPIC glory! It will just take a little more work, more training and more testing. But someone with Churandy's talent can do it.

The ATLANTA DITC Team will be glad to provide its fullest support! Together with the Netherlands Antilles Olympic Committee, we canprepare another Olympic champion.

Results
Men's 100m Round 1 - Heat 10
National Stadium /Fri Aug 15 2008 /Start Time:10:57

1	1003	MARTINA Churandy	Neth. Antilles	Jul 03 1984	4	0.164		10.35	Q
2	2222	TSUKAHARA Naoki	Japan	May 10 1985	5	0.169		10.39	Q

Results
Men's 100m Round 2 - Heat 1
National Stadium /Fri Aug 15 2008 /Start Time:19:45

1	1003	MARTINA Churandy	Neth. Antilles	Jul 03 1984	4	0.142	9.99	Q	NR
2	2148	FRATER Michael	Jamaica	Oct 06 1982	7	0.154	10.09	Q
3	2222	TSUKAHARA Naoki	Japan	May 10 1985	6	0.156	10.23	Q

Results
Men's 100m Semifinal 2
National Stadium /Sat Aug 16 2008 /Start Time:20:13

1	2142	POWELL Asafa	Jamaica	Nov 23 1982	6	0.161		9.91	Q
2	3025	THOMPSON Richard	Trinidad/Tobago	Jun 07 1985	7	0.175		9.93	Q	=PB
3	1003	MARTINA Churandy	Neth. Antilles	Jul 03 1984	5	0.138	F1	9.94	Q

Results
Men's 100m Final
National Stadium /Sat Aug 16 2008 /Start Time:22:30

1	2163	BOLT Usain	Jamaica	Aug 21 1986	4	0.165	9.69	WR
2	3025	THOMPSON Richard	Trinidad/Tobago	Jun 07 1985	5	0.133	9.89	PB
3	3282	DIX Walter	United States	Jan 31 1986	6	0.133	9.91	PB
4	1003	MARTINA Churandy	Neth. Antilles	Jul 03 1984	9	0.169	9.93	NR

BEIJING 2008 DAY 11 - Thursday August 14, 2008: ATLANTA LEGACY NIGHT

Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 23:50:00 EDT

Despite a busy schedule, and sometimes 4 invitations for simultaneous functions, the ATLANTA DITC hosted at the Prince Jun Wang Fu Palace a most successful ATLANTA LEGACY NIGHT. On July 26, 2008, 198 invitations were sent out, and on August 14, 2008, we had 126 guests attend our BEIJING 2008 ATLANTA LEGACY NIGHT. While we really needed the rain to cool off the air, that was the only glitch in our program forcing us to switch at the last minute venues, turning off all the spot lights on the stage, as well as all the lights all around the Palace that when turned on create that enchanted “emperial” feel with all glowing red lampoons and lights lining up the roofs of the Palace.

We were honored to welcome six IOC Members to our first ever ATLANTA LEGACY NIGHT. Guests included Mr. Mario VASQUEZ RANA (Mexico) IOC Executive Member, President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) and President of the IOC OLYMPIC Solidarity Program; HE Mohamed MZALI (former Prime Minister of Tunisia); General Lassana PALENFO (Ivory Coast), President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and President of the National Olympic Committee of Cote d'Ivoire; Sir Craig REEDIE (UK); Mr. Melitón SÁNCHEZ RIVAS (Panama); and HRH Tunku IMRAN (Malaysia).

In addition to the six IOC Members, several International Federations and 14 NOCs were represented, as well as Francis GABET Director of the OLYMPIC Museum, three Olympic Bid Cities were also present Chicago 2016, Madrid 2016 and Tokyo 2016, as well representatives from NBC, the AJC, and ATR.

