BEIJING -- Following is a text of International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge's message to the Beijing Olympic torch relay, read by IOC coordination commission chairman Hein Verbruggen at the ceremony on Tian'anmen Square on Monday:
The Olympic Flame has arrived in Beijing, announcing that the first ever Olympic Games in China will soon begin.
The combination of the Olympic flame and torch is one of the most well known and strongest symbols of the Olympic movement, heralding not just the arrival of the Games but also spreading a message of peace or "Ekecheiria", as the Greeks call it, to the world.
From today, the torch will carry the flame across the globe, creating anticipation and excitement for the Beijing Games wherever the relay passes.
Crossing five continents, 21 cities around the globe, and more than 113 cities and prefectures on mainland China, wherever it passes the Olympic torch relay will cause everyone, whatever their nationality, culture or belief, to pause for a few moments to reflect on its message of peace and the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect.
All along the relay route people will be touched by the magic of the Olympic Games and what it represents.
Indeed, many people, especially young people, will find that the Olympic torch relay ignites a passion and inspires them to participate in sport, to give their very best in all they do, and emulate their heroes.
It is the torch's ability to touch us that allows it to reach out to the world, beyond the host city, to bring the Olympic values closer to society and call the people of the world to the Games.
I am certain that the Games themselves, will not only be a moment of sporting excellence, but also an opportunity for the people of China and the world to learn, discover and respect each other.
Allow me to conclude by thanking you, President Hu Jintao, and the Chinese people, for your continued support for the Beijing Games and for the Olympic torch relay. Your passion and enthusiasm will allow these Games to fulfill their full potential.
I would also like to thank our Chinese friends from the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee, and in particular its president Mr. Liu Qi, for their strong and continuous focus on making the Beijing Games a unique and exceptional celebration of humanity.
Now, let's all celebrate together the arrival of the Olympic flame in Beijing before the real party in 130 days -- the opening of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing.
