Rose Parade to Feature First Float Representing Peoples Republic of China and the 2008 Olympic Games.
Representatives of Beijing Olympics, Tournament of Roses, Avery Dennison and Roundtable of Southern California Chinese-American Organizations Unveil Float Design by Festival Artists Worldwide
PASADENA, Calif. -- For the first time in its history, the Rose Parade will feature a float representing the Peoples Republic of China and its hosting of the XXIX Olympiad, according to an announcement by Ronald Conzonire, executive vice president of the Tournament of Roses Association.
The float is being co-sponsored by the Roundtable of Southern California Chinese-American Organizations and Avery Dennison Corporation. The announcement was made today at a meeting with a delegation from the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) at Tournament Association headquarters.
Ms. Wang Hui, Director of Media and Communications - Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, noted that the 2008 parade theme, Passport to the World's Celebrations, is a perfect one for the first China float as it prepares to host the 2008 Olympic Games.
The float will launch China's Olympic year featuring the Summer Games of the XXIX Olympiad that start August 8 in Beijing, according to Sue Zhang, chair of the Roundtable of Southern California Chinese-American Organizations.
"Avery Dennison has been doing business in China for over 15 years and we are proud to co-sponsor a float that will highlight the economic success of China of the 21st century and the first Olympic Games ever hosted by Beijing," said Dean A. Scarborough, president and CEO of Avery Dennison. "Having China participate in one of our most American of celebrations demonstrates the important link between the two countries."
"It is very exciting to be part of this historic milestone," said Zhang. "Our Roundtable, a group of Los Angeles Chinese-American leaders, is pleased to be able to participate in partnership with Avery Dennison."
"It appears that after 119 years we have another first for the Tournament of Roses," said Conzonire. "We could not be more pleased to welcome these two organizations and this float entry that perfectly reflects the 2008 theme, Passport to the World's Celebrations."
"I'm thrilled about Beijing's entry in the Tournament of Roses Parade, which is a long time dream of the China Committee of Pasadena Sister Cities," said Mayor Bill Bogaard. "On January 1, as history is being made by the float spotlighting the 2008 Olympic Games, Pasadena will be viewed on a global stage as a city that understands and celebrates the spirit of the Olympics."
