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)