Grand spectacle closes Beijing's Olympics

BEIJING, China -- Grand fireworks and spectacular choreography brought to a close the Beijing Games Sunday as one of the most remarkable Olympics in recent history were declared at an end.

Fireworks across China's capital as a crowd of more than 90,000 at the landmark "Bird's Nest" National Stadium watched the pyrotechnics.

The ceremony marked a climax to a Games that has delivered many world-breaking sporting performances and redefined the international image of the communist nation.

"Tonight, we come to the end of 16 glorious days which we will cherish forever," IOC President Jacques Rogge said.

"Through these Games, the world learned more about China, and China learned more about the world."
"These were truly exceptional games," he said, declaring them formally closed.

Joining the sportsmen and women at the event were a delegation from London, host of the 2012 Summer Games, including soccer star David Beckham who rode into the stadium on a red double-decker bus.


British Prime Minister Gordon Brown was also in attendance while London's mayor, Boris Johnson received the Olympic flag from Beijing Mayor Go Jinlong.