_________________________________________________________

ATLANTA LEGACY NIGHT

Prince Jun Wang Pu Palace

7:00 PM - 7:44 PM

7:00 – 17:15
Master of Ceremony
Richard BUTCHER
“Good Evening: Ladies, Gentlemen, tonight’s awards winners, Olympic Family Members, and Honorable Heads of State. My name is Richard BUTCHER and I have been given the privilege to guide you through our short program tonight! I am the Chief of Staff to U.S. Congresswoman, and former Ambassador, Diane WATSON. I have consulted with the Atlanta DeKalb International Training Center on Governmental and International Relations since 1996. We are here, on behalf of the ATLANTA DITC, Atlanta’s “living legacy” to the 1996 Olympic Games, to present the 1st Olympic ADITC Peace and Reconciliation through Sport and Education Awards. To get the program rolling – I would like to call up the head of the ATLANTA DITC’s most gracious host – The World Olympian Association President Mr. Dick FOSBURY.”

7:15 – 17:16
Welcome
Dick FOSBURY

7:17-7:19
Introduction to the PARSE Awards
Dr. Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST
“Peace & Reconciliation Through Sports and Education: The PARSE AWARD recognizes people who have accomplished, and still strive to bring, peace and reconciliation through sport and education. This is definitely not a lifetime achievement award. PARSE recognition is meant to be a commendation of the highest order that not only rewards past achievement, but also inspires, motivates, and challenges the recipient to reach deeper into the concepts that are embodied by the ultimate ideals of Peace, Education, and the Olympic Movement. Therefore, we have created the PARSE award directly from the ATLANTA DITC Mission Statement: Peace & Reconciliation Through Sports and Education!”

7:20-7:28
Awards Ceremony
Peace & Reconciliation Through Sports and Education Prize

Steve ALLEN Olympic Painter hands over to Dr. Marc Daniel GUTELKUNST the Prize to be given

Steve BUTCHER
“Congratulations to the 1st Olympic ATLANTA DITC Peace and Reconciliation through Sports and Education Awards. Our last award of the night is the “Legacy” award. This award is given to an Olympic Athlete that has left a ‘legacy” on the Olympic Games just as Atlanta has created a legacy in the International Training Center – the first of it’s kind in the world.”

To present the award: Dr. Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST

AFRICA                  General Lassana PALENFO (Ivory Coast / Côte d'Ivoire)
                                IOC Member (2000-);
                                Elected as President of a NOC member of the following IOC Commissions:
                                Women and Sport (2002-), Olympic Solidarity (2006-),
                                International Relations (2008-).
                                President (2005-), Asociation of National Olympic Committees
                                of Africa (ANOCA);
                                Vice-President of the International Judo Federation (IJF) (1990-);
                                President, African Judo Union (1990);
                                President (1999-), Comité National Olympique de Côte d'Ivoire;
                                Vice-President (1990-1999), Comité National Olympique de Côte d'Ivoire.

AMERICAS            Mr. Mario VÁZQUEZ RAÑA (Mexico)
                               IOC Member (1991-);
                               Member of the IOC Executive Board as representative of NOCs (2000-);
                               Vice-Chairman of the Olympic Solidarity Commission (1979-1996);
                               Deputy Chairman (1997-2001) then Chairman (2002-);
                               Member of the following Commissions: Olympic Movement (1990-1999);
                               Preparation of the XII Olympic Congress (1990-1994);
                               Apartheid and Olympism (1990-1992);
                               “IOC 2000” (Executive Committee, 1999);
                               Marketing (2000), IOC 2000 Reform Follow-up (2002):
                               President of the Mexican Shooting Federation (1969-1974);
                               President of the American Shooting Confederation (1973-1979);
                               Vice-President of the Mexican Sports Confederation (1973-1976);
                               Member of the Mexican NOC (1972-) then President (1974-2001);
                               President of the Pan-American Games Organisation Committee (1975);
                               President of the Pan-American Sports Organisation (PASO) (1975-);
                               Chair of the International Olympic Solidarity Commission for the
                               American Continent (1975-);
                               President, Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) (1979-).

