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At exactly 2:28 p.m., for three minutes, horns all across China sounded off over an otherwise silent Chinese mainland. Employees working in the Beijing Olympic Tower stood in solidarity with Chinese citizens nationwide in quiet mourning for the victims of the devastating earthquake that hit Wenchuan County of Sichuan Province
The earthquake left extensive destruction in its wake. Calls have come in from countries and regions all over the world, offering condolences. As an organization, BOCOG has donated over 5 million yuan towards the rebuilding of the disaster-struck areas; another 640,000 yuan came from individual contributions made by employees of the BOCOG. The IOC has also extended a helping hand, donating 1 million yuan towards relief efforts.

Recent torch relay legs in Jiangxi and Zhejiang Provinces of China have also sponsored numerous activities aimed at uniting efforts to help those in need, with monetary aid and supply donations being dropped off at designated sites. In order to further express unity with the disaster-torn areas, BOCOG paused the torch relay during the nationally declared period of mourning, May 19-21.

Mr. Liu Jingmin, Vice-Mayor of Beijing and BOCOG Executive Vice-President expressed his sympathy for those caught in the devastation, stating that the hearts of every BOCOG employee are linked with those that have been hurt by the earthquake.

All of these efforts bringing China together in the wake of such a catastrophe strengthen the unifying spirit, which will be channeled into hosting a high quality Olympics with distinguishing features, Liu continued.

After the three minute observation was over, BOCOG employees expressed deep, heartfelt respect for each of the victims of the earthquake, promising to work even harder to ensure a successful Olympic Games in memory of those that are now resting in peace.