Rogge declares Beijing Olympic Games closed. [Xinhua]

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge declared the 29th summer Olympic Games of Beijing closed in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, in north Beijing on Sunday night.

"I declare the Games of the XXIX Olympiad closed, and I call upon the youth of the world to assemble four years from now in London to celebrate the Games of the XXX Olympiad," said the IOC chief at the closing ceremony of the Beijing Games.

When the IOC chief ended his speech with "thank you" in English, French and Chinese to the audience in the Bird's Nest, thunderous applause exploded in the stadium, with tens of thousands of hands waving in the air to celebrate the closing of the perfect Beijing Games.

Labelling the Beijing Olympic Games as "truly exceptional," Rogge praised the Games have presented 16 glorious days to be cherished forever by the whole world.

"I totally agree. The Games are truly exceptional," said Raelene Lyon, a diving judge from Australia, which prevented the mighty Chinese diving squad from claiming a clear sweep in the sport as Matthew Mitcham won a shock gold medal in the men's 10m platform on Saturday.

"The Beijing Olympics are fabulous," said Lyon, noting that she was really impressed by the modern buildings, the friendly people and the clear sky in Beijing.

The sentiment was echoed by Chris, Mandy and Christine, three housewives from New Zealand who pretty much enjoyed the two-week tour in China, a country they had never been to before.

"It's totally different from what we thought before," said gray-haired Mandy. "It is crowded, but not congested as we had thought. And we see blue skies here every day."

"What impressed me most? Friendliness," stressed Mandy. "The volunteers are so friendly and so helpful."

"Perfect games. I thought it would be good, but didn't expect it to be so perfect," said Olaf Brockmann from Kronen Zeitung of Austria, who had covered nine Summer Olympics.

"It's not only exceptional, it's still best-ever," claimed the seasoned reporter, saying that London could only equal the Games, especially on media service.

"I think they should move this media tribune to London," joked the Austrian.

After Mr. Rogge declared the Beijing Olympic Games closed, the Olympic flag was lowered and handed over to London mayor Boris Johnson through the IOC chief, by his Beijing counterpart Guo Jinlong.

(Xinhua News Agency August 24, 2008)