ASIA                       HRH Prince Feisal AL HUSSEIN (Jordan)
                                (IOC Member Sir Craig REEDIE will receive the PARSE Prize on behalf of the
                                Prince who had to leave Beijing for a few days including August 14, 2008)
                                President, Jordan Olympic Committee
                                Founder & President, Generations for Peace

CARIBBEAN            Dean GREENAWAY (British Virgin Islands)
                                Secretary General, British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee

EUROPE                  Joel BOUZOU (France)
                                Founder & President, Peace adn Sport
                                Secretary General, Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM)
                                Modern Pentathlon International Federation

YOG                       Essar GABRIEL (Lebanon/France)
                               Director, Youth Olympic Games (YOG)
                               The 1st Youth Olympic Games will be held in 2010 in Singapore
                               Director General, 2003 Paris World Athletics Championships

7:29-7:34
Legacy Award
“BEAMONESQUE” honoring Bob BEAMON
Dr. Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST unveils the painting

Richard BUTCHER
“What a fitting award! Let’s have another round of applause for Bob Beamon. Speaking of legacies, Dr. GUTEKUNST has 2 brief announcements regarding the future of the ATLANTA DITC.”

7:35- 7:36
WALK for PEACE
Announcement of the April 4, 2009
Dr. Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST
“The ATLANTA DITC is proud to announce the 1st WALK for PEACE in the AMERICAS to take place in Atlanta on April 4, 2009. The WALK for PEACE is the brainchild of Nobel Peace Laureate Betty WILLIAMS of Ireland. The WALK for PEACE will be organized by the ATLANTA DITC in partnership with JAGUAR Sports. The WALK for PEACE has been endorsed by 10 other Nobel Peace Laureates who all sit on the World Centers of Compassion for Children International’s advisory board. WCCCI is an organization founded by Dr. Betty WILLIAMS.”

7:37-7:39
ATLANTA DITC Sports Complex
Dr. Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST
“To better serve the Olympic Community, American and International Athletes that can train while pursuing their education in metro Atlanta, the ATLANTA DITC has partnered with the PHOENIX ATLANTA PARTNERS a developer, CMX Sports Engineers, and OZELL STANKUS Associates an architecture firm. The driving economic force of the ATLANTA DITC Sports Complex will be popular sports practiced by young Americans, i.e. soccer, baseball, and swimming. In addition we are planning to have an athletics complex with a seating capacity of 15,000, 2 in-door facilities for swimming and all other Olympic sports offered by the ATLANTA DITC, a hotel, a conference center, plus retail and office space. The developer’s target to break ground is August 2009.”

7:40-7:42
Introduction of Other ATLANTA DITC Board Members and Staff
Richard BUTCHER
“The ATLANTA DITC has been growing since it’s conception in 1996 and it’s birth in 2002. I would like to recognize the ATLANTA DITC Board Members and Staff that are with us tonight.”

Steve                     ALLEN
Charlie                    BATTLE
Liston                     BOCHETTE
Amadou                 DIA BA
Josh                       HENSON
Murray                   SANFORD
Rob                        STULL

7:43-7:44
Closing
Richard BUTCHER
“Now, before I close our program, I need to announce that the music you hear during dinner was commissioned by the ATLANTA DITC. The “Buckhead Youth Orchestra and Atlanta Virtuosi Chorale” were recorded during their ATLANTA DITC European Tour.

On behalf of the Atlanta DeKalb International Training Center – a heartfelt “Thank You” to the World Olympian Association, the IOC, and the City of Beijing as hosts - huge appreciation to all that have braved the rain in attendance - and our sincere gratitude to all the Honored guests. Dinner and Drinks are served!”

August 15, 2008
OEM
enlinea
Distinguen a don Mario Vázquez Raña
Premio Paz y Reconciliación a través del Deporte y la Educación
by Mauricio Morales Bermúdez

August 15, 2008
OVACÄ¬ONES
Reconocimineto a Don Mario Vázquez Raña

August 18, 2008
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta in the (imperial) house!
by Jennifer BRETT

BEIJING 2008 DAYS 9 and 10 - Tuesday-Wednesday August 11-12, 2008: The Bird's Nest, The Ice Cube, Team Handball and Swimming

Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:08:00 EDT

Finally Steve R. ALLEN and Murray SANFORD are taking a break from the preparation of the ATLANTA LEGACY NIGHT to see some of the venues at the Grenn, the Bird's Nest, the Ice Cube, and of course watch some Team Handball and Swimming.

