The real reason for choosing anniversary of 8888 for the Olympic Opening Ceremony

Posted on August 25, 2008
Filed Under Burma news |

It seems the decision to hold the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics on August 8 actually had less to do with Chinese superstition and more to do with American TV schedules.

Eight is considered a lucky number by the Chinese, which was thought to be behind the decision to hold the Opening Ceremony on the eighth day of the eighth month of 2008.

However, the decision came under fire from members of Burma’s democracy movement, as it marked the twentieth anniversary of the 8888 uprising in Burma, which resulted in the violent massacre of thousands of anti-junta protesters.

China is the principal supporter of Burma on the international stage, supplying the junta with arms and using their veto power at the UN Security Council to block UN action against the regime.

However, according to this article in the New York Times ‘On TV, Timing Is Everything at the Olympics‘, the choice of dates was influenced by US TV network NBC, which in 1995 agreed a deal with the International Olympic Committee for the rights to the winter and summer games through 2008. The broadcaster’s sports division pushed for an early August start to the Games to avoid conflict with US television’s coverage of the NFL and American college Football games.

The Chinese had wanted to start the games later, extending them into September. But, changed their mind after the network suggested 8/8/08 as the start date.

Comments

2 Responses to “The real reason for choosing anniversary of 8888 for the Olympic Opening Ceremony”

  1. Lisa @ put-it-on-the-list on August 25th, 2008 10:22 pm

    Hmmm, very interesting. I always learn cool stuff from you and your experiences. How long will you be in Asia?

  2. Shane on August 26th, 2008 3:44 am

    Thanks Lisa,

    I’m glad you’re enjoying the blog.

    I’ve been in Mae Sot for two years now, and I’m planning on being here for a while longer.
    Before moving here, I spent almost 14 years in Hong Kong, so one way or another, Asia is pretty much home now.

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