 The lightning -In memory of the Olympic Games’ origins,the flame is lit in Olympia, Greece, some months before the opening of the Games. The Olympic flame can only be lit by the sun’s rays.  The relay route -The torch is carried by relay from Olympia to the host city of the Games.  Arrival at the stadium -The day of the opening of the Games, the flame enters the stadium. With the lighting of the cauldron by the last relay runner the flame is transferred from the torch to the place where it will continue to burn for the entire length of the Games. The flame is extinguished on the final day of the Games at the closing ceremony.

The Olympic mascot Wenlock,left and the Paraolympic mascot Madeville.they were created from two drops of steel from Olympics Stadium.

The sports will take place in 21 venues. Boccia Football (5-a-side) Football (7-a-side) Goalball Paralympic Archery Paralympic Athletics Paralympic Cycling Paralympic Equestrian Paralympic Judo Paralympic Powerlifting Paralympic Rowing Paralympic Sailing Paralympic Shooting Paralympic Swimming Paralympic Table Tennis Volleyball (sitting) Wheelchair Basketball Wheelchair Fencing Wheelchair Rugby Wheelchair Tennis

Facts about London  London is the biggest city in Britain and in Europe.  London occupies over 620 square miles  London has a population of 7,172,036 (2001)  About 12 per cent of Britain’s overall population live in London  London has the highest population density in Britain, with 4,699 people per square kilometre,  London is in the southeast of England.

 London is the seat of central government in Britain.  The tallest building in London is the Canary Wharf Tower.  London was the first city in the world to have an underground railway, known as the 'Tube'.  Some of the most important people from countries all over the world visit the Queen at Buckingham Palace.  There are over 100 theatres in London, including 50 in the West End. London theatre accounts for 45% of all UK theatre admissions and over 70% of box-office revenues.

56 Indian Athletes have participated in the Beijing Olympic Games held from 8th to 24th August, 2008 and first time in the history of the Indian sports, India has won three medals (1 Gold + 2 Bronze). List of medal winners alongwith those athletes who gave creditable performance in Beijing is furnished below:- a) Sh. Abhinav Bindra, Shooter won first Individual Gold medal in shooting 10 M Air Rifle.

f) Jitender Kumar, Boxer 51 Kg. lost in the quarter finals. g) Gagan Narang, Air Rifle shooter though shot 595 points out of 600 points (i. e. only one point less than Abhinav) but finished 9 th.