BEIJING 2008 DAY 7 - Sunday August 10, 2008: 2008 Beijing Olympic Sport, Tourism & Development Forum

Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 23:04:00 EDT

2008 Beijing Olympic Sport, Tourism & Development Forum organized by the United Nations Word Tourism Organization UNWTO ST-EP Foundation

Panelists:

Rick ANTONSON, President & CEO, Vancouver Convention and Visitors Bureau

Joel BOUZOU, President, Peace and Sports

Maijd CHARKHASHT, Olympic Peace Messenger

Giovanni, di COLA, International Labor Office

Lisa DELPY, Faculty, George Washington University

Ambassador DHO Young-Shim, Chairman, UNWTO ST-EP Foundation

Dick FOSBURY, President, World Olympians Association (WOA)

HE Sheriff ML GOMEZ, Minister of Youth and Sports of The Gambia

Dr. Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST, Co-Chairman & CEO, Atlanta DeKalb International Training Center (ATLANTA DITC)

Josh HENSON, Board Member, ATLANTA DITC

HRH Prince Feisal al HUSSEIN, President, Jordan Olympic Committee, Founder &President, Generations for Peace

Wilfried LEMKE, Special Adviseron Sport for Development and Peace, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Khalid MALIK,Resident Coordinator, UNDP China

Tracy MATTES, Special Representative, UNWTO ST-EP Foundation

Samih MOUDALLAL, IOC Member,General Coordinator, Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)

Ji Chul OH, President, Korean National Tourism Organization

Don PORTER, President, International Softball Federation (ISF)

Keir RADNEDGE, Vice President, World Cup Football Analyst/Sportsfeatures.com

Stephen RUBIN, Chairman, Pentland Group Ltd

UN Secretary-General BAN Ki-moon's Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace Dr. Wilfried LEMKE and Ambassador DHO Young-shim led a panel of prominent leaders at the 2008 Sport, Tourism & Development Forum at the Beijing Olympians Reunion Center. This was the 3rd timeUNWTO ST-EP Foundation hosted such a Forum. The 1st one was held in Monaco in September 2005, and the 2nd one during the 2006 Torino Winter Games.

The purpose of the Forum was to bring together the full spectrum of leaders in Sport, Tourism and Development to create strategic partnerships among these organizations in support of common goals and efforts.

LEMKE offered the full support of the United Nations.“Tonight I give my full support in exploring the programs I’ve heard about here tonight” said Lemke, “I will do all I can to contribute to finding solutions to the issues being addressed here and to help build upon the great efforts which have been made.”

FOSBURY, who is the new President of the World Olympians Association, discussed the important role of Olympians as effective messengers. “Olympians are the greatest ambassadors of goodwill in the world of sports, especially the youth of today.”

HRH Prince Feisal al HUSSEIN discussed how Generations for Peace is helping youth from areas in conflict to find common ground and peaceful goals through sports.

PORTER, who is also the President of the International Softball Federation called upon the UN to take the initiative to coordinate these efforts.“There is a lot of people here tonight who are working hard to bring positive change into the lives of young people around the world through sport,” said Porter. “Many of these organizations are currently engaged in projects with similar goals. We need the support of The United Nations to find a way to coordinate and unite these efforts to provide the best possible results to the people in need.

PALENFO spoke about the work conducted by ANOCA with refugees and displaced populations as well the creation of the«Youth, Sport, Peace» Fund.

MALIK followed up with a call for similar aid and recovery programs to areas where natural disasters strike, citing May’s devastating earthquake in the Sichuan province of China

GUTEKUNST the only panelist to have participated in the previous Monaco 2005 and Torino 2006 Sport, Tourism & Development Forums,urged Dr. DHO to get the participants to come together and focus on one or several specific projects and/or programs, and also establish an onlinenetwork connecting all the panelists and organizations their represent.

LEMKE indicated that he would make this a priority.

BEIJING 2008 DAY 6 - Saturday August 9, 2008: FRANCOPHONIE

Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 23:22:00 EDT

During the April 2008 ANOC General Assembly held in Beijing, the ATLANTA DITC was invited by the International Organisation of La Francophonie to the August 9 Francophonie Event during the Beijing Games.

Today August 9th at the Sofitel Wanda in Beijing, the event was hosted by Abdou DIOUF, Secretary General of La Francophonie, together with Jacques ROGGE, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and LIU Qi, President of the Beijing Olympic Games Organising Committee (BOCOG).

