In Athens, it was mythical ancient gods. In Sydney, it was the wildlife of the outback.

Anticipation is mounting over the nature of the 2008 Beijing Olympic mascot.

The identity will be revealed soon, as organizers are planning to unveil the long-anticipated mascot on November 11.

The unveiling date also marks the 1,000-day countdown to the opening ceremony of the Games, which will start at 8:00 pm on August 8, 2008.

Similar to when the slogan of the 2008 Games "One World, One dream" was unveiled, a gala show will be put on at the Workers' Indoor Arena.

An audience of at least 4,000 people, including International Olympic Committee officials, will witness the show.

The organizers refused to disclose any clues about the mascot, but stressed that it will contain many Chinese cultural elements.

"I believe the mascot will satisfy people's anticipation because it is a product of the wisdom of the masses," said Jiang Xiaoyu, executive vice-president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of XXIX Olympiad, during a news conference

Jiang said the committee received 662 eligible mascot designs during the four-month solicitation period from August 5, 2004 to December 1.

On November 12, a series of cultural and sports events will be held across the capital to mark the 1,000-day countdown.

(China Daily November 4, 2005)