戚悦：北京语言文化大学选手，第六届“21世纪杯”全国英语演讲比赛一等奖获得者。

演讲稿：New Beijing, the Three-colored New Olympics

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen:

　　Bidding for the Olympic Games is, in a way, an image-creating undertaking. The first and foremost thing is to let people fall in love with the city at first sight, attracting them by its unique image. What image does Beijing intend to create for itself once it has the opportunity to host the 2008 Olympics? It’s known to all that the Beijing Municipal Government has already set the theme for the future games: New Beijing, Great Olympics. For me, the 2008 Olympics will be a great green Olympics illuminated with two more special colors, yellow and red.

　　First, yellow is a meaningful color. The Yellow River is China’s mother river and the cradle of Chinese civilization. We are of the yellow race and descendants of the Yellow Emperor. This color has a special origin and great significance for the Chinese people. Beijing is the capital of New China and previously the capital for nine dynasties in Chinese history. So, yellow will naturally add splendor to the 2008 Games.

　　Secondly, the 2008 Olympics will be a red pageant.

　　Red is another traditionally cherished color for the whole country. We adore red. On big occasions, we like to decorate our homes in red. It is the color of double happiness, representing joyous moments, 1)auspiciousness, enthusiasm and prosperity. Red is one of the most suitable colors to describe the future of Beijing. Beijing, together with the whole country, is becoming more and more prosperous in the process of modernization. Should the 2008 Olympics be held in Beijing, the whole city will be a sea of red: the red torch, red flags, red flowers, and the radiant faces of millions of joyful people.

　　Above all, the 2008 Olympics will be a green Olympics.

　　Adding the green 2) ingredient is essential in creating an appealing image, as we can’t deny the fact that Beijing, at the moment, is not as green a city as what we like it to be. Striving for an environmentally appealing city has become a central task for all the citizens of Beijing. Big efforts have been made in pollution control, replanting and beautification of the city. According to a project entitled “The Green Olympic Action Plan,” between 1998 and 2007, Beijing will have invested 100 billion RMB in preserving and protecting the environment. Some 12.5 million trees and over 1 million acres of grass will be planted along the Fourth Ring Road. By then, the city’s green area will make up 40% of its total. The city will also dredge its 3) reservoirs used as a water supply to Beijing residents, controlling industrial pollution and moving out the 200 factories presently located within the city proper.

　　Certainly, all of this is no easy task. But I am sure that all of us have confidence that we will realize these “green” goals, for now we have the full support and participation of the environmentally conscious citizens. Each citizen is showing great concern for every one of the steps the city government takes. As the saying goes, “United, we stand”, and a green Beijing will be achieved.

　　When our aspiration becomes a reality, it will be a unique Olympics. “New Beijing, Great Olympics” will be weaved of these three superb colors: yellow, red and green.

　　Let us welcome it and look forward to it! Thank you!