Jean-Pierre RAFFARIN, who serves as the Grand Témoin de la Francophonie for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing (August 8th – 24th 2008) alongside Abdou DIOUF (former President of Senegal) who appointed him to this position to observe the use of the French language in various places and departments both in the build up to and during the Games.

Abdou DIOUF’s objective at today's event held the day after the opening ceremony is to unite French-speaking heads of state, sports ministers, IOC members, international federation and national Olympic committee presidents, representatives from the Olympic host cities of Vancouver, London and Sochi, and representatives from the candidate cities for the 2016 Games, as well as French-speaking athletes and artists. This celebration is meant topromote the French language, an official Olympic language, and the values shared by the francophone community and the Olympic movement.

After a series of speeches given by President Jacques ROGGE, former PM Jean-Pierre RAFFARIN and President Abdou DIOUF, the highlight of the event was certainly President ROGGE playing table tennis against Jean-Michel SAIVE a Belgian 5 times Olympian.The other players were all Chinese, such as 1985 and 1987 World Champion Jian Jialiang, Chen Long Can, and Wang Tao.

During the event, Dr. Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST met withboth PM RAFFARIN and President DIOUF who both agreed to visit the ATLANTA DITC when in the US.

Same background on Belgian OLYMPIAN Jean-Michel SAIVE:

Jean-Michel SAIVE participated to five consecutive Summer Olympic Games, from 1988, when table tennis became an official Olympic sport in Seoul, to 2004 in Athens. At the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games 1996 and 2004 he was the flag bearer of the Belgian team.

For the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, the 20 highest ranked ITTF players were to be selected for the Olympics.

SAIVE expected to be selected as he was tied in 20th position together with the Swede Jörgen PERSSON and there was no rule to decide what to do in case of ties. The ITTF decided they needed to play an extra playoff to determine who got the last spot. However, they refused to play as they agreed they should both get a ticket. The ITTF then recalculated the rankings and placed PERSSON in 20th position and SAIVE in 21st. It is now unclear if SAIVE, who still does not want to play in the extra qualification tournaments since he believes he deserves to go, will complain through the Court of Arbitration for Sport for unfair treatment, he gets support from PERSSON and has asked the ITTF for an explanation in a letter.

His successes made him the best Belgian table tennis player and he is also one of the best sportsmen of Belgium. He was elected Sports Personality of the Year 1991 and 1994. Jean-Michel SAIVE is known for his victories but also for his sportsmanship. He was awarded the UNESCO World Award of Fair Play in 1989.

BEIJING 2008 DAY 5 - Friday August 8, 2008: Opening Night of the 2008 BEIJING OLYMPIC GAMES

Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:44:00 EDT

The Opening Ceremony was a spectacular multi-course feast ranging from China's immense and colorful history to China's hope for harmony and connection with the world today and in the future.

The Chinese symbol for Harmony was present throughout the four-hour ceremony, and this concept was apparent in the training of this people who were, for generations, held separate from the world. The 15,000 performers, none of whom were repeated during the performance, flowed with a precision that fulfilled the theme of Harmony. Each part, each participant, was a progression, and the way they melded into each other was fascinating to observe and profound to experience. 2008 Tai Chi Masters performed in perfect synchronization as did the awe-inspiring 2008 Fou drum performers that helped open the ceremony.

We were also reminded of the many advancements the Chinese nation has given to the world. The technology used to manifest these beautiful images was used thoughtfully and projected in unique and moving ways.

The Chinese invention of paper was represented by the 810 Confucius followers with bamboo scrolls. Chinese printing blocks (manipulated from beneath by hundreds of performers working in beautiful harmony) rose from the floor reminding us that they also invented the printing process. The blocks moving in a motion reminiscent of wind represented the Confucius statement, "the virtuous leader can pass across his subjects with the ease of the wind." Lead not with harshness but with gentleness. Harmony. The blocks then move in a beautiful water motion, representing the stillness and inner peace we strive to achieve that then leads to external peace. Harmony. As individuals, as a nation, and as the world. A very profound wish from a nation that has its own internal and external strifes.

