A model poses with a miniature replica of the official Beijing Olympic Torch during its launch in Beijing March 6, 2008. The replica is 29cm long, representing the 29th modern Olympic Games, and is made from excess steel left over from the construction of the National Stadium also known as Bird's Nest. [Agencies]
A model poses with a miniature replica of the official Beijing Olympic Torch during its launch in Beijing March 6, 2008. The replica is 29cm long, representing the 29th modern Olympic Games, and is made from excess steel left over from the construction of the National Stadium also known as Bird's Nest. Each miniature model, marked with a unique collector's number, will be sold as souvenirs for 2,900 yuan ($407) and has been limited to 200,000 copies worldwide, officials said. [Xinhua]
Models behind curtains watch during the launch of a miniature replica of the official Beijing Olympic Torch in Beijing March 6, 2008. The replica is 29cm long, representing the 29th modern Olympic Games, and is made from excess steel left over from the construction of the National Stadium also known as Bird's Nest. [Agencies]
A model poses with a miniature replica of the official Beijing Olympic Torch during its launch in Beijing March 6, 2008. The replica is 29cm long, representing the 29th modern Olympic Games, and is made from excess steel left over from the construction of the National Stadium also known as Bird's Nest. [Agencies]
The Beijing Olympic torch replica, made of the same steel as the "Bird's Nest", will hit the market with a limited number on Saturday.
The Beijing Organizing Committee of the 29th Olympic Games (BOCOG) released the 29cm-high scroll-shaped torch replica Thursday before a packed room of reporters.
"The height of the miniature torch is 29cm, representing the 29th modern Olympic Games and it is the first time the International Olympic Committee has ever allowed a three-dimensional torch replica of the Summer Games to be sold on the market," said Wang Yu, deputy director of BOCOG's Marketing Department.
"The number of the torch replica sold has been limited to 200,000 worldwide," he said of the mini-sized torch whose official name is "the Classic Edition of the Beijing Olympic Torch".
Another feature of the product, Wang said, is that it is made from the actual steel left from the construction of the National Stadium, nicknamed the "Bird's Nest" which is crafted out of woven steel and resembles a sturdy but intricate bird's nest.
The scale model of the 72cm-high Beijing Olympic torch each has been marked with a unique collector's number and priced at 2,900 yuan (about $410).
The red and silver Beijing Olympic torch, resembling an ancient scroll and engraved Chinese traditional pattern of cloud, was unveiled in April last year.
The Beijing Games will open on August 8 through to 24.
