Oly: China gears up for ceremony party amid weather worries

AAP General News (Australia)
08-08-2008
Oly: China gears up for ceremony party amid weather worries

China is putting the final touches on what promises to be a spectacular Olympic opening
ceremony tonight .. under gloomy skies and tight security.

The three-hour extravaganza at Beijing's iconic Bird's Nest stadium will feature more
than 15 thousand performers showcasing China's ancient history and its rise as a modern
power.

The ceremony begins at 8:08 pm (2208 AEST) .. on the eighth day of the eight month
of 2008 .. the number eight being deemed lucky by the Chinese because it represents prosperity.

Unfortunately bad luck looms .. with the thousands of athletes who'll march through
the national stadium waking today to a haze across Beijing and a forecast of rain.

Meantime more than 100 thousand security personnel are patrolling Beijing .. anti-missile
barriers have been set up near the Olympic venue .. and the military and police are on
guard around the country for any signs of trouble.

AAP RTV jmt

KEYWORD: OLY08 (BEIJING)

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