The symbol of the Great Wall was beautifully represented on a huge LED screen that spread about 500 feet across the floor of the stadium. The Great Wall was brought down and replaced with blossoming plum flowers, a Chinese symbol of openness. The single dancer held atop many dancers beneath represented that "the greatness of one is in cooperation and with the help of many."

The maritime history and tradition of the country was beautifully represented as men rowed massive oars. They symbolized China moving forward and expanding trade, as well as a reminder that the magnetic compass was invented in China.

Then we saw the grandeur of the various historic Chinese dynasties with many women in green, blue, gold, and red, accompanied by emperors atop columns. Beautiful!

The nationally-renowned pianist was surrounded by people linked in unique costumes and lights. Soon came the moment representing China's emergence into the world community, for the first time allowing individualism! Then came a reminder that the Chinese invented the kite - they have given the world not only technology and advancement but pleasure and joy!

The "Bird's Nest," the great stadium in which we all were seated, has a gorgeous membrane atop it, a screen upon which images were continuously projected. We saw a large on-screen waterfall, reminding us that "the true virtuous life is lived like a waterfall - flowing easily, moving away from resistance and collision, always delicate, graceful, and calm." A wish for the world.

The 2008 Tai Chi Masters reminded us that Qi is an energy that permeates everything. Tai Chi is medicinal, and these masters move the Qi around within their bodies for health and well being, strength and energy. Tai Chi was practiced around a group of children, symbolizing problems of global warming and resource depletion. The harmony of Tai Chi equals the harmony of man and nature and we must be more harmonious with nature. The practice of Tai Chi shows us that "movement in one direction often begins with a subtle move in the opposite direction." We must not always push forward immediately but sometimes take a step back before progressing. This segment ended in flocks of birds returning on the screen, symbolizing prosperity and environmentalism.

Then came the Tai-ka-nauts = Astronauts = the earth and planets! We heard the song "You and Me" as athletes danced on the sides, top, and bottom, of the earth, as pictures wer projected on the sphere. One world, one dream, a hope for the future.

Finally the Olympic Flag was raised in concert with the Olympic Anthem, and we saw the Olympic Flame which had traveled 130 days and 130 cities. There were eight flame carriers inside the stadium. The final carrier run elegantly around the top of the membrane on the stadium, revealing images of the torch relay as he ran. Then he lit a channel that ran up and around the elaborate torch at the top of the stadium, which burst into living, exciting flame that will burn until the end of the Games. Then the sky filled with fireworks, another Chinese invention, with a subtle reminder that even items that can be used as dangerous weapons, when used for the right purpose with the right heart, can be for the good and enjoyment of all.

THE GAMES ARE OPEN!

BEIJING 2008 DAY 4 - Thursday August 7, 2008: Opening Night of the BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIANS Reunion Center (ORC)

Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 06:11:00 EDT

We had an early start this morning, with more work to do as we prepare the ATLANTA DITC displays. The ATLANTA DITC displays are broken down into three sections: two living rooms in the Palace, and one outdoors by the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games stand featuring Haile GEBRSELASSIE.

BEIIJING 2008 DAY 3 - Wednesday August 6, 2008: Our first day in Beijing: Setting up the ATLANTA DITC display, meetings with the OLYMPIC family

Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 23:59:00 EDT

We are totally jet lagged! Can you imagine finally going to bed at 3am, and then waking up to daylight 2 hours later? There was some smog in the air, but not as much as in April when we were here in Beijing attending the XVI Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly.

BEIJING 2008 DAY 1 & 2 - Monday-Tuesday August 4 - 5, 2008: Traveling from Atlanta to Beijing

Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:44:00 EDT

This morning at 11:20am Murray SANFORD, Steve ALLEN, Marc Daniel GUTEKUNST left from Atlanta for Beijing. Our Delta Boeing 767 was packed, with only 2 seats left.We landed in Seoul at 2:45pm, 10 minutes ahead of schedule. During the 3 hour layover,we reviewed theRSVPs onour August 14 2008 ATLANTA LEGACY NIGHT at the OLYMPIANS Reunion Center at the Jun Palace in the Chaoyang Park, and had a snack at the SkyTeam lounge.We connected on Air China 126, and again were on time in Beijing. We got to BEIJING at 7:20pm. All 9 pieces of luggage, the heavy boxes, as well as the oversized easel and frames for the "CHINA" painting arrived. What a relief! We went through customs and one final luggage scan in record time. A sea of placards with names from around the world were held and waved. Finally we saw Mr. HU holding a placard with our 3 names. Another 10 minutes of walking to get to a brand new parking lot. By 9:15p.m we were in the apartment we are renting for the month!

