The Beijing Olympic Float, which took part in the Pasadena
Tournament of Rose Parade in Los Angeles on Tuesday, has won the
Theme Trophy for excellence in presenting parade theme, organizers
announced on Wednesday.
The participation of the Beijing Olympic Float gave the Rose Parade a
spectacular flavor, winning the applause of millions of spectators
from around the world, according to the organizing committee of the
parade.
This was the first time that the Chinese people from the
Mainland and overseas Chinese have joined their hands in
participating in the grand gala in its 119-year history.
The Rose Parade featured magnificent floral floats, high-
stepping equestrians and spirited marching bands, displaying the
tradition and pageantry for which it is renowned.
The Beijing Olympic Float, organized by the Roundtable of
Southern California Chinese-American Organizations and sponsored by
Pasadena-based Avery Dennison Corp., was one of the highlights of
the 119th Rose Parade.
The theme of this year's New Year's Day parade was "Passport to
the World's Celebrations." It featured 46 floats, 21 marching bands
and 18 equestrian units.
The Beijing Olympic Float themed "One World, One Dream" was a
generous gift from the Beijing Olympic Games to the American people
and the Parade, according to the organizers.
The float featured the upcoming Olympics' five official mascots
rotating on a base and decorated with a combination of flowers,
including carnations and daisy petals.
Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard said the Beijing Olympics Float
"celebrates a great international tradition of competition,
discipline and commitment to strong human values."
"The tournament views the float as I do, as a celebration of the
Olympic Games," Bogaard said.
Ron Miziker, chief director of the Pasadena Tournament of Rose
Parade and a renowned Hollywood director, said he was greatly
impressed by the Beijing Olympic Float which was far beyond his
imagination.
(Xinhua News Agency January 3, 2008)
