The organizers of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games said the mascot for the Games will be unveiled "in the near future".

Liu Jingmin, executive vice president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games (BOCOG) made the remarks during a meeting with the work group of the IOC's Coordination Commission.

Liu said the preparations for the 2008 Games are progressing smoothly and the mascot will be revealed very soon.

Beijing launched a worldwide campaign last year to seek a mascot for the 2008 Olympics. Images that have been suggested include the "Monkey King", panda and Tibetan antelope.

Liu also expressed BOCOG's gratitude to the IOC for its decision to move the equestrian events for the 2008 Olympics from Beijing to Hong Kong, saying the change will ensure that the Games leave a lasting legacy for China.

Hein Verbruggen, Chairman of the IOC's Coordination Commission for the 2008 Olympics, spoke highly of BOCOG's work and pledged more support for the BOCOG.

(Xinhua News Agency August 18, 2005)