On Sunday August 3, 2008 the ATLANTA DITC was featured in the AJC
The Butterfly’s in Beijing
By Jennifer BRETT
Sunday, August 3, 2008, 01:50 PM

THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION
Local artist bound for Beijing
By Jennifer BRETT
July 31, 2008 Section: Living Page: E2 Column: THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

He's not an athlete, but Steve R. Allen is living an Olympic dream.

The North Carolina native lived in Raleigh, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles before settling in Atlanta in 1992. At that year's National Black Arts Festival, he had something of an epiphany: "Well hell, I could do that."

He shucked his job as a copy machine repairman and picked up a paintbrush -- "I was a copy man in the morning and an artist in the afternoon," -- and sold his first painting in 1993.

A chance meeting years later sent his career soaring. Dr. Marc Daniel Gutekunst, co-founder with Prince Albert of Monaco of the Atlanta DeKalb International Training Center, was at an event where Allen's paintings were being sold.

"I really liked what I saw," Gutekunst said. "Right there on the spot I made him our cultural ambassador."
As artist-in-residence for the Atlanta DITC, Allen has presented paintings at the Athens, Sydney, Turino and Salt Lake City Olympic Games. The other day in his home studio, he was putting final touches on the piece he will present in Beijing.

"I try to capture the spirit of the Games," he said as he worked on the piece, an acrylic work that incorporates flags of countries that have hosted the Olympics, and athletes representing a diverse range of sports and ethnicities.

A group of 11 from the Atlanta DITC, which works with athletes who are training for the Olympics while furthering their education, will travel to Beijing. It's the largest contingent the organization, which opened in 2002, has sent to the Olympics.

"We felt this was the time," said Gutekunst, an epidemiologist and visiting scholar at Emory. "The Chinese are offering us a wonderful venue to showcase what we're doing in Atlanta."

A native of northern Africa who is now a U.S. citizen, Gutekunst said he has declined to comment officially on human rights issues regarding China.

"There is much more good that can be achieved by being there, having a presence," he said. "We respect the history of the Chinese people."

Allen and Gutekunst will both be at the Atlanta Legacy Night, featuring the unveiling of Allen's new painting and an awards ceremony dubbed "peace and reconciliation through sports and education." It's planned for Aug. 14 at the Prince Jun Palace in Beijing. I'll be there! See you in Beijing

So, who all's going to China? Atlanta Chamber of Commerce prez Sam Williams and Hans Gant, senior vice president of economic development, will be there. So will Charlie Battle, who headed external relations for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games and handled international relations for Sochi, Russia's successful bid to host the 2014 Winter Games. He told me he's now helping Chicago put its bid together for 2016. High Museum Director Michael E. Shapiro also will be in Beijing, as you'd expect, with the upcoming exhibition "The First Emperor: China's Terracotta Army." This year's gala, "The Emperor's Pavilion," is Nov. 14. The chairs are Monica Dioda and Louise Sams.

Darrell Mays, president and CEO of nsoro, and wife Ena, were the successful bidders for an Olympics trip at last year's "La Vie En Rose" ball benefiting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. "I guess I'm most looking forward to being a part of the whole Olympic experience," Ena Mays said. "I consider it an honor just to be there."

Darrell Mays, who travels constantly for business and has spent lots of time in China, looks forward to introducing his wife to this year's Olympic host city. "She's the ultimate people watcher, and this is the ultimate people watching event," he said. His advice was to plan ahead and go off the beaten path some.

"I never go to the tourist areas; I like to go to see people in their communities," he said. "Everybody speaks English, it's just a matter of will they do it."

One more tidbit: "Don't talk politics."