(Beijing, June 22) The 2009 Olympic Day Run was held in four Chinese cities, namely Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin and Haiyang, on June 21. Representatives from all walks of life took part in the annual run.

To start the run at the same time in all the four cities has a very special meaning as Beijing was the host city of the 2008 Olympic Games, Guangzhou is to host the 2010 Asian Games, and Tianjin Haiyang will be the host cities for the 2013 East Asian Games and 2012 Asian Beach Volleyball Games respectively.

The Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) President Liu Peng and vice presidents Yu Zaiqing and Feng Jianzhong attended the launching ceremony of the run held in Beijing Sport University.

In his speech Liu Peng said, "The year 2009 marks the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China and the 30th anniversary of COC's returning to the Olympic Family. The successful hosting of the Beijing Olympic Games brings China a new chance to promote our mass sports development." He added that to create more opportunities and provide better conditions for the people to take part in sports activities is not only the main goal of building a well-off and harmonious society and developing both mass sports and ompetitive sports, but also a demonstration of China turning from a big sports country to a sports power.

Yu Zaiqing then read out the message from Mr. Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In his message the IOC President noted, "I hope today you have the chance to learn about the Olympic movement and the Olympic Games. And whether or not you believe you are naturally athletic, I would encourage you to become involved in sport. I believe sport will improve your quality of life. It will help you be fit and determined enough to deal with opportunities and difficulties. It will make you feel better and bring you health and joy."

After the ceremony Feng Jianzhong fired the gun for the 2009 Olympic Day Run, with more than 2,000 people in Beijing running enthsiastically after the two COC